ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota State Fair’s list of new foods gets the most attention each year, but the list of new specialty drinks also includes plenty of unique and intriguing options.
The trade show on Monday announced 63 new drinks for the 2024 Great Minnesota Get-Together. Here are some highlights:
- Blueberry pancake lager: “This fun, breakfast-inspired brew perfectly combines the tang of tart blueberries with a sweet maple syrup and a smooth malty finish. The playful notes of caramel, brown sugar, and blueberry will take you back to summer mornings at the breakfast table.” At Cafe Caribe.
- Frozen Spicy Pineapple Margarita: “Take it up a notch with this frozen cocktail-inspired slushie featuring pineapple and tequila flavors, Proper Bartender Habanero Bitters, and topped with Tajín seasoning.” At Cafe Caribe.
- Grilled pineapple lager: “This beer is perfectly charred and has a caramelized flavor on the juicy pineapple base.” At Mancini’s al Fresco.
- Iced Tea Lemonade Blond Beer: “A refreshing cream ale inspired by the legendary Arnold Palmer drink. This unique brew combines the crispness of a classic cream ale with the zesty taste of lemonade and the classic flavor of iced tea. Cheers to embracing the bright side of life with every refreshing sip.” At Coasters.
- Mustard Stain IPA: “Inspired by the perfect carnival condiment, this mustard beer is a full-bodied, hop-forward, Session IPA spiced with mustard seeds. Sit back and enjoy this beer while watching a horse or cattle show.” At Aldo’s Burgers, Sabino’s Pizza Pies, Snack House and Swine & Spuds
- Piña Cider Lada: “A blend of freshly squeezed apples, dry fermented and then sweetened with pineapple juice and coconut cream. Garnished with a pineapple cherry skewer.” At Giggles’ Campfire Grill.
- S’more Than A Feeling Slushie: “This drink combines the flavors of the traditional campfire treat, delivering notes of toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and graham cracker crunch. Flavors merge into a seltzer-based frozen slushie for a refreshing sense of nostalgia and outdoor adventure in every sip.” At Swine & Spuds.
The full list can be found on the fair’s website.
The fair announced its new foods last month, including fried ranch dressing, walking shepherd’s pie and more.
Also new this year: two attractions in the Midway, the Kraken and the Defender; an app with daily schedules, searchable food, and more; and improved accessibility options.
You can eat, drink and check out all the new offerings when the fair opens on August 22. The fair runs through September 2.
Organizers have said ticket prices will not increase this year. Admission is $18 for ages 13-64 and $16 for children ages 5-12 and seniors 65 and older, just like last year. Children ages 4 and under are free.
The stock exchange also has its free entertainment programas well as the Grandstand acts, including Motley Crue, Ludacris and T-Pain and more.
Total attendance for the 2023 fair was 1.8 million — the sixth highest number ever.
