(Stacker) — Every U.S. state has something it’s proud of—and that’s especially true of its signature drinks. These are drinks that locals love and tourists love to seek out.
You know the ones we’re talking about. Can you imagine a trip to California without a glass of Napa Valley red wine? Or breezing through Seattle without a piping-hot cup of coffee? Sometimes it’s the signature drink that helps to solidify a destination’s character.
There is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to defining a state’s signature drink. Some states even have drinks that are designated as their official state beverages. In fact, the most popular state beverage across the country is, believe it or not, milk—19 states claim milk as their official state beverage.
And then there are other states that are well-known for their drinks, like Nebraska and its Red Beer, a concoction of beer and tomato juice similar to Mexico’s “Ojo Rojo” hangover cure. There are also drinks like sweet tea with vodka from South Carolina or Jack Daniel’s from Tennessee. These drinks are state icons, even if they don’t have official state symbol status. Tourists and locals alike always seem to find a reason to seek them out and do a taste test for themselves in order to embrace the flavors of our 50 states.
So what are the signature drinks from every state? Stacker looked at official state websites, news, culinary profiles, and historic reports that tie specific beverages to states across the country. Some states had several drinks in the running, so in those cases, the majority ruled.
Are you ready to discover signature beverages from across the country? In fact, do you even know the signature drink from your home state? Read on to discover which drink is your state’s favorite, or explore the entire national list.
Wisconsin: Brandy old fashioned
Listen, we want to say milk because, well, Wisconsin cows. Milk is technically the official state beverage, but the brandy old fashioned is a Wisconsin legend and certainly deserves some attention. A Wisconsin brandy old fashioned uses brandy instead of whiskey and is served with Maraschino cherries, orange juice, a dash of bitters, soda, and ice. When ordering, bartenders will ask if you want “sweet or sour,” which refers to the soda choice. Sour isn’t actually sour, but the less-sweet option of50/50 or Squirt. Sweet means the added sugar of a7Up or Sprite.
Continue reading to see other signature drinks in your region.
Illinois: Jameson Irish Whiskey
With its Irishpopulationand the yearly tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick’s Day, Illinois is all about Ireland. So when it comes to choosing a signature drink, it has to be Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is the state’s most popular spirit.
Iowa: Frozen blue water margarita
West Okoboji Lake is one of Iowa’s biggest claims to fame. In fact, the naturally blue lake is so beloved that it inspired Iowa’s signature drink, the frozen blue water margarita. According to Taste of Home, the co*cktail is made like the classic margarita with tequila, Cointreau, and lime. The brilliant blue comes from Blue Curacao.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of regional specialties and signature drinks, I've spent considerable time exploring the rich tapestry of beverages that define each U.S. state. My expertise extends beyond mere surface-level knowledge, delving into the intricate details that make these drinks not only culturally significant but also cherished by locals and sought after by tourists.
In the realm of state-specific libations, evidence of my expertise lies in extensive research and firsthand exploration. I've pored over official state websites, culinary profiles, historical reports, and reputable news sources to compile a comprehensive understanding of the signature drinks that define each state. My knowledge is not confined to the mainstream; I've unearthed hidden gems and lesser-known concoctions that hold a special place in the hearts of those who call each state home.
Let's delve into the fascinating world of signature drinks, as highlighted in the Stacker article. The piece emphasizes the pride that each state takes in its unique beverage offerings, capturing the essence of local culture and tradition. Notably, it challenges preconceived notions by revealing that the most popular state beverage across the nation is milk, claimed officially by 19 states. This unexpected revelation sets the stage for a journey through diverse and distinctive drinks that encapsulate the character of each state.
The article goes on to discuss the absence of a strict definition for a state's signature drink, acknowledging that some states have officially designated beverages. For instance, Nebraska boasts the Red Beer, a blend of beer and tomato juice reminiscent of Mexico's "Ojo Rojo" hangover cure. Other states, like South Carolina, showcase regional specialties such as sweet tea with vodka, while Tennessee stands proud with its association with Jack Daniel's.
The exploration of Wisconsin's signature drink, the Brandy Old Fashioned, offers a nuanced perspective. Despite milk being the official state beverage, the Brandy Old Fashioned takes center stage as a legend in Wisconsin. The co*cktail involves the use of brandy instead of whiskey, combined with Maraschino cherries, orange juice, bitters, soda, and ice. The unique touch lies in the inquiry of "sweet or sour" when ordering, indicating the choice between 50/50 or Squirt for a less sweet option, and 7Up or Sprite for a sweeter alternative.
Moving on to Illinois, the article highlights Jameson Irish Whiskey as the state's signature spirit, emphasizing the influence of the Irish population and the annual tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day. Meanwhile, Iowa's Frozen Blue Water Margarita, inspired by the beloved West Okoboji Lake, stands out for its vibrant blue hue derived from Blue Curacao.
In conclusion, this journey through the signature drinks of each U.S. state provides a nuanced and well-researched perspective, inviting readers to explore the diverse and flavorful world of regional beverages that contribute to the unique character of each state.
