@mariahhaberman 8 signature cocktails in the Midwest 🥃 #cocktail #cocktails #midwest #midwestlife #midwestern #midwestthings #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #cocktailsandrinks ♬ Roses (Imanbek Remix)
Here’s the thing: the Midwest is often overlooked when it comes to cocktail culture. But since moving to Kansas City in 2022, I’ve taken note of the difference in cocktail culture between Kansas/Missouri and my home state of Wisconsin. And I’m here to report: From refreshing classics to bold and innovative concoctions, the Midwest’s most iconic cocktails showcase the region’s rich history and the creativity of its bartenders & mixologists.
Join me on a journey through the heartland as we explore the flavors of the Midwest, one sip at a time…
1. Missouri: Golden Glow
First up on our Midwest cocktail adventure is the Golden Glow, a delightful concoction that perfectly captures the essence of the Show-Me State. This vibrant cocktail combines the flavors of citrus and honey, resulting in a refreshing and slightly sweet drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz bourbon
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Enjoy the golden glow of Missouri’s signature cocktail!
2. Kansas: Horsefeather
Moving on to Kansas, we discover the Horsefeather, a timeless drink that brings together the flavors of ginger and whiskey. This simple yet flavorful cocktail is perfect for any occasion and is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour bourbon or rye whiskey over the ice.
Add ginger beer and bitters.
Stir gently to combine.
Squeeze the juice from the lemon wedge into the glass.
Give it a quick stir and garnish with the lemon wedge.
Sit back, sip, and let the flavors of Kansas tantalize your senses.
3. Minnesota: Bootleg
Next, we head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and discover the Bootleg cocktail. As a nod to Minnesota’s Prohibition-era history, this cocktail features the sweetness of cranberry juice and the kick of vodka, making it a truly Minnesotan libation.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Shake vigorously until well mixed and chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Raise your glass and toast to Minnesota’s rich history with every sip of this Bootleg cocktail.
4. South Dakota: The Roosevelt
In South Dakota, we uncover The Roosevelt, a sophisticated cocktail inspired by the state’s natural beauty and history. This elegant drink combines the smoothness of bourbon with the flavors of maple and bitters, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and complexity.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to the glass.
- Stir gently until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and use it as a garnish.
- Take a moment to savor the flavors and raise a glass to the great outdoors of South Dakota.
5. Michigan: The Hummer
Next up on our tour is the Great Lakes state, Michigan, where we discover The Hummer. As a classic and indulgent treat, this creamy cocktail is synonymous with summer and the beautiful coastlines of the state.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 oz Kahlua or coffee liqueur
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- Whole milk (as needed)
- Nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine brandy, Kahlua, and vanilla ice cream.
- Blend until smooth, adding whole milk as needed to achieve a milkshake-like consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a chilled glass.
- Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for a touch of aromatic indulgence.
- Sip and savor the flavors of Michigan with this luscious Hummer cocktail.
6. Iowa: Blue Water Margarita
As we journey to the Hawkeye State, Iowa, we encounter the Blue Water Margarita. This vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic margarita pays homage to the state’s rolling countryside and picturesque lakes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz blue curacao liqueur
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Salt or sugar (for rimming)
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a rocks glass with salt or sugar by moistening the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it into the salt or sugar.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, blue curacao, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
- Raise your glass to Iowa’s serene landscapes and enjoy the refreshing taste of the Blue Water Margarita.
7. North Dakota: Smith & Kearns
Venturing to the Peace Garden State, North Dakota, we discover the Smith & Kearns cocktail. This sophisticated libation pays homage to the state’s rich agricultural heritage with a harmonious blend of bourbon, apple cider, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Cinnamon stick and apple slice, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, honey syrup, and bitters.
- Stir gently until well mixed.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
- Raise your glass to North Dakota’s fertile lands and savor the inviting flavors of the Smith & Kearns cocktail.
8. Wisconsin: Brandy Old Fashioned
Our final stop on this Midwest cocktail adventure takes us to my home state of Wisconsin, where the Brandy Old Fashioned reigns supreme. A beloved classic in the region, this cocktail showcases the state’s love for brandy and is often enjoyed at supper clubs and during social gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz brandy
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Club soda
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
- Soda water (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube, a splash of club soda, and a dash of bitters until the sugar dissolves.
- Add ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour brandy over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- For a sweeter version, top with a splash of soda water.
- Raise your glass to Wisconsin’s rich traditions and relish the nostalgic flavors of the Brandy Old Fashioned.
The Midwest’s vibrant and diverse libations tell a tale of local pride and creativity. From the Golden Glow in Missouri to the Brandy Old Fashioned in Wisconsin, these iconic drinks showcase the unique flavors and history of each state.
Let’s raise a glass: Cheers!
