You’re probably familiar with some of Massachusetts’ state symbols.
The state flower is the Mayflower, named after the ship. The Boston Terrier is the state dog and the first purebred American dog breed. The state dessert is the Boston Cream Pie, while the state donut is the Boston Cream Donut.
But do you know what the official state beverage is?
Here’s the story behind the Commonwealth’s official state beverage.
What is Massachusetts’ official state drink
Cranberry juice is the official drink of Massachusetts, according to the Secretary of State’s website.
Cranberry juice was designated as the state’s official beverage on May 4, 1970, in honor of the cranberry industry. Cranberry agriculture has existed in Massachusetts for more than 200 years, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association. Pun not intended.
According to the Secretary’s website, the cranberry is also our state berry, having been designated as such by the General Court on July 11, 1994. Last year, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Keith Shannon expressed the same sentiment to Wicked Local media partner WCVB.
Cocktails with cranberry juice
You can honor the Commonwealth’s state drink by incorporating it as a delicious mixer into any cocktails or mocktails you serve at your next social event.
The Vodka Cranberry, also known as the Cape Codder, is a cocktail made with one part vodka and five parts cranberry juice, with a lime slice added as a garnish. It’s served over ice in a rocks glass or a highball.
You could also try a Cosmopolitan, which combines vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau (also known as triple sec), and lime juice. The drink is shaken and served in a cocktail glass with an orange swirl.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for Thanksgiving, try making a Harvest Spice Punch.
It’s a holiday drink made with cinnamon whiskey, cranberry juice, frozen cranberries, ginger ale, red wine, and whiskey, stirred and served in a punch bowl.
