Preamble Lounge and Craft House is the beginning of something never before seen in Clear Lake. By definition, preamble means “a preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.” This new speakeasy-inspired lounge will introduce our area to Signature Craft Cocktails in an intimate setting. Long ago, the concept of the American Dream sprang to life inside drinking establishments. Preamble embodies this thought-out concept. Owner and designer of Preamble, Joshua Jones, has brought this prohibition-style, post-modern cocktail bar to life bringing about a “cocktail revolution.” Jones declared Preamble’s motto to be “We the people, have a right to superior cocktails,” and that is exactly what Preamble is out to accomplish. Preamble will showcase the Artistry of the Craft Cocktail, where creating fresh and delicious beverages becomes a spectacle to be viewed as performance art from the first pour.

Preamble’s head bartender, Carlo Biddle – often referred to as the “Tippling Chemist” – would like to “create a safe haven” where it’s possible to “forget the outside world.” Preamble would like to take patrons back to Colonial America where communal drinking and “toasting to health and good fortune” was not only a tradition but the norm. Preamble’s vision is to spark a cocktail revolution in the Clear Lake area.

Dress to impress when visiting Preamble (casual to dressy, any attire is welcome), and delight in more than just the exquisite decor and mysterious vibe. The bar staff has been expertly trained to entertain guests with their drink-making theatrics. Preamble Signature Cocktails will do more than quench thirst; they will also entertain from start to finish. A few of their Signature Craft Cocktails include several variations of the classic “Old Fashioned” such as their Smoked or Italian Old Fashioned, the New Orleans style “Ramos Gin Fizz,” and also the “Avocado Margarita.” Preamble only uses the highest quality ingredients. This progressive cocktail bar does not use any store-bought mixers; everything is made in house. All of Preamble’s cocktails are made with real fruit or real fruit puree and are free of artificial sugars.

At Preamble, there’s a specialty cocktail for everyone in the crowd. With a wide selection of high-end spirits, infusions, barrel-aged beverages, cocktails on tap and an intriguing happy hour, there is something for every patron and every budget. Happy hour is from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and includes 13 Classic Cocktails ranging from $5 to $7. When it rains at Preamble, they will honor their happy hour prices. All-day happy hour pricing on Mondays makes Preamble the ideal after-work hangout. Happy hour classic cocktails include the Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, Ramos Gin Fizz, French 75, Champagne cocktail and more.

Whiskey drinkers rejoice! Two-and-a-half-inch whiskey spheres will be served daily in whiskey cocktails after happy hour. These ice spheres incredibly reduce the amount of water dilution caused by melted ice and are a great addition to any variation of Old Fashioned on the menu.

Preamble features an impeccable sound system for your listening pleasure. When it’s time to chill, choose from numerous couches to lounge on, catch up with your friends or relax and meet new ones.

March 11 through March 16, Preamble is open to the public for their soft opening. Starting Thursday, March 17 through Sunday, Preamble is throwing a St. Patrick’s Party all weekend long. April 1 Preamble will host its Grand Opening Black Tie Party. Break out that suit and tie or gorgeous dress for a night of effervescent, fancy, fun and creative cocktail concoctions. Clear Lake, it’s time to toast to the end of mediocre cocktails. Suit up! Cheers!

-- Lizzy Parker