The Great Minnesota Get-Together
The Minnesota State Fair is a massive event attracting over 2 million visitors annually. Its popularity stems from a diverse array of foods, entertainment, and unique attractions. Iconic food items include Sweet Martha’s Cookies, cheese curds, corn on the cob, Pronto Pups, mini donuts, turkey legs, fried pickles, tater tot hotdish, deep-fried candy bars, and new, creative food items introduced each year.
The fair offers extensive entertainment, such as concerts, parades, rides, and shows, alongside agricultural exhibits and competitions. With a history dating back to 1859, it celebrates Minnesota's heritage and fosters a strong sense of community. The fair is family-friendly and educational, making it a beloved tradition.
Each year Minnesotans wait for the announcement of the new foods that will be available at the Fair. Usually it is something fried or on a stick! There are also great beverages to pair with you favorite State Fair foods.
Live at The Fair
If you plan to attend this year, we have some great pairings for you to try!
Schells Brewery At Lulu’s Public House
Schells is the oldest brewery in Minnesota and the second oldest family-owned brewery in America. They have been around since 1860 and have a wide vareity of craft beers and lagers to please any palate. This year, check out their booth located at Lulu’s Public House in the West End Market. You will find three specialty products and some tasty fair foods to go along with them.
Schells & Tattersall collaboration of Tangerine Mojito
Schells Imperial Lager
Schells Sour Patch
Try these tasty pairings!
Pick up some Cheesecake Curds to enjoy with the Tangerine Mojito or Sour Patch and some BANG BANG Chicken Tenders for the lager. You can also grab the Schells Oktoberfest, the #1 selling Oktoberfest in the state! Try pairing with the NEW Deep Fried Ranch. All food items are available at Lulu’s.
Bauhaus Brew Labs At Cafe Caribe
Bauhaus Brew Labs is a vibrant craft brewery based in NE Minneapolis, known for its playful approach to brewing and strong ties to German-inspired traditions. Established in 2014, Bauhaus combines creativity, community, and a deep respect for the art of beer-making, offering a range of bold, flavorful brews that reflect the eclectic spirit of its founders. The brewery's atmosphere is just as lively as its beers, making it a beloved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. This year at the Fair, be sure to go to Cafe Caribe for some delicious specialty beverages available from Bauhaