We conducted a survey of 1,000 American drinkers to find out how they rank each of the most iconic alcoholic drinks from each state. Check out the slider above to see where your state ranks!
Do you know which state drinks the most alcohol?
Would it surprise you to learn that it’s the great state of New Hampshire? Residents there consume an average of 4.76 gallons of booze every year! (We can only hope they’ve learned some great hangover hacks along the way.)
Whether you live on the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between, chances are there’s a drink made famous by your state. Do you know what your state drink is and how popular it is compared to others?
In this post, we’ll reveal the most popular liquor by state and (hopefully) introduce you to your new favorite drink.
Read on, cocktail connoisseurs!
Most Popular Alcoholic Drinks: State by State
Ready to learn where your state drink ranks? Here’s our countdown of the most popular alcohol by state.
1. South Carolina
In 1st place, Americans voted for the South Carolinian Sweet Tea and Vodka.
Dangerously delicious, this refreshing concoction of cold brew sweet tea and vodka over ice is the ultimate treat to sip on a hot summer’s day. Proceed with caution, especially when consuming alcohol in the sun!
2. Washington
The Washington Apple came in 2nd place, which is apt considering this year’s apple crop is one of the largest in history at an astounding 138.2 million 40-pound boxes!
A Washington Apple cocktail combines whiskey, cranberry juice, and sour apple schnapps served in a martini glass. It’s basically apple juice for adults!
3. Wyoming
Is it any surprise that the drink of choice in America’s Cowboy State is locally produced whiskey?
Local distilleries take pride in using fresh, natural ingredients to promote their state’s bountiful resources. If you’re a fan of small-batch bourbon (neat or on the rocks), it’s time to plan a visit to Wyoming.
4. Wisconsin
Wisconsin may be America’s Dairyland, but you won’t find any dairy products in its state drink, the Brandy Old-Fashioned.
For a twist on the classic old-fashioned cocktail, Wisconsinites make theirs with brandy instead of bourbon or whiskey. Muddled with orange peel, sugar, and cherry, top it off with a splash of club soda for a sweet, warming treat.
5. Oregon
Did you know that Portland, Oregon, has the highest number of breweries of any city in America?
It’s little wonder, then, that locally produced craft beer has a special place in the hearts of its residents. Sign up for a brewery tour around the city and you’re sure to find a new favorite ale.
RELATED: The Five Best Hangover Pills On The Market
6. California
The Golden State is huge and rich in diversity, but there’s one thing everyone can agree on: the wine.
Napa Valley is home to over 475 wineries—impressive considering it’s a fraction of the size of most wine regions abroad. From Cabernet to Chardonnay and every flavor in between, Napa is the go-to spot for wine aficionados.
7. North Dakota
If Oregon wasn’t enough to quench your thirst for craft beer, don’t worry. A visit to the Peace Garden State will keep the good times (and the craft beers) rolling.
In recent years, North Dakota has seen an explosion of both breweries and microbreweries. We think it’s the perfect excuse to stay inside and enjoy a pint on those cold winter days!
8. Hawaii
The Aloha State serves up the 8th most popular state drink in the form of a fruity Mai Tai.
This classic cocktail combines light and dark rum, orange curacao, and a variety of juices into a delicious (and potent) concoction. Order yours in a carved-out pineapple for a true taste of tropical paradise.
9. Texas
With its proximity to Mexico and an abundance of tequila, it’s no surprise that Texans are partial to the margarita.
Tequila, triple sec, and sour mix (or fresh lime juice) provide the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Enjoy it frozen, up, or on the rocks, and don’t forget the salt rim.
Bonus: Tequila is one of the best liquors you can drink and enjoy without experiencing a hangover!
10. Virginia
When the US government placed heavy taxes on liquor (and then banned it altogether during Prohibition), the people of Virginia took matters into their own hands.
“Moonshine” was born in the form of strong spirits produced secretly in private homes and hidden cellars. It’s seen a surge in popularity in recent years as distilleries are now producing craft versions of the once-secret drink.
11. Kentucky
Whether it’s Derby Day or not, there’s no drink that Kentuckians love more than the classic mint julep.
Made with locally produced bourbon, the cocktail includes crushed ice and muddled mint leaves. It’s the perfect sweet treat for those sweltering summer days.
12. New York
Long Island may want to become its own state, but one thing all New Yorkers can agree on is their favorite cocktail.
A Long Island Iced Tea contains no tea, but when it’s properly made, you’d never know! Combining vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and triple sec (with just a splash of sour mix and Coke), it’s one of the strongest drinks you’ll find anywhere.
13. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s state drink is not only an unusual combination of flavors—it’s also got an unusual name.
The Lunchbox cocktail combines light beer with amaretto and orange juice, making it a bubbly and refreshing treat. Just don’t try to sneak one into your actual lunchbox before you head out for work.
14. Pennsylvania
Have you ever heard of the Boilo? We hadn’t, either, making it one of the best-kept secrets of the Keystone State.
The Boilo combines whiskey, honey, and citrus fruit with warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise. Served warm, there’s no better drink to sip on during a chilly winter day.
15. Tennessee
No surprises here—the most popular state drink of Tennessee is made with none other than Tennessee whiskey.
Whiskey and coke is a classic favorite, although some people prefer their whiskey neat or on the rocks. Either way, a squeeze of lime is all you need for a garnish.
16. Georgia
Georgians are proud of their peaches, so much so that they’ve nicknamed their state the Peach State. Is it any wonder that their state drink is called the Georgia Peach?
This sweet libation is made from Southern Comfort, peach schnapps, and orange juice. It’s the perfect way to battle the heat and humidity of the deep south.
17. West Virginia
Like their cousins in Virginia, West Virginians are also fond of locally-made moonshine.
With all its hills and hollers, it’s no wonder this potent liquor has been produced (and perfected) throughout the decades in West Virginia. Just for fun, the locals sometimes refer to it as “white lightning” or “mountain dew.”
18. Arizona
Tequila flows freely in Arizona, but they’ve made their own unique twist on a classic lime margarita.
The state drink of Arizona is the Prickly Pear Margarita, infused with the sweet pink fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Its flavor and aroma are similar to a melon, and it adds a sweet finish to the traditional cocktail.
19. Utah
Utah has some interesting liquor laws, which has prompted the popularity of many non-alcoholic alternatives.
The drink of choice in the Beehive is actually root beer! Traditionally served like soda pop, there are new spiked versions on the market now that adults can enjoy.
20. Colorado
Like other cold states, the Rocky Mountain state has a special affection for craft brews.
In fact, 5 Colorado cities sit in the Top 20 in America for number of breweries per capita. They’re also one of the biggest producers and distributors of craft beers in the nation.
21. South Dakota
The Mount Rushmore state boasts one of the more unique cocktails on our list—Red Beer.
As the name suggests, this drink is made with beer and is a bright red color. What’s the secret? It’s combined with tomato juice or Bloody Mary mix!
22. Alabama
Like everything else in the deep south, Alabama’s state drink is sweet as pie.
Known by locals as the Yellow Hammer, this drink combines vodka, rum, amaretto, pineapple juice, and orange juice. It’s sweet and addictive, but be sure to balance that sugar intake with plenty of water!
23. Illinois
Why drink a normal Bloody Mary when you can put a “Chicago” twist on it instead?
The state drink of Illinois pairs classic Bloody Mary mix with vodka infused with rosemary and olive. Whoever invented this one was a sheer genius!
24. Massachusetts
One of the oldest colonies in the US (hence its Old Colony State nickname), Massachusetts is also home to one of the oldest cocktails around.
The Cape Codder (or Cape Cod) is a simple blend of vodka and cranberry juice. One sip and you’ll feel like you’re sailing on your yacht along the rocky shoreline.
25. Rhode Island
We usually associate tequila cocktails with the southwestern states, but somehow it became popular in Rhode Island too.
The Rhode Island Red is a tasty concoction of white tequila, Chambord, lemon juice, agave nectar, and orange bitters. The finishing touch? A splash of spicy ginger beer!
26. New Jersey
The Garden State’s drink of choice is the fruity Applejack.
A combination of whiskey and apple juice, some prefer it hot while others like it over ice. We figure it’s win-win either way.
27. Missouri
Missouri is about as landlocked as it gets, but their state drink is enough to transport anyone to a tropical beach.
The Caribou Lou combines coconut rum and pineapple with a shot of 151-proof rum. It’s fruity and delicious, but beware the potent proof rum—it comes with a bite!
28. Nevada
The Silver State’s favorite libation isn’t silver at all—it’s pink!
The Nevada Cocktail is made with white rum, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and a dash of lime juice. Served up in a martini glass, you could almost mistake it for a Cosmopolitan.
29. New Hampshire
New Hampshire was a late-comer to the wine scene, opening its first vineyard in 1990.
Now it’s home to over 25 wineries, which explains why the locals are proud to identify wine as their favorite drink. Its cool climate is ideal for producing mead, berry wines, and other interesting vintages.
30. Michigan
Speaking of mead, Michiganders voted it their official state drink.
Perhaps one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world, mead combines fermented yeast with water and honey. It’s sweet and packs a punch—a few sips are all you need!
RELATED: The Five Best Hangover Pills On The Market
31. Mississippi
Would you like your cocktail served in a bowl? Head south to Mississippi and order their state drink, Mississippi Punch.
