It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Whatever the occasion, whether you’re going out to a bar or making it yourself, a cocktail can be a great way to celebrate. Naturally, we were curious about what people across the country like to drink. Where you live, what the weather’s like, what time of year it is, or even local culture can dictate what you’re mixing up in your shaker.
In a sweeping majority, the most popular cocktail was a margarita, which came in first in a whopping 29 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Perhaps the margarita’s broad appeal is how endlessly customizable it is.
Next in line, with the 14 following states (mostly clustered in the Northeast), was a martini: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. Whether you prefer vodka or gin is up to you, but the cocktail simply exudes class and sophistication.
Just the five following states had an old-fashioned as their favorite cocktail: Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. (Try Beyonce’s version for a honey-infused twist on the classic!) The final two states stood in a league all their own, which wasn’t surprising, given their respective local cultures: Hawaii’s most popular cocktail is the tropical and fruity mai tai, while Louisiana’s is the classic daiquiri.
Jägermeister knows the quality of its product. Willy Shine, their energetic and charismatic Brand Meister, has been touring the country to reintroduce this spirit to the bar community as well as those that support it. The vehicle he is using is indicative of the direction of the brand. The trailer in which we were given a history lesson about amari is a converted mobile stage. Instead of showing up for the biggest music festivals, it is now showing up full of information and creative ways to utilize this versatile liquor. Which is the direction Jägermeister is heading; it wants to emphasize the multiple ways bartenders can use it, and patrons can enjoy it. It is not going to abandon its party past. In fact, the “Kühl as Ice” slogan it will be using this year (as well as their more prominent “Be The Meister” line) will be emphasizing serving it ice cold. -18 ˚C, to be exact.
