Don’t look now, but Texas is having a national cocktail moment: No less than Imbibe magazine, the nation’s premiere publication devoted to all things drinkable, highlights the Lone Star State in its latest issue.

“It’s kind of surprising,” says John Garrett, who represents the spirits division for Texas distributor Virtuoso Selections. “They could have done any state. They picked Texas. They know this is a burgeoning area.”

Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio cocktails, beer and coffee are all featured. Getting deserving cocktail nods from Dallas are The Cedars Social, The Standard Pour, Private/Social, Tate’s and the Black Swan Saloon. More questionable recommendations are dining-centric Local, the fast fading Chesterfield and, most incredibly, the Establishment, described in great detail as an “experience for a Dallas night you won’t soon forget” even though the place has yet to actually open as of today. Way to go, Imbibe!

Nevertheless, the focus on Texas shows the state is finally emerging from behind the national curve when it comes to cocktails, and Lone Star luminaries such as Houston’s Alba Huerta and San Antonio’s Jeret Pena are prominently featured. There’s even a drink recipe from The Cedars Social’s Mike Martensen.

Things are only going to get better here.

— Marc Ramirez, 3/2/13