This sweet treat combines cognac, rum, bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. We recommend passing on the pie and having this for dessert instead.
32. Nebraska
Like their South Dakota neighbors to the north, Nebraskans also love the beer-and-tomato-juice combo of Red Beer.
Who invented it first? The world may never know.
33. North Carolina
Ready to bounce over to North Carolina? If you do, you’ll discover their state drink known as the Cherry Bounce.
It combines fresh sour cherries, brandy, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s best served at room temperature.
34. Arkansas
The great state of Arkansas wasn’t sure what to choose, so they threw a little bit of everything into one glass and created the Arkansas Razorback.
An interesting blend of vodka, amaretto, coffee liqueur, and spiced rum, it’s surprisingly delicious and best served on the rocks.
35. Delaware
The people of Delaware love their brews, and none as much as locally produced Delaware IPA. It’s usually higher in alcohol content than other IPAs.
Fun fact: Delaware’s favorite day is the first Thursday of August, also known as National IPA Day. Bottoms up!
36. Florida
Florida’s state drink is the sweet, minty, and refreshing mojito.
It combines white rum with muddled mint, limes, and sugar. Finish with a splash of club soda, and you’ll be instantly transported to the hot sands of South Beach.
37. Idaho
The Gem State has a few gems of its own in the form of distinctive craft breweries.
Like Colorado and Oregon, Idahoites have a special affection for craft beers. Maybe that’s why they have 4.5 breweries for every 100,000 adults.
38. Maryland
What should you drink to wash down those yummy crab cakes? A Black-Eyed Susan, of course.
This cocktail combines vodka and bourbon with peach schnapps, orange juice, and sour mix. Don’t forget the cherry on top!
39. New Mexico
If you’ve been looking for the perfect fall cocktail, look no further than the great state of New Mexico.
Their Chimayo cocktail is a zesty blend of tequila, apple cider, and creme de cassis. Enjoy it cold with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
40. Alaska
Our nation’s largest and coldest state also invented one of the best drink names anywhere.
Duck Farts are a layered shot of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and Canadian whiskey. We promise they taste much better than the name implies!
41. Connecticut
Do you think of Connecticut as wine country? Would it surprise you to learn the state drink is wine?
With over 40 wineries and its own “Wine Trail,” this state is a must-visit for anyone who loves wine.
42. Indiana
The Hoosier State has developed its own drink, aptly named the Hoosier Heritage.
This drink combines rye whiskey with apple cider, maple syrup, and lemon juice. The special twist? Fresh rosemary gives the cocktail a delicious herbal flavor that’ll have you ordering another round.
43. Iowa
The Hawkeye State brings us a delicious drink in the form of the Iowa Buck.
Served tall and cold, it combines whiskey and ginger beer with a squeeze of lime. Simple, sweet, and satisfying.
44. Kansas
Have you ever heard of a Moose Bowl? Some describe this drink as “a well-mixed concoction for regrettable decisions and an almost surefire recipe for disaster.”
Also known as Moose Juice or a Fish Bowl, it’s a heady combination of beer, vodka, orange and strawberry liqueurs, and fruit juice. For maximum effect, serve in an actual fishbowl and share with 20 of your closest friends.
45. Louisiana
Louisiana is home to many famous drinks, but the Sazarac is their drink of choice.
It combines rye whiskey or cognac with bitters and a sugar cube. The secret? Before you start pouring, rinse your glass with a small shot of absinthe.
46. Maine
If you’ve never heard of Coffee Brandy, you’ve never been to Maine.
Residents of the Pine Tree State are fairly obsessed with this liqueur. They either drink it straight, in coffee, or in any number of coffee-flavored cocktails.
47. Montana
Montana breaks the western states’ tradition of craft beers with a signature cocktail known as the Whiskey Ditch.
Start with your choice is vodka, gin, or bourbon. Combine it with limeade and mint and top with a dash of club soda.
48. Ohio
The Buckeye State took an unusual twist on the classic martini—the Buckeye Martini.
Made with vodka or gin, it replaces the green olive with a black one. Why? It closely resembles the state’s buckeye nut!
49. Vermont
Do you think of maple syrup when you think of Vermont? Is it any wonder they’ve added it to their state drink, the Old Vermont Cocktail?
This drink combines gin with maple syrup, lemon and orange juice, and a dash of bitters. Best served straight up with an orange slice garnish.
50. Minnesota
The proud people of Minnesota don’t have time for fancy craft cocktails.
Their drink of choice is the Bootleg—whiskey over ice with a splash of water. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Which State Drink Will Become Your New Favorite?
So, did any of the drinks on this list surprise you? Are there any libations you haven’t tried yet?
No matter where you live, you can take pride in your state drink. Even if you love your hometown favorite, there are still 49 more to choose from!
