Beer: Time was, when a Texan had a hankering for a cold beer, he would pop a top on a frosty Lone Star, Pearl, or Shiner. Nowadays, thanks to a thriving craft-brew industry, the possibilities are limitless. May the Texanist suggest a refreshing Hans’ Pils by Real Ale Brewing Company, out of Blanco?

The Margarita: The margarita is the unofficial libation of Texas. Happiness can be found with a not-too-cheap and not-too-expensive tequila, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau, mixed at a 1.5-to-1-to-.5 ratio, shaken with ice, and served in a chilled glass with a salted rim.

The Harder Stuff: Today our liquor cabinets are stocked with fine products from a number of reputable Texan distilleries. Try Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Dripping Springs Artisan Gin, Railean Rum, and Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 

Wines: Attention, Californians: despite what you may have heard, Texas wine will not cause blindness. In fact, the more than three hundred bonded wineries here produce some highly regarded offerings; the Texanist hears the 2012 Texas Tempranillo from Pedernales Cellars ain’t bad. 

This piece is just one bit of wisdom offered in our April 2015 cover story, “Welcome to Texas!” a friendly user’s guide for our state’s most recent transplants. To read more advice, go here.