The South: Sweet Tea
Let’s start with the undisputed monarch of Southern refreshment. This isn't just iced tea with sugar; it's a cultural institution. Brewed strong, sweetened while still hot to ensure every granule dissolves into a silky, saccharine elixir, and served over
a mountain of ice, sweet tea is the lifeblood of the South. On a humid, 95-degree day in Georgia, Alabama, or the Carolinas, it’s less a beverage and more a form of air conditioning you can drink. It’s the default offering at every barbecue, church picnic, and front porch gathering for a reason.
Rhode Island: Coffee Milk
Move over, chocolate milk. In the nation’s smallest state, coffee is king, even for the kids. Coffee milk is exactly what it sounds like: a sweet, coffee-flavored syrup (the most famous brands being Autocrat and Eclipse) stirred into a cold glass of milk. It’s like a latte’s more easygoing, less-caffeinated cousin. Officially designated the state drink in 1993, it offers a gentle pick-me-up without the jolt of a hot espresso, making it the perfect companion for a sticky summer afternoon in Providence.
Maryland: The Orange Crush
Head to any dock bar in Ocean City, Maryland, and you'll see them everywhere. The Orange Crush is summer in a glass, a deceptively simple and dangerously drinkable cocktail. The key is fresh-squeezed orange juice, typically extracted on the spot with a theatrical press. That vibrant juice is shaken with orange-flavored vodka, triple sec, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Served over crushed ice, it’s a bright, citrusy blast that tastes like a beach vacation, whether you’re on the shore or just dreaming of it.
Arizona: Prickly Pear Margarita
In the dry heat of the Sonoran Desert, you need a drink that understands the landscape. Enter the prickly pear margarita. The fruit of the prickly pear cactus, which dots the Arizona terrain, yields a syrup with a stunning magenta color and a flavor often compared to a cross between watermelon and bubblegum. When blended with tequila, lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur, it transforms the classic margarita into something uniquely Southwestern—sweet, tart, earthy, and as visually spectacular as a desert sunset.
Maine: Moxie
If you want a drink that provokes a strong opinion, look no further than Moxie. This iconic New England soda predates Coca-Cola and boasts a flavor that is… an acquired taste. Its signature ingredient is gentian root extract, which gives it a bittersweet, vaguely medicinal flavor that polarizes drinkers instantly. Mainers, however, defend it with a fierce, stubborn pride. For them, cracking open an ice-cold can of Moxie on a hot day isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s a declaration of identity. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s pure Maine.
Kentucky: The Mint Julep
While synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is, at its heart, a heat-tamer. The formula is elegant: good Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint, a little sugar, and a mound of finely crushed ice. The traditional silver or pewter cup isn't just for show; it frosts over beautifully, keeping the contents frigid. The slow-sipping nature of the drink, punctuated by the cool aroma of mint, is a masterclass in civilized day-drinking, designed to help one endure a sweltering Kentucky afternoon with grace and style.
Wisconsin: The Brandy Old Fashioned
Step outside of Wisconsin and order an Old Fashioned, and you’ll get a whiskey drink. Order one inside the Badger State, and you’ll be handed a concoction made with brandy—and probably asked, “Sweet or sour?” This regional variation sees brandy muddled with sugar, bitters, and a slice of orange and a cherry, then topped with either a sweet soda (like 7 Up) or a sour soda (like Squirt). It’s a sweeter, fruitier take on the classic, and for Wisconsinites, it’s the all-season, all-purpose cocktail that tastes like home.
