84R15378 JGH-D
By: Springer H.C.R. No. 101
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Texans enjoy a variety of mixed drinks, but perhaps
no cocktail in recent times has taken on more of a Lone Star flavor
than Texas vodka and red grapefruit juice from the Rio Grande
Valley; and
WHEREAS, This distinctive cocktail was first popular in the
1930s, when it was prepared with gin and grapefruit juice; after
World War II, when vodka became more widely imbibed in the United
States, cocktails made of vodka, sugar, and canned grapefruit juice
were regularly served at a chain of restaurants associated with bus
stations; and
WHEREAS, Today in the Lone Star State, this drink is often
made with homegrown ingredients; several popular varieties of
sweet, red grapefruit were developed at Texas A&M University in the
1960s and 1970s, and these tasty citruses are now a signature
product of South Texas; and
WHEREAS, Vodka originated in Eastern Europe during the
medieval era, but in recent years, the spirit has likewise taken on
a uniquely Texan flavor, as at least 10 independent companies
across the state distill upwards of 15 different brands of
artisanal and premium vodkas; and
WHEREAS, Mixed together in a potent and flavorful concoction,
Texas vodka and Texas red grapefruit juice provide a refreshing
respite from the cares of the day on a warm Texas spring evening in
the Hill Country, or even on a cold winter night in Austin in the
midst of session; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Texas vodka and red grapefruit juice as the
official mixed drink of the 84th Legislative Session.