Massachusetts: The Cape Codder

In Massachusetts the classy and classic vodka cranberry goes by a different name, it’s called the Cape Codder. With Ocean Spray cranberry headquartered in the state, it makes sense this would be their signature drink. It is also possibly one of the easiest drinks to make. Just combine vodka and cranberry juice into a glass with ice, add a lime to garnish, and enjoy.

• 3 oz Cranberry juice
• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 Lime wedge

Michigan: The Hummer

First created by a bartender in Detroit at the Bayview Yacht Club in the 1970s, The Hummer became an instant hit with bars across the state. The name is said to have come from one of the club members who told people after drinking it, it kind of makes you want to hum. This sweet drink is made by blending vanilla ice cream with rum and Kahlua in a blender and pouring it into a rocks glass. It’s the perfect adult milk shake.

• 1 1/2 oz White rum
• 1 1/2 oz Kahlua
• 2 Scoops vanilla ice cream

Minnesota: The Bootleg

The Bootleg is the most popular drink in Minnesota to have during those long, cold winter nights. There are many stories of how this drink was first invented, but what they all have in common is that it was created at a local country club during the Prohibition era. The Woodhill Country Club of Wayzata claims to be that club and is the only place you can buy the official mix for the drink, though there are recipes to make it at home. To make the mix, put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until mint is chopped finely. It is then recommended to pour into a jar and refrigerate for at least two hours to let flavors develop. Once that is done pour in the gin and the finished mix into low ball glass filled with ice. Then top with club soda and garnish with mint.

Bootleg Mix

• 1 Can lemonade concentrate
• 1 Can limeade concentrate
• 1 Cup packed mint

Bootleg Cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz Gin (vodka or rum can also be used)
• 3 oz Bootleg mix
• Splash of club soda
• Mint for garnish

Mississippi: Mississippi Punch

This old fashion cocktail has been drunk in Mississippi since the 1860s. The Mississippi Punch was created by Jerry Thomas, who is known as the father of American mixology. It was featured in his first book on cocktails in 1862 called How to Mix Drinks. A warning: this drink is strong, but what can you expect from a drink that’s main ingredients are three different types of alcohol. To make combine the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with crushed ice and strain into a collins glass with ice. Garnish it with an orange slice or some fresh raspberries. Enjoy responsibly, this drink packs quiet the punch.

• 2 oz Cognac
• 1 oz Bourbon whiskey
• 1 Dark rum
• 1/2 oz Lemon juice
• 2 tsp Superfine sugar
• Orange slice or Raspberries for garnish