List of U.S. state beverages facts for kids
A state beverage is a special drink chosen by a state in the United States to represent it. This tradition started in 1965 when Ohio picked tomato juice as its official drink. The most popular choice for a state beverage is milk. Out of 33 places (32 states and the District of Columbia) that have official drinks, 20 of them have chosen milk. Rhode Island even chose a special kind of milk called coffee milk!
Contents
What Are State Beverages?
A state beverage is like a symbol, similar to a state bird or a state flower. It's a drink that a state officially recognizes as important to its history, culture, or economy. These drinks are often chosen because they are produced a lot in that state, or they have a special meaning to the people there.
Why Do States Pick Special Drinks?
States choose official beverages for different reasons. Sometimes, it's to celebrate a local product, like Florida choosing Orange juice because oranges grow well there. Other times, it's to honor a tradition or a historical event. For example, George Washington's Rye Whiskey is a state spirit in Virginia because George Washington himself made it. Picking a state beverage can also help promote local businesses and agriculture.
Milk: The Most Popular Choice
Milk is the most common state beverage. Many states, especially those with a strong dairy farming industry, have chosen milk. It's seen as a healthy and important part of many people's diets. States like Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, and many others have made milk their official drink. This shows how important dairy farming is across the country.
Unique State Drinks
While milk is popular, some states have picked very unique beverages!
- Maine chose Moxie, which is a unique soda that has been around for a long time.
- Rhode Island picked Coffee milk, a sweet drink made by mixing coffee syrup with milk. It's a local favorite there.
- Nebraska has two official drinks: milk as its state beverage and Kool-Aid as its state soft drink. Kool-Aid was actually invented in Nebraska!
- Hawaii chose 'Awa, a traditional drink made from the kava plant, which is important to Hawaiian culture.
- Washington state picked Coffee, celebrating its strong coffee culture.
- The District of Columbia chose Rickey, a refreshing lime and gin drink that was created there.
These choices show the wide variety of drinks and traditions across the United States.
State Beverages Table
| Federal district or territory |
Drink | Year |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Rickey | 2011 |
