Plan a Full Day at Treaty Oak Ranch With Addition of Ghost Hill Restaurant

Tasting the Experimental Collection at Treaty Oak

Treaty Oak Ranchopened in 2015 with a focus on creating the best locally-distilled whiskey our area had ever experienced. The Dripping Springs establishment spans 27 acres and takes pride in creating small batch, craft spirits from the best ingredients. As a happy side effect, the distillery brews beer with malts and ingredients from whiskey-making. The Fitzhugh Ale gets its name from Treaty Oak's location on Fitzhugh Road, and serves as the perfect mid-afternoon glassful of fresh.

As if you needed another reason to visit, Treaty Oak has a new eatery called Ghost Hill Restaurant. It serves up snacks, BBQ, and a full selection of the distillery's spirits and beers. With a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, the 3,500-square-foot space boasts a minimal interior full of warm woods and a fully-stocked bar. The Texas-inspired food lives in the casual, friendly home it deserves.

Treaty Oak's Ghost Hill Restaurant

Quirky little corner inside Ghost Hill

Ghost Hill seats 65 people indoors with picnic tables. The cathedral ceilings and large windows make the interior feel spacious. The shady outdoor area also has plenty of seating, and even a fire place. There are plenty of picnic tables outside to set up a day of fun with family and friends. And yes, that includes your four-legged family member, too.

The team is steered by Chef Chris An drews and crew. Andrews makes the in-house spirits a big part of his food menu. Bourbon and whiskey are seamlessly incorporated into glazes, sauces, and the smoking process. The menu features delicious and innovative dishes, like the duck confit taco, brisket banh-mi, and pork spare ribs. The bar provides plenty of cocktails to complement your meal.

Brisket banh mi with with pickled carrot, jalapeo, Sriracha mayo, herbs

Duck confit taco with huitlacoche crema, pickled red onion, arugula

Pork spare ribs with bourbon molasses, jicama, mint

The Booze at Ghost Hill

Treaty Oak distills its own bourbon, gin, and whiskey before expanding to brewing beer. The cocktails derived from the liquor are particularly special because of how they're prepared and served. The bar stocks cocktails in kegs, prepared with fresh-squeezed juices and as many homemade i ngredients as possible. The idea is to keep things consistent. Every drink, every time, should taste the same as your first.

The herbal, gin-based Caliente was easily my favorite cocktail. The gin, combined with earthy, aromatic hibiscus syrup, and jalapeo, makes for a refreshing combination. The Mai Tai was a close second. A reserve rum serves as the base and is topped off with orgeat, orange syrup, and lime juice. I will warn you: these cocktails are strong and very delicious, so pace yourself!

The Caliente: gin, herbal hibiscus tea, jalapeo

Mai Tai: Treaty Oak Reserve Rum, lime, orgeat, orange syrup

The first whiskey distilled in Austin