The Most Popular Cocktails, State by State
Yummly home cooks have raised their glasses and the answers are in. Slush buckets in Wisconsin. Marionberry gin and jam in Oregon. Pudding shots in Michigan! These are the cocktail recipes you love the most.
Infographic by Clark Miller
Last summer, my family took a cross-country road trip. Seeing so much of our landscapes and traditions in person — the redwoods of Northern California and the flash of Las Vegas, the majesty of the Grand Canyon and the pueblos of New Mexico, Oklahoma’s bustling stockyards and Chicago’s incredible architecture, North Carolina’s Outer Banks and Philadelphia’s rich history — drove home how many ways there are to be an American. Since then I’ve been trying to recreate some of the amazing food I sampled en route, like the huaraches I devoured in a tiny town outside L.A. or the Italian beef that left me fantasizing about a move to Chicago. And I’ve been thinking about cocktails that represent place, too.
As much as I loved our travels, it turns out the country's most popular cocktails are as close as my home bar cart. Yummly resident genius and business analytics manager Ravija Sharma has sorted through lord knows how much data to figure out which cocktails are uniquely popular with you, Yummly cooks in every state.
I’m so glad she did, because the results are fascinating — and inspiring. Cocktail parties will never be the same.
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What are the most popular cocktails right now? >>
What are the most popular cocktails by state? >>
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What are the most popular cocktails right now?
It’s easy enough to compile a list of the most popular gin cocktails, the most popular whiskey cocktails, the most popular vodka cocktails, and so on. The data Sharma analyzed reveals a different kind of list — popular cocktail recipes with home cooks in each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
While many favorites suit a particular state’s climate, local ingredients, or spirits production (for instance, Kentucky’s favorite recipe calls for bourbon), some surprised me. I was left to wonder:
Why do so many states go for spiked versions of childhood favorites? (I’m looking at you, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.)
Why do Michiganders put back so many pudding shots?
Why do Wisconsinites love brandy so much?
Why does my home state, New York, have to be so predictable?
No really, why?
What are the most popular cocktails by state?
Settle in to see which cocktail recipes were clicked on, saved, and shared the most by Yummly home cooks. It’s a list of popular cocktails, yes, but it’s also a snapshot of what drinks we’re interested in, celebrate with, and can’t get enough of.
Click on the map to get a closer look
Alabama: French Gimlet
This easy, elegant cocktail has caught the eye of countless Alabamans. And why not? It’s nothing more than gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice, but this is one of those more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts moments. The gin’s juniper notes works beautifully with the sweet, floral liqueur, and the tart lime adds a bright counterpoint.
Alaska: Tom Collins
If you’ve never had one of these classic cocktails, Alaska would like a word. Fill a Tom Collins glass (which is basically a taller highball) with ice. Give gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda a spin in a cocktail shaker, and pour.
Arizona: Classic Moscow Mule
Arizona is the Grand Canyon State, and the majestic site is known for its mule rides, so maybe that’s why Arizonans like the Moscow Mule so much. I like it because it’s got a fizzy kick from ginger beer, a bracing shot of vodka, and a good squeeze of lime juice. Serve it in the traditional copper mug if you can — it makes it feel colder, somehow, and even more refreshing.
Arkansas: Frozen Mimosas
In restaurants, brunch often comes with bottomless mimosas. They’re tasty enough, but this version ups the ante by having you freeze orange juice into cubes first, then whirring them in a blender with prosecco, Italian sparkling wine. This’ll kick off your lazy weekend nicely.
California: Blackberry Smash
In sunny California, people really appreciate a fruity (but not too sweet) cocktail just made for sipping on a patio. Here, you’ll use homemade blackberry syrup — don’t worry, it’s easy — mixed with bourbon and elderflower liqueur. That’s already yummy, but the last step makes it spectacular: Top off each glass with a splash of spicy ginger beer.
Colorado: Siesta
Negronis are great, but sometimes I want to use that bottle of Campari for another cocktail. Enter Colorado’s fave, the Siesta. It pairs the Italian aperitivo with tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice and grapefruit juice, and a little simple syrup. Just the thing to relax with after a day in the mountains.
