El Paso, which is a city in Texas, United States, is the 22nd largest city in the US. This city is home to the largest Hispanic population in the US, with 81% of its population being Hispanic.

There is so much to see and do in El Paso, with a very vibrant nightlife, lots of fantastic bars and restaurants, and some fantastic distilleries.

Many popular drinks that you will see in the bars of El Paso are made in these distilleries, meaning you can understand more about the culture of the city by trying these drinks.

So, if you’re interested in understanding some of the distilleries in El Paso, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to take a look at a tourist overview- Let’s dive in!

About El Paso

El Paso translates to ‘the pass’ or ‘the step’ in Spanish. It is a city with a large Hispanic population in El Paso County, Texas.

The city has been ranked one of the safest big cities in the US. It is located on the Rio Grande, just across the Mexico-US border from Ciudad Juárez.

It has been considered a sleepy city for a long time, keeping its head low while Ciudad Juárez takes the attention.

However, in recent years, El Paso has been the focus of the newspapers. They have had many visits from Trump during his leadership as he was promoting his border policies.

They have also had a construction boom in El Paso, giving the city several high-rise hotels, the Chihuahuas baseball team, and plenty of new microbreweries and distilleries!

Are There Any Distilleries In El Paso?

There are lots of distilleries found in El Paso, and even more have been established in recent years. Let’s have a look at some of these distilleries in El Paso that are worth a visit today!

Marfa Spirit Co.

The Marfa Spirit Co. is a distillery, bar, and restaurant that is located near El Paso. It is also a catering business. If you’re hoping to stop for some delicious food and drinks, this is the place for you!

For food, try their pulled pork, and for drinks, try their Ranchwater cocktail made with sotol.

If you want to experience their distillery tour, you should stop by at 3.30 pm. At this time, you will also be allowed to do some tastings.

This distillery makes gin, sotol, and vodka, and all of these drinks are available to buy at the distillery.

Prospect Spirits 

Prospect Spirits is another great local distillery  It is known for making handmade products that everyone loves in the area.

This distillery is located in Central El Paso, and it is known for being a small and local business that makes everything they sell by hand.

State Fees In El Paso

Liquor License 

There are over 50 different types of liquor licenses in Texas, and you will need to select the one that best suits your situation. Texas has three different options when it comes to the filing path of this license.

You can either register as a retailer, a distributor, or a manufacturer. You will also need to determine which category best fits your business before you explore registering. The options are:

Retailer 

If you are planning to sell alcohol to customers directly, you will need a retailer license. This is what restaurants, liquor stores, and bars will have.

Manufacturer 

If you are looking to open a winery or brewery, you will need a manufacturer’s license.

If you intend to serve alcohol directly to your customers, you may require additional licensing in these instances that covers both.

Distributor 

If you plan to open up a warehouse or serve as a vendor, you will need a distributor’s license. This is someone who distributes liquor to other stores and bars.

Depending on the type of license that you need, your liquor license could add up to around $17,500.

Distillery Laws And Restrictions In Texas 

You are not legally allowed to open or own a distillery without having a distilling license.

Even if you are using the still to distill water, this is still capable of manufacturing illegal beverages, so it can be used illegally.

The first law relating to distilling is the prohibition of illicit beverages. No person can possess, transport, manufacture or sell an illicit beverage.

Another law relates to the restriction of equipment or material which can be used to make illegal beverages.

No one can possess equipment or material designed for manufacturing an illicit beverage.

Another law relating to distilling is the fuel manufacturing state laws. You can manufacture ethanol fuel if you apply for a permit.

On top of this, there are lots of different licenses that you need to request if you want to legally manufacture spirits.

You need a basic permit that allows you to produce spirits. You will then need a license that allows you to have the distilling equipment.

What Else Is There To Do In El Paso?

El Paso is a very exciting mishmash of different influences and cultures. The town has developed into one filled with activities, art galleries, and restaurants.

Let’s take a look at some of the top activities to do while you’re in El Paso.

Go Shopping At Casa Ortiz 

The newest art gallery in El Paso occupies the oldest building in the city. It is situated along the El Camino Real which is 400 years old.

This gallery is in a building that was built in the 1700s. This building shows work by lots of different artists, and there is a room dedicated to each one.

After your art session, you should head to the Three Missions Brewery located next door. There, you will find some specialties brewed in-house.

Head Down El Paso Street 

El Paso Street has become a center of commerce between the US and Mexico, acting as a thoroughfare for travelers.

Five buildings along this strip are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so there are remnants of the past still alive.

Go Boot Shopping 

El Paso is known as the boot capital of the World. It is traditionally known for making custom cowboy boots.

This tradition comes from the time when El Paso was known as one of the wildest towns in Texas.

Boots in this area are made by local artisans with fantastic craftsmanship. They are very popular among locals and tourists.

Catch A Chihuahuas Game 

The El Paso Chihuahuas play at least 70 games a year at Southwest University Park. It is a great ballpark and an experience that you can’t miss!

There are seats 360 degrees around the baseball field, allowing visitors to view the game from every vantage point.

The Chihuahuas have lots of concessions, too. The bacon-wrapped Juarez Dog is great and it has a strong Mexican influence.

You can also purchase the Clamato Norteno, a drink made from tomato juice, clam juice, olives, and beef jerky.

Picnic On Top Of The World 

You should also head down to El Paso’s Scenic Drive in the car. It is a two-mile stretch across the base of the Franklin Mountains.

Near the top of this drive, there is a park with fantastic panoramic views of the city skyline.

From here, you can also see Juarez and New Mexico in the distance. Take a picnic with you here at sunset to enjoy the amazing views.

Final Thoughts 

So, there you have it! We have explored some of the fantastic distilleries that you can find in El Paso, as well as taking a glimpse at El Paso as a whole for you tourists.

If you ever find yourself in El Paso, we hope you have a better understanding of the city in this tourist overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is El Paso?

El Paso is located in Texas and it borders Mexico. For this reason, it is very unique and has a large mixture of different cultures.

Are There Any Distilleries In El Paso?

There are lots of distilleries in El Paso, and they are all very popular with locals and tourists alike. Lots of these distilleries are also restaurants and bars.

Do You Need A Licence To Open A Distillery?

You will need lots of different licenses to open a distillery in Texas and it is important to ensure that you have all of the licenses you need to avoid any problems along the way.

You need to ensure that you have a license even if you are opening a still water distillery. This is because it is possible to create illegal beverages in this type of distillery.