What Is The State Beverage

Let’s talk about state beverages. No, this isn’t a trick question.

You know about state birds, flowers, and maybe even state fossils. But state beverages? That’s where the fun lives.

It’s a quirky, delicious corner of American law. Some states got serious. Others got silly.

And a few just picked something to drink on a hot day. Let’s dive in.

The Milk Mafia

First up: milk. It’s not just for cookies.

A shocking number of states have declared milk their official beverage. We’re talking at least 20 states, including New York, Virginia, and Colorado.

Why? Probably because of the dairy lobby. Or maybe they just really, really like cereal.

Here’s a weird one: Ohio specifically chose tomato juice as their state beverage in 1965. Yes, tomato juice.

Think about that while you sip your morning OJ. Ohio officially prefers the stuff you drink on a hangover or in a Bloody Mary.

Sweet Tea vs. Iced Tea: A Southern Showdown

Now we get to the real drama. South Carolina made sweet tea their official state beverage in 1995.

But here’s the kicker: they didn’t just say “iced tea.” They specified sweet tea. The kind that makes your teeth ache.

And they added a ceremonial requirement: it must be served over ice in a refrigerated dispenser. That’s the law, folks.

Meanwhile, Georgia came along in 2003 and made their own move. They chose “Vidalia sweet onion” as their state vegetable, but for drink? They picked plain iced tea in 2014.

This Map Reveals the Iconic Alcoholic Beverage of Each State

So South Carolina has the sugary stuff. Georgia has the un-sweetened version. It’s a cold war of beverages.

Juice That’s Just Weird

Let’s talk about fruit juice with a twist. Florida is obvious—orange juice. It became the state beverage in 1967.

But what about Arkansas? They chose tomato juice too. Yes, two states (Ohio and Arkansas) share the same bizarre pick.

Why tomato juice? It’s not even a fruit juice for most people. It’s a mixer. But Arkansas is a big tomato producer, so they leaned in.

Then there’s Texas. Their state beverage is… wait for it… milk.

But they also have an official state “dish”—chili. So you can wash down your chili with milk. Texas logic.

The Boozy States (Sort Of)

Most states play it safe with non-alcoholic drinks. But Kentucky is not most states.

Their state beverage is milk. Boring, right? But wait—they also have an official state “Alcoholic Beverage.” It’s bourbon.

So technically, Kentucky says “drink your milk, kids.” But adults know the real answer is bourbon.

Maryland is a little more adventurous. They made milk the state beverage too. But they also have the “National Bohemian” beer as an unofficial must-try.

Official State Beverages | Map, States & Drinks

New Mexico? They went with chocolate milk in 2019. That’s right—the state government officially loves Nesquik.

Why? Because New Mexico was one of the first places to create a chocolate-based drink centuries ago, from cacao. It’s a deep history wrapped in a sugar rush.

The Most Random Picks

We need to talk about Virginia. Their state beverage is milk. But they also have an official state “ice cream”: gingerbread flavored.

So you can have a gingerbread milk shake. Not legal tender, but legally delicious.

Delaware? Milk again. But they also celebrate “Peach Pie Day.” So milk and pie. Classic.

North Carolina chose milk in 1987. But they made a point to say “fluid milk.” As opposed to solid milk? Powdered milk?

This is the kind of nitpicking that makes state beverage laws hilarious.

What About Water?

You might think water would be a popular pick. But only one state has water as its official beverage: California.

In 2000, California declared water the state beverage. But they had to clarify it was “tap water.” Not bottled.

So California officially encourages you to drink from the faucet. Meanwhile, they’re in a drought. Irony is a wet blanket.

List Of U.s. State Beverages – List Of Us Beverages – LPQVZF

Alaska chose milk. In the frozen north, milk makes sense—it doesn’t freeze as fast as water. But they also have a state “Sled Dog,” so priorities are clear.

Why Bother?

You might ask: why do states even do this? It’s mostly for tourism, pride, or to honor a local industry.

But it’s also just fun. It gives people a weird trivia fact to flex at parties.

“Oh, you know what Alabama’s state beverage is?” (It’s milk, again.) “Bet you didn’t know that.”

And you can use it to start arguments. Like, “Which is better: sweet tea or milk?” The answer doesn’t matter—the argument is the point.

The Future of State Beverages

Will we see a wave of kombucha states? Or perhaps something weird like buttermilk?

Some states are already thinking about it. Vermont is probably considering maple syrup. But technically, that’s a “sap,” not a “beverage.”

And Hawaii? Their state beverage is milk too. But locals will tell you the real drink is shaved ice with syrup. That’s a snow cone, not a beverage. But laws are slow.

So next time you crack open a can of soda, remember: your state probably officially prefers something boring like milk.

But you? You can drink whatever you want. Just don’t tell the state legislature.

Cheers to state beverages—the weird, the milky, and the surprisingly legal.