In March of this year during the 2022-23 NBA season, we expanded our Gentle Ben footprint deeper into the city of Houston with the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Ben’s Bar, a brand-new addition to Toyota Center’s beverage offerings. Located in Section 126, Ben’s Bar is the place-to-be for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season and during Toyota Center events throughout the year. The Grand Opening celebration was made even more special with the presence of our Gentle Ben brand ambassador, friend, and legendary 7x NBA Champion, Robert Horry.

As a former NBA player, Horry made an indelible mark on the basketball world, earning a well-deserved reputation as a clutch performer. Throughout his career, he displayed an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion during crucial moments, earning him the nickname “Big Shot Bob.” Horry’s winning spirit and his dedication to perfecting his craft on the court make him the perfect ambassador for Gentle Ben.

To give a well-deserved tribute to Robert Horry’s celebrated career, Ben’s Bar presents the Big Shot Bob specialty cocktail. Starting with the smoothness of Gentle Ben premium vodka, this delightful concoction showcases the sweet stroke of strawberries, the sharp assist of lime’s tartness, and a subtle slam of habanero spice. While we wait for the upcoming Rockets season, find the recipe below so you can enjoy this winning sip at your home bar using Gentle Ben vodka.

To top things off, Gentle Ben is proud to be a local Houston business. Community means everything to us, so by choosing Gentle Ben at Toyota Center (or at your local bar, restaurant, or liquor store) you are supporting the growth and success of a homegrown brand. If you want to learn more about our story, our craft, and the innovative technology that we use to enhance the distillation process to eliminate the naturally occurring elements that cause that well-known harshness and heat in spirits, follow this link.

Next time you visit Toyota Center, make sure to stop by Ben’s Bar in Section 126 and let the smoothness of Gentle Ben spirits elevate your game day cocktail experience!

Big Shot Bob Cocktail Recipe:

1.5 oz gentle ben vodka

1.5 oz strawberry puree

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

0.5 oz simple syrup

0.5 oz habanero syrup

Mint leaves

Top off with Saint Arnold or Fever Tree ginger beer