Food

New Sips: Beer, Wine, and Slushies at the Minnesota State Fair

Our Food Editor combs through the 70 new adult beverages debuting this year

July 17, 2025

A raspberry beer in soft-serve form? Yes, that’s a thing this year at the Minnesota State Fair, at the West End Brews area by the Schilling Amphitheater. Take a beer, infuse it with berries, and turn it into soft serve—I like it.

Slushies reign supreme at the Minnesota State Fair, as what we used to call the “New State Fair Beer” list is out. It’s the “New Specialty Sips” list now. There are 70 new alcoholic drinks debuting at the State Fair this year—heavy on the non-cocktail cocktails (using malt liquor which is technically beer) and seltzer-based slushies. Looking for weird? Pryes Brewing Co. has a sticky toffee pudding beer at O’Garas, a riff on a frozen espresso martini at Cafe Caribe, and Dino’s has an ouzo/pomegranate seltzer—who loves ya, baby?

Tons of strawberry and rhubarb flavors in this list. Other headlines: After a year celebrating all of their old classics, Ball Park Cafe is getting back in the new beer game with three new brews—I can’t wait to try Pryes’ Mexican Fruit Cup. Also new: An Earl Giles mocktail that will be found at Ball Park Cafe, O’Garas, and Bandstand Concessions sounds delicious—the Midway Sunset Mocktail is made with blood orange, mango, pineapple, and hibiscus.

I mentioned the other new NA drink options in my new food roundup—this year, there’s been a real effort to provide more than just flavored lemonade for people looking for non-alcoholic options. They even added an NA Specialty Sips filter in the Fair Finder and in the Minnesota State Fair app: bit.ly/msf-na-sips

What else stands out? Blue Barn has a seltzer-based Bloody Mary that sounds cool, and a rosé wine spritz; Andy’s Grille with a Pineapple Upside Down Slushy from Lift Bridge intrigues; Frozen Espresso Martini Hard Seltzer at Cafe Caribe; Strawberry Rhubarb Runway at the Hangar; LuLu’s has a Hot Honey Cream Ale from Bauhaus Brew Labs (I love a spicy beer), and Indeed Brewing’s Peach Dipped Pale Ale. I want to try Indeed’s Breeze Melon Squeezy (yuzu/watermelon) at Mancini’s, and the O’Perol Spritz at O’Gara’s, too.

Here’s the list with all descriptions provided by the State Fair. Beers are listed in bold, slushies/cocktails are italics, and wines/ciders are plain text.

IN THE COLISEUM:

Aloha Pineapple Haze: Filled with pineapple flavor, this hazy beer delights the senses with vibrant tropical fruit notes from its hop blend and natural pineapple puree. Light, juicy, and irresistibly refreshing, it’s perfect for a sunny day. 5% ABV. 33 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company.

Blushing Dragon Slushie: Found only at Rooted & Wild (Snack House) and Swine & Spuds: Vibrant cider slushie exploding with strawberry, pomegranate, and dragon fruit flavors. Ice-cold, boldly fruity, and refreshingly tart. 6% ABV. Made in Minneapolis, Minn., by Minneapolis Cider Company.

AT ANDY’S GRILLE:

Hurricane: Zesty passion fruit, orange, and lime juices meld together with a splash of grenadine for a sweet, sunset-hued finish. With smooth rum flavors and a tropical surprise, this New Orleans cocktail-inspired drink is served over ice and is the perfect sip to soak in the fair’s lively vibe. 6% ABV. Brewed in Vadnais Heights, Minn., by Big Wood Brewery.

Orange Bliss: Bursting with a medley of orange flavors, complemented by smooth vanilla and marmalade-like notes from Amarillo hops. Sit back and enjoy this lush, citrus-forward smoothie ale. 6.1% ABV. 20 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Slushy: An indulgent combination of creamy vanilla and rich caramel, exploding with juicy pineapple and buttery cake flavors. Topped with a cherry—just like the classic dessert. It’s a nostalgic treat with a boozy quirk. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

AT BALL PARK CAFE:

Liquid Superdelic: Sweet tropical berry candy, juicy pineapple citrus, and a hint of honey-like malt, this double dry-hopped hazy IPA is a true flavor experience. Loaded with oat and wheat for a fluffy body that’s soft, smooth, and perfectly balanced. 6% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Modist Brewing.