Connecticut: Blood Orange Paloma
Think of the Paloma as the Siesta’s simpler sibling. Traditionally it combines tequila, sweet-tart grapefruit soda, and lime juice. This version swaps in grapefruit sparkling water for the soda, saving a lot of added sugar, and gets its pretty pink color from blood orange juice. No wonder folks in the Nutmeg State love it.
Delaware: Mango Margaritas
I’d never say a margarita is boring, but sometimes you want a little extra — at least, that’s how they rock in Delaware. This supremely drinkable, slushy cocktail features the usual tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, but has you add frozen mango chunks to the blender for a refreshing, frosty twist.
District of Columbia: Pineapple White Wine Slushie
Folks in D.C. must be really busy running the country, because their favorite cocktail couldn’t be easier. It calls for just two ingredients — white wine and frozen pineapple chunks — and a blender. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple if you’re fancy.
Florida: Coquito
The Sunshine State has the largest Puerto Rican population in the country, so it’s no surprise the favorite cocktail comes from there. Traditionally this concoction of coconut cream, coconut milk, warm spices, and white rum is served at Christmastime (like a tropical egg nog), but I don’t see why you couldn’t enjoy this whenever you want.
Georgia: Malibu Sherbert Floats
I was expecting the Peach State’s top drink to have, y’know, peaches in it. Nope. This treat goes all-in on Caribbean touches like coconutty Malibu rum, toasted coconut, and pineapple-lime-orange sherbet.
Hawaii: Campfire in Lemon Grove
Bet you thought Hawaii residents would be all-in for mai tais and the like — I sure did. So it was a pleasant surprise to see their admiration for this inventive cocktail. It’s equal parts mezcal and amaro, a bittersweet Italian liqueur, plus a splash each of limoncello, lemon and orange juices, and sparkling water.
Idaho: Kiwi Caipirinha
I had a joke all ready if Idaho’s top choice had featured vodka — you know, made from potatoes. Imagine my surprise to learn they’ve embraced this New Zealand-meets-Brazil delight. It features fresh kiwi, cachaça, a little sugar, and lime juice.
Illinois: French Martini
This pretty vodka-based cocktail isn’t a martini at all — there’s no dry vermouth, and it leans towards sweetness thanks to Chambord (a raspberry liqueur), and pineapple juice. According to our data, people in the Prairie State just can’t get enough of it. To make your glass extra-elegant, garnish with a lemon twist and a fresh raspberry on a cocktail pick.
Indiana: Low Carb Holiday Raspberry Mimosa
I don’t think Hoosiers are more prone to low-carb living than the residents of any other state, but this easy adult beverage sure is popular in Indiana. The appeal is obvious: It only calls for four ingredients, and one of them is a garnish. A little bubbly, a little unsweetened raspberry tea, and a smidge of raspberry syrup is all you need for this pretty brunch beverage.
Iowa: Walnut and Maple Old Fashioned
I read somewhere that the black walnut is the most valuable tree in Iowa. Maybe that’s why residents like to gussy up a classic cocktail like the Old Fashioned with a little maple syrup and a few dashes of walnut bitters. Or maybe it’s simply that the two flavors complement bourbon beautifully.
Kansas: Spiked Frosted Lemonade
The state of Kansas is equidistant from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans — it’s the center of America. So it makes sense that the state’s favorite libation is a riff on an all-American milkshake. The recipe blends frozen lemonade concentrate, vanilla ice cream, and vodka into a thick, citrusy shake with a kick.
Kentucky: Maple Bourbon Aperol Spritz
Kentuckians are justly proud of their bourbon, which might be why this cocktail is so popular. It updates the Italian classic aperol spritz — prosecco, bittersweet orange Aperol, and an orange slice — with bourbon and a little maple syrup.
Louisiana: Satsuma Old Fashioned
New Orleans’ own Peychaud’s Bitters and fresh satsuma mandarin orange juice add a Louisiana twist to this version of the popular drink. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Maine: Autumn Sangria with Apples, Pomegranate and Figs
Maine is my favorite place to visit — my family’s been vacationing there on and off for 20 years. I can absolutely see myself watching an early autumn sunset with a glass of this luscious sangria in my hand. For the brandy in the recipe, I prefer to use cognac.
Maryland: Orange Crush Cocktail
The birthplace of this refreshing drink is Ocean City, Maryland — and Marylanders drink it all summer long. Think of it as a fizzy screwdriver of sorts, with fresh-squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda.
