Nestled in the rugged beauty of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, at a towering elevation of 7,200 feet, lies a ranch like no other. This is the birthplace of the world’s only cactus vodka, a spirit as unique and resilient as the land it comes from. High Desert Vodka melds tradition with innovation and passion, transforming the prickly pear cactus into a one-of-a-kind elixir.
It’s also a uniquely Dripping Springs story. Ryan Springer grew up here, and his co-founder Logan Sligar lives here with his family. Surrounded by the unique distilleries and entrepreneurs of the Texas Hill Country, they hope to revolutionize the spirits industry with a creation as bold as the lands from which it hails. High Desert Vodka is not just a drink; it’s a celebration of rugged beauty and rich heritage, where the prickly pear cactus grows tall and proud.
High Desert Vodka launched in January 2023 after more than four years of research, development, and exploration by Springer and Sligar. The spirit’s roots run much deeper into the history and culture of Mexico. The prickly pear is so integral to the region that it is even depicted on the Mexican flag, symbolizing resilience and strength. Similar to its cousin, the agave—used to make tequila—the prickly pear is a true symbol of endurance.
All of the cactus used in High Desert is grown and harvested on this centuries-old ranch. The family-run operation, owned by Roberto Garfias, spans 21,000 acres passed down through generations. The prickly pear cacti that thrive here are centuries-old plants, untouched by irrigation and sustained solely by rainwater. This land, steeped in history, is the perfect ecosystem for growing the prickly pear, which thrives in the harsh conditions of the high desert.
The plant continues to regenerate even after harvest. This sustainability makes the prickly pear the perfect foundation for a spirit that embodies rugged strength and purity. After harvest, the plant goes through a complex sugar extraction process. The result is a spirit that tastes like the land it comes from—natural and full of character.
Unlike many commercial vodkas, which rely on corn and fillers, High Desert Vodka is made from pure, natural ingredients. The product is hand-harvested, fermented, distilled, and bottled in San Luis Potosi, ensuring that every bottle is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail.
The final product is crystal-clear, pure, and clean, honoring the land and the people who have nurtured it for generations.
“We like to joke that we stumbled upon something that checks all of the Whole Foods buzzword boxes,” laughs Logan. “It’s additive-free, organic, single source, and sustainable.”
The flavor profile boasts earthy, desert notes, with subtle hints of watermelon, honeydew, and a touch of vanilla on the nose. Drinking it gives you an essence similar to agave, while it’s neutral enough to be used in standard vodka cocktails. It’s also distinct enough to stand out in more creative concoctions. High Desert Vodka invites bartenders and chefs to unleash their creativity and craft drinks as unique as the spirit itself. Tillie’s in Dripping Springs offers stand-out High Desert cocktails, as do several notable Austin hotspots, including Aba and J Carver’s.
High Desert Vodka is more than just a drink—it’s a tribute to the history, culture, and resilience of the high desert and its people. The Garfias family, which has farmed this land for generations, also breeds brave bulls for bullfighting, a tradition that speaks to the courage and strength embedded in the region’s DNA. Every bottle of High Desert Vodka carries the legacy of the land, the people, and the centuries-old traditions that have shaped this unique spirit.
Whether sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, you can feel the innovation of something brand new, brought to you by two Dripping Springs locals inviting you on a journey to the Mexican high desert.
HighDesertVodka.com | @highdesertvodka