Metrodome IPA: A positively stacked lineup of Mosaic, Krush, and Strata Hyperboost fuse together for a bold, hoppy IPA. 6.5% ABV. Brewed in St. Paul, Minn., by BlackStack Brewing.

Mexican Fruit Cup: A bold, tropical punch flavor wave with mango, pineapple, watermelon, a splash of zesty lime, and finished with a Tajín rim. This exclusive offering brings the heat and refreshment of a getaway straight to your glass. 4.8% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company.
Passion Fruit Vanilla Seltzy: Bright, tangy passion fruit meets the soft, sweet notes of vanilla in this refreshing hard seltzer. Surprisingly smooth and absolutely perfect for chasing those summer day vibes. 6% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Indeed Brewing.

Shandyland Cider: A crisp apple cider combined with real lemonade, creating a vibrant duo of Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops. Bright, citrusy, and just sweet enough. 5% ABV. Made in Minneapolis, Minn., by Minneapolis Cider Company.

INSIDE THE GRANDSTAND/BANDSTAND CONCESSIONS:

Green Flag Seltzer: A fizzy, vibrant explosion of citrusy lime that’s cool and crisp. Citrus-forward, this seltzer finishes with a clean, sparkling, unexpected delight. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company in collaboration with Earl Giles Distillery.

THE BLUE BARN:

A-OKAY Hazy IPA: Notes of sweet tropical fruits burst through in this juicy and hazy New England-style IPA, featuring Citra and Elani hops. Refreshing and delightful, balanced by a bright citrus backbone. 6.5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Venn Brewing.

Aloha Ice: Passion fruit, orange, and guava (POG) come together to deliver a sweet, citrusy flavor. Refreshingly cool, it’s tropical vibes in a cup. 5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Freehouse Brewery.

Backyard Bloody Mary: A seltzer-based Bloody Mary drink. Elegantly garnished with a zesty lemon wedge and an olive. 5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Freehouse Brewery.

Cherry Apple Pie Cider: Bold cherry with notes of apple pie spice, creating a balance between sweet and tart flavors. It’s like a bite of fresh pie in every sip. 6% ABV. Made in Duluth, Minn., by Wild State Cider.

Prickly Pear Sour: Exploding with the tangy-sweet punch of prickly pear, this bold brew is packed with vibrant fruit flavor. Bright and eye-catching, it delivers a flavor reminiscent of your favorite hard candy. 4.4% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Freehouse Brewery.

Strawberry Summer Spritz: Crisp rosé is infused with strawberry and rhubarb. A fruity, bubbly wine with hints of cucumber and mint. 6.3% ABV. Wine made in Scandia, Minn., by Rustic Roots Winery.

CAFE CARIBE:

Bolo Guava Mojito Hard Seltzer: A taste sensation with tropical guava, zesty lime, cool mint, and a hint of sweet agave, this cocktail-inspired hard seltzer is your gluten-free getaway. (Gluten-free) 5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Bauhaus Brew Labs.

Frozen Espresso Martini Hard Seltzer: A frozen brewed twist inspired by a classic cocktail. Rich, smooth, and topped with a chocolate-covered coffee bean—because why not be a little extra? 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Pineapple WHIPlash: A frozen treat-inspired hard seltzer melds juicy pineapple, vanilla, cane sugar, and a touch of lactose for a creamy finish. Crafted with a hint of butterfly pea flower for a bold purple punch, it is like your favorite Minnesota team’s fourth-quarter twist, so get ready for some serious whiplash. 5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Sociable Cider Werks.