Massachusetts: Cranberry Old Fashioned
Massachusetts grows about one-third of the country’s cranberries, and it seems Bay Staters embrace any opportunity to use the jewel-like fruit. The whiskey-based recipe calls for homemade cranberry simple syrup, which is easy to make, but if you’re short on time, swap in regular simple syrup and a splash of cranberry juice.
Michigan: Salted Caramel Pudding Shots!
Permit me to sound like an old lady for a moment: In my day, Jell-O shots were all the rage. Sometime in the last decade or so, pudding shots have caught the spotlight. Michiganders in particular seem to like them, especially when they’re topped with whipped cream and drizzled with salted caramel.
Minnesota: John Collins
Swap the gin in a Tom collins for whiskey (like a nice Scotch) and you’ve got yourself a John collins. In Minnesota, its popularity outstrips its more famous cousin. This one definitely wins for looks: The color of the spirit gives the drink a pretty golden-amber hue.
Mississippi: Big Batch Charred Whisky Sour
The classic whiskey sour calls for whiskey, of course, as well as simple syrup and lemon juice. Easy peasy. The version adored in the Magnolia State is slightly more complicated, but the recipe serves eight. To make it, you char lemon halves and slices in a cast-iron skillet before using, which lends the cocktail a lovely smokiness.
Missouri: The BEST Sangria
In the Show-Me State, they must like uncovering secrets, because this sangria has a secret ingredient. In addition to red wine, brandy, an orange liqueur like Cointreau, and plenty of fresh fruit, you’ll muddle some arugula into the mix. It adds a mysterious, peppery punch.
Montana: Presidente
In Big Sky Country, residents appreciate a cocktail that looks like a gorgeous sunset and tastes like heaven. The presidente is simple but very, very delicious: Put lemon drop cocktail mixer (or lemon juice and simple syrup), light rum, and a dash of dry vermouth in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain into a martini glass, and add grenadine.
Nebraska: Fizzy Julep
The mint julep is famously associated with the Kentucky Derby, so I’m not sure why Cornhuskers are so into this bubbly version — but I don’t blame them one bit. It takes the basic cocktail made from muddled mint and sugar, bourbon, and ice, and tops it off with Champagne.
Nevada: Truffle Manhattan
What’s that saying, go big or go home? Nevada’s favorite cocktail reflects it perfectly. It combines Macallan Scotch, Martini Rosso sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, orange peel — and a heady dose of truffle oil.
New Hampshire: The Aperol Spritz
New Hampshirites are known for Yankee practicality, which could explain why one of their favorite libations is so straightforward. The classic aperol spritz, made from prosecco, aperol, soda water, and orange slices, is as easy to make as it is to drink.
New Jersey: Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Down the shore on a blistering summer day, I’m pretty sure folks enjoy this frosty refreshment by the pitcher. In the blender, frozen watermelon cubes meet tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup, and the result will knock your socks off.
New Mexico: Dirty Shirley
New Mexico’s nickname, The Land of Enchantment, makes it sound like a place where childhood never ends. Is that why they love this grown-up version of a childhood drink? The dirty shirley includes the grenadine, ginger ale, and maraschino from the Shirley Temple, but spikes it with vodka.
New York: Tito's Classic Cosmo
Sex and the City, set in New York City, made the cosmopolitan famous, and I guess my fellow New Yorkers aren’t ready to let it go just yet. The cocktail is on the sweeter side, thanks to orange liqueur and cranberry juice, but vodka and lime juice keep it from veering too far into toothache territory.
North Carolina: Mint Mojito
Fun fact: The Tar Heel State has the ninth-largest Cuban population in the country. And residents love their mojitos, the classic combo from Cuba of muddled mint leaves, white rum, lime juice, sugar, and sparkling water.
North Dakota: Pineapple-Basil Rum Fizz
Residents of famously cold, landlocked North Dakota enjoy a tropical treat. Their top cocktail features fresh pineapple juice and lime juice, light rum, club soda, and an herbal surprise: fresh basil.
Ohio: Mint Chocolate Martini
Buckeyes combine chocolate and peanut butter, but the Buckeye State’s favorite adult beverage puts chocolate alongside mint instead. With creme de cocoa, creme de menthe, whipped cream-flavored vodka, half-and-half, and chocolate shavings on top, the grasshopper martini is one of those drinks that falls into dessert territory.
