State Beverage Of Indiana

Alright, let’s talk about Indiana. Not the cornfields, not the racing, not even the basketball. We’re here for the state’s official beverage, and spoiler alert: it’s not water, coffee, or regret. It’s something so delightfully, weirdly Hoosier that you’ll question every drink you’ve ever had.

The Shocking Contender

Indiana’s state beverage is water. Yes, plain, unflavored, boring-as-a-brick wall water. In 2007, the Indiana General Assembly, with a straight face, declared H2O the official state drink. You can almost hear the soda lobbyists weeping into their Mountain Dew.

Apparently, the push came from a group of fourth-graders who wanted to promote hydration. Because nothing says “state pride” like something you can get from a garden hose for free. I respect the hustle, but come on—that’s the best Indiana could do?

A History of Liquid Rebellion

Before water won the day, there was a brief, glorious push for milk. In 2007, a state senator proposed making milk the official beverage, arguing dairy was crucial to Indiana’s economy. It passed the Senate, but then the House Agriculture Committee drank the idea down the drain.

Why? Because a few lawmakers worried milk would hurt Indiana’s beer industry. I’m not joking. They literally feared that “official milk” would make beer drinkers feel unpatriotic. You can’t make this up—Indiana’s government is just a bunch of dudes arguing about which liquid is least likely to offend a brewer.

And let’s not forget the dark horse candidate: tomato juice. Indiana grows a ton of tomatoes for ketchup, but the juice lobby got crushed. The fourth-graders with their water petition were just too powerful—and too hydrated.

A Jug Of Wine, A Loaf Of Bread, And Virtual Thou • statemaps: I’m not

The Surprising Facts That Will Haunt You

Here’s the kicker: Indiana doesn’t even have the most famous water in the Midwest. That honor probably goes to Michigan or Wisconsin, where they have actual Great Lakes. Indiana’s biggest water feature is the Wabash River, which is basically a muddy math problem.

Also, did you know that Indiana produces a ton of popcorn? Not a drink. But if you’re going to pair that dry popcorn with something, you get water. It’s the state’s worst dinner party pairing. “Would you like a giant bucket of salt with your glass of nothing?”

The real shocker? This resolution to make water official passed unanimously. Every single legislator voted “yes.” That means a bunch of politicians agreed on something—and it was just to say, “Hey, we like water.” That’s the Indiana version of a miracle.

‘Ready' for anything: Indiana Beverage and the vodka-based ready to

But Wait—There’s a Secret Beverage

If you want to know what Hoosiers actually drink, look to the unofficial state beverage: Pepsi. I know, I know, Coca-Cola is America’s sweetheart, but Indiana is weirdly loyal to Pepsi. In fact, for decades, Pepsi had a massive bottling plant in Indianapolis, and locals treat it like a religious relic.

Walk into any diner in Muncie or Evansville, and you’ll see folks sipping a Pepsi while eating a pork tenderloin sandwich—a sandwich that’s bigger than your head. That’s Indiana: a state where the food is the size of a Buick, and the official drink is tap water.

There’s also a strong cult following for Mint Juleps during the Kentucky Derby, but that’s a whole other state’s drama. Indiana just watches from the bleachers, drinking Pepsi and pretending it’s fine.

Indiana Senate Designates Water as Official State Beverage - NewsChunks

The Verdict: Is Water a Good State Beverage?

On one hand, water is healthy. It prevents hangovers, supports life, and doesn’t stain your shirt. On the other hand, it has no pizzazz. It’s like Indiana chose the beige paint of beverages. You can’t even make a toast with it. “Raise your glasses of clear, flavorless liquid!”

But honestly, it fits Indiana’s vibe perfectly. The state is the “Crossroads of America”, which just means it’s really good at being a place you drive through on the way to somewhere else. It’s not flashy like California’s wine or Louisiana’s Sazerac. It’s practical, cheap, and gets the job done—just like a good, flat highway.

So, next time you’re in Indiana, order a glass of water. It’s the law. And then, when nobody’s looking, ask for a Pepsi. The cornfields will understand.

Just don’t tell the fourth-graders.