CHICAGO DOGS (IN THE GARDEN):

Scooby Slush: Melon, banana, coconut, pineapple, and lime blend into one groovy, frozen ride. Bursting with bold flavors and playful nostalgia. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

COASTERS:

Caramel Corn Cream Ale: A smooth, golden brew with notes of sweet caramel and toasted popcorn with a crisp finish. It’s a throwback delight on your classic cream ale. 4.8% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Rockin’ Rosé: Bubbly and packed with flavors of cherry, kiwi, and watermelon. Served over ice then garnished with popping candy for a rockin’ good time. 12% ABV. Made in Cannon Falls, Minn., by Cannon River Winery.

Sgt. Pepper Slushie: Inspired by the 23-flavor classic pop with a cherry transformation, this bold and spiced slushie brings the soda shop to the fair. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

DINO’S GYROS:

Aegean Dream Lager: Blood orange citrus followed by a hint of sea salt. This refreshingly smooth and complex lager is enhanced with a crisp, coastal quirk. 4.7% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Indeed Brewing.

Greek Goddess: Rich pomegranate and ouzo flavor give this hard seltzer its bold, Mediterranean-inspired taste. Crisp, vibrant, and perfectly thirst-quenching. Enjoy solo or in a Seltzer Flight with other Dino’s Gyros’ specialty sips. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Lil’ Sour Buddies: A tangy, sour punch up-front with a sweet candy finish, just like your favorite sour treats. It’s bright, playful, and made for sipping with a smirk. Enjoy solo or in a Seltzer Flight with other Dino’s Gyros’ specialty sips. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Picklerita: Zesty dill pickle meets classic margarita in this refreshingly unexpected hard seltzer. Bold, briny, and bursting with citrus, it’s a flavor combo you didn’t know you needed. Enjoy solo or in a Seltzer Flight with other Dino’s Gyros’ specialty sips. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Pomegranate Spritz: A bright and bubbly pomegranate craft cider. Effortlessly festive, striking the perfect balance between fun and easygoing. 5.5% ABV. Made in Duluth, Minn., by Wild State Cider.

Strawberry Lemonale: The sweet aroma of strawberries, raspberries, and lemons paired with an undertone of vanilla. Full bodied and silky smooth, with a bright bubbly surprise. 4.8% ABV. Brewed in Two Harbors, Minn., by Castle Danger Brewing.

FRENCH CRÊPERIE:

Grape Ape Wine Slushy: A refreshing Seyval white wine infused with grape flavoring. Enjoy this delicious and cooling, frozen drink to sweeten your summer. 6% ABV. Wine made in Hastings, Minn., by Alexis Bailly Vineyard.

THE FRONTIER:

Blueberry Lemon Cream Ale: A golden cream ale with a smooth malt base, infused with ripe blueberries and bright lemon zest for a refreshing, slightly tart finish. Light-bodied, crisp, and perfect for a day at the fairgrounds. 4.9% ABV. 15 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Fulton Brewing.

Huckleberry Haze IPA: A hazy IPA that wrangles bold tropical hops and real huckleberry into one smooth, refreshing beer. A fun and vibrant beer reminiscent of summer. 6.5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

GIGGLES’ CAMPFIRE GRILL:

Silver Rosé: Notes of fresh strawberry, mandarin orange, white cherry, and pomegranate. Reminiscent of a dry Provençal rosé with wonderful minerality and a flutter of tannin that lingers on the palate. 13.1% ABV. Wine made in Dellwood, Minn., by 7 Vines Vineyard.

Strawberry Blaze: This strawberry blonde ale is packed full of bright flavors and finished with a jalapeño kick. Garnished with a Tajín-dusted lime. 4.5% ABV. 15 IBUs. Brewed in Amana, Iowa, by Millstream Brewing Co.

THE HANGAR:

Bad Apple Honeycrisp Lager: Brewed with pilsner malt and real Honeycrisp apples, it delivers a bright, tart-sweet balance with a smooth, dry finish. This lager captures the essence of Minnesota’s famous apple. 4.4% ABV. Brewed in St. Paul, Minn., by Bad Weather Brewing Company.

Pink Prickly Pear Agave Altitude: Freshly pressed apples, prickly pear cactus fruit, and agave nectar come together in a vibrant trio. With a soft pink hue, juicy fruit-forward flavor, and crisp finish, it’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate. 6% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Sociable Cider Werks.