Oklahoma: Raspberry Bourbon Smash
People in the Sooner State like to unwind with this fruity, minty pick-me-up. To start, you muddle together mint leaves and fresh raspberries, then add lime juice, simple syrup, and bourbon. Add a splash of club soda and garnish with a mint sprig.
Illustration by Clark Miller
Oregon: Marionberry Gin and Jam
Marionberries are a variety of blackberry, grown exclusively in Oregon. This tasty cocktail makes the most of blackberries’ deep sweet-tart quality. It uses a clever trick, shaking seedless jam with gin, elderflower liquor, and lemon juice, so you can enjoy this even when the berries are out of season.
Pennsylvania: Orange Creamsicle Martini
Creamy and fruity, this adults-only orange Julius brightens the day of many a Pennsylvania resident. Orange juice stars, along with half-and-half and whipped cream-flavored vodka. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and an orange slice, it’s perfect for a steamy summer evening.
Rhode Island: The Dubliner
Our smallest state has a substantial Irish population — in the last census, more Rhode Islanders claimed Irish heritage than any other. The Dubliner, obviously, features Irish whiskey, along with orange-scented Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
South Carolina: Spicy Bacon Bloody Mary
Looks like folks in South Carolina know how to do brunch right — their top cocktail takes the classic Bloody Mary up a few notches. In addition to the usual tomato juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, hot sauce, and vodka, this version garnishes with Creole seasoning, crisp bacon, and olives.
Illustration by Clark Miller
South Dakota: Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned
Home to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, South Dakota is also home to some classic Americana. Residents like a classic American cocktail, but this time made with an interesting twist: Rather than plain ol’ bourbon, the spirit gets infused with aromatic toasted pecans.
Tennessee: Kahlua® Espresso Martini
Whether they enjoy it with brunch or as an energy source for a late night of fun, Tennesseans go for this easy-to-make cocktail that calls for nothing but coffee liqueur, vodka, and espresso.
Texas: White Russian
Deep in the heart of Texas, this creamy, vodka- and coffee liqueur-spiked drink has captured countless fans. They particularly enjoy this version, which adds amaro, the Italian liqueur, for something more nuanced and less sweet.
Utah: Boilermaker
It’s hard to find a cocktail more basic or easier to make than the Boilermaker. In Utah they do it right, filling a pint glass halfway with beer, then dropping a shot glass of whiskey right into it and chugging the whole thing.
Vermont: Strawberry Sangria with Lime and Basil
Vermont may be best known for snowy peaks, but summers there are downright lovely. A pitcher of this light, lively punch would be just the thing for watching the sun go down behind the mountains.
Virginia: Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes
Virginia is one of the top pumpkin-growing states in the country, and this adults-only milkshake puts pumpkin puree to delectably good use. In addition to vanilla ice cream and the other usual milkshake ingredients, it includes graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, and bourbon.
Washington: Pear and Gin Prosecco Cocktail
Most of the pears grown in the U.S. come from the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, they combine an herb-scented pear puree with gin, simple syrup, and sparkling wine for a cocktail infused with fall flavors.
West Virginia: Sazerac
This classic drink originated in New Orleans, but West Virginians have adopted it as their own. In this cousin to the old-fashioned, rye whiskey meets simple syrup, bitters, water, and ice in a shaker. Pro tip: For an extra hint of authenticity, swirl a bit of absinthe in each glass and discard the excess before you pour in the cocktail. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Wisconsin: Easy Brandy Slush Bucket
Wisconsinites drink more brandy per capita than any other state of the nation. This recipe — which makes a full gallon, enough for almost any party — uses two full cups of brandy along with both frozen orange juice and lemonade concentrate, sugar, and peach schnapps.
Wyoming: Best Ever Strawberry Watermelon Daiquiris
I’ll admit, I was surprised to find a frozen drink atop Wyoming’s list of favorites. But then I learned that resort town Jackson Hole is known for “sloshies,” what they call boozy frozen drinks. This sloshy-esque concoction combines fresh watermelon, frozen strawberries, coconut cream, lime juice, and two kinds of liquor.
Illustration by Clark Miller
Popular recipes, with a side of data
Keep reading to learn more about Yummly home cooks' favorite recipes, as revealed by the fascinating world of data.