Ahh.. those summer nights! Evenings spent sitting outside, talking with friends, and sipping a cold drink. Let’s celebrate summer by looking at some signature, and even a bit quirky, drinks from all across the United States.
Alaska - Duck Farts - Alaskans promise these taste better than their name suggests. Originating in Anchorage, it is made with Kahlua, Baileys Irish cream, and Crown Royal whiskey.
California - Wine - You don’t have to look very hard to find a great glass of wine in California. In fact this state boasts 81% of the wine made in America.
Florida - Orange Juice - There’s a reason why Florida orange juice is exported all over the United States. It tastes like liquid sunshine! If you want to enjoy it as a cocktail, add champagne for the perfect mimosa.
Hawaii - Mai Tai - Palm trees, sand, sun, lime and rum! Mai Tai’s are synonymous with Hawaii. It is rumored that the Mai Tai was so popular in the 1950’s and 60’s that it almost depleted the world’s supply of rum.
Kentucky - Mint Julep - Churchill Downs will sell over 120,000 of these drinks during the Kentucky Derby Weekend. That explains why it’s the event’s official drink!
Nebraska - Red Beer - Adding a splash of tomato juice to a beer makes Red Beer. It has been said that this beverage is the perfect anecdote for the “morning after.”
Ohio - Bloody Mary - The official state juice is tomato, so it stands to reason that a Bloody Mary would be the signature drink of Ohio.
Oklahoma - Roy Rogers - Roy Rogers, the “King of the Cowboys” was married in Oklahoma. He was a teetotaler which brought about the invention of this mock-tail, made with cola, grenadine, and a cherry.
Tennessee - Jack Daniels - Lynchburg is home to the Jack Daniels Distillery. Added to a cola, your favorite cocktail, or just sipping, you’re always at home with Jack in Tennessee.
Texas - Margarita - You might be tempted to think Mexico when looking at this salt-rimmed glass, but don’t be fooled. This lime and tequila concoction was created in El Paso, Texas.
Virginia - George Washington’s Rye Whiskey - Not only was George a founding father, but he also distilled whiskey. Originally distilled at his Mount Vernon home, the rye whisky is still in production today.
By keeping these drinks in mind, you’ll always have an answer to that age-old question, “What are you having?” Cheers to summer!