Strawberry Rhubarb Runway: Bright, tart rhubarb pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries, creating a refreshing nod to a beloved local duo. This sour is straight out of Minnesota—a classic combination that celebrates the season. 4.8% ABV. 5 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., made by Pryes Brewing Company.

THE HIDEAWAY SPEAKEASY:

Galaxy Groove: An American pale ale infused with tropical flavors from the Australian hop Galaxy. Served with a space-themed rubber ducky. 5.5% ABV. 45 IBUs. Brewed in Boston, Mass., by Samuel Adams Boston Beer Co.

THE STINGER!: Margarita-inspired and fueled by the sweet heat of mango habanero. This wine-based drink is served with a candied scorpion on-a-stick for a daring yet unforgettable satisfyingly spicy sip. 7% ABV. Wine made in Cannon Falls, Minn., by Cannon River Winery.

LULU’S PUBLIC HOUSE:

Boozy Root Beer Float: The iconic root beer float gets a boozy, frozen makeover. Rich in flavor with a nostalgic feeling and just the right amount of fun. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Cherry Rhubarb Crumble: Freshly pressed apples, Michigan cherry juice, rhubarb, and a hint of molasses fuse together. Tart, sweet, and perfectly balanced—it’s comfort in a cup. 5.9% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Sociable Cider Werks.

Cucumber Melon Refresher: Cucumber melon fuses with sweet watermelon. Finishes with a cool, crisp rush of cucumber for a light and boozy refresher. 4% ABV. Brewed in New Ulm, Minn., by August Schell Brewing.

Hot Honey Mead: A blend of subtle habanero pepper heat and delicate sweetness of honey with a clean, dry finish. Crafted from fermented Midwestern clover honey and lightly carbonated for a gentle effervescence. 6% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Sociable Cider Werks.

Hot Honey Play Grade Cream Ale: Sweet honey and a dash of “Minnesota Nice” spice flavor pairing. This bold flavor delivers a fresh take on the Midwest classic cream ale. 5.5% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Bauhaus Brew Labs.

Lemon Meringue: Delivering all the flavor of lemon meringue dessert in a frozen, boozy form. It’s indulgent, tart, and made to savor in every sip. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Peach Dipped Pale Ale: Freshly picked peach flavor shines through this bright-tasting pale ale, brewed using the innovative dip hop method. Delivering a hop-derived essence that’s both vibrant and refreshing. 5.9% ABV. 50 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Indeed Brewing.

Tropical Island Sour: Strawberry, passion fruit, peach, and orange packed into a lively sour. An invigorating blend of fruity flavor captures the essence of a tropical breeze. 4.8% ABV. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company.

Tropical Treat: A tropical wave of island fruits merge together in this boozy, frozen twist on nostalgic fruit punch. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

LULU’S PUBLIC HOUSE AND WEST END BREWS:

Blackberry Bramble: Juicy blackberries meet bright, tart lemon. This fruity duo delivers a refreshing sweet-and-sour summer combination. 5% ABV. Brewed in New Ulm, Minn. & River Falls, Wis., by August Schell Brewing in collaboration with Tattersall.

POG Party: Pineapple, orange, and guava (POG) unite to create a juicy, vibrant and tropical-blonde ale. Let’s party! 4.8% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

MANCINI’S AL FRESCO:

Blood Orange Bellini: Succulent blood orange brings sweet, citrusy zest to this fruity, bubbly cocktail, perfectly paired with crisp Minnesota Sparkling Edelweiss wine. Bright, playful, and ideal for toasting summer moments. 12% ABV. Made in Cannon Falls, Minn., by Cannon River Winery.

Breezy Melon Squeezy: Tart yuzu mixes with a mellow watermelon flavor to add perfect sweetness to a classic German Kölsch. A hint of mint ties it all together into a friendly summer sipper. 5% ABV. 15 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Indeed Brewing.

MINNESOTA WINE COUNTRY:

Blackberry Lemonade Wine Slushie: Blackberry wine and tangy lemonade blend seamlessly. Sweet, tart, and bold flavors swirl together for a refreshing slushie. 4.17% ABV. Wine made in Laporte, Minn., by Forestedge Winery.

Brianna Pineapple Wine Slushie: White wine with tropical notes and pineapple smoothie mix come together in this vibrant, summer-ready slushie. A taste bud explosion with sunny flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. 4.11% ABV. Wine made in Waconia, Minn., by Parley Lake Winery.

O’GARA’S AT THE FAIR:

Dragon Fruit Cider: Dragon fruit leads the way with a bold, tropical punch in this craft cider. Refreshing and unexpected, it’s juicy and striking. 5.2% ABV. Made in Duluth, Minn., by Wild State Cider.

Irish Sticky Toffee Pudding: Rich caramel notes unite seamlessly with bready malts and a touch of hops. This toasty ale lays down a warm, welcoming foundation for a flavorful adventure. 5.6% ABV. 13 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company.

O’Perol Spritz: Minnesota-made sparkling wine with refreshing hints of orange and herbal bitters. A vibrant orange hue shouts summer in this Aperol-inspired spritz. 6.6% ABV. Made in Scandia, Minn., by Rustic Roots Winery in collaboration with Earl Giles Distillery.

Pineapple Peach Hazy Pale Ale: Light, clean haze with big notes of candied peach and fresh-cut pineapple. Slight biscuit and oat character and a medium hoppy flavor combine for a mouthwatering brew. 4.8% ABV. Brewed in Two Harbors, Minn., by Castle Danger Brewing.

Shamrock Slushie: This icy combination of cool crème de menthe flavor and smooth vanilla is as refreshing as it is indulgent. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream delivering a creamy finish that is festive, frosty, and utterly irresistable. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company in collaboration with Earl Giles Distillery.

RAGIN CAJUN (IN THE GARDEN):

Black Cherry Lemonade: Flavors of sweet cherries and tart lemonade are blended into a hard slushie. The bold and icy mix makes for a flavorful summer refreshment. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Ragin Runner: The merge of bold tropical fruit flavors with a smooth, boozy flavor finish. Inspired by a beach bar favorite, this frozen delight is ready for any heat wave. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

RC’S BBQ:

Aloha Lemonade: A vibrant blue sparkling hard seltzer provides a flavor wave with the tangy-sweet flavors of pineapple and lemonade. This tropical transformation brings island vibes to every sip. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

SHANGHAI HENRI’S:

Apple Cider Pumpkin Spice: A sweet pumpkin cider made with freshly pressed apples and seasonal spices. This drink gives you that first taste of fall! (Gluten-free) 6% ABV. Made in Duluth, Minn., by Duluth Cider.

Code Shred: A full send of cherry and a blast of citrus bring this iconic drink to life in frozen, boozy form. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

Shanghai Sunset: Bright peach and tropical fruit flavors shine in this vibrant sparkling hard seltzer. Finished with a smooth drop of grenadine that settles like a picture-perfect sunset. 5% ABV. Brewed in Stillwater, Minn., by Lift Bridge Brewing Company.

SHANGHAI HENRI’S AND SUMMIT ON-A-STICK:

Grandstand Lime Up: A light- to medium-bodied, well-balanced lager-style beer featuring refreshing lime and a slight sweetness. One sip and you’ll be looking for an encore. 4.5% ABV. Brewed in St. Paul, Minn., by Summit Brewing Company.

TEJAS EXPRESS (IN THE GARDEN):

Churro Cream Ale: A sweet and creamy ale with notes of cinnamon, sugar, and deep-fried churro. Sip on this favorite festival treat in brewed form. 5.2% ABV. 20 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by HeadFlyer Brewing.

WEST END BREWS (WEST END MARKET BY AMPHITHEATER)

Soft Serve Royal Raspberry Beer: Juicy raspberry and subtle hints of passion fruit fuse together in this tart American fruited Berliner Weisse—reimagined in irresistible soft serve form! It’s the perfect fusion of refreshing beer and creamy indulgence in a cone. 4.8% ABV. 6 IBUs. Brewed in Minneapolis, Minn., by Pryes Brewing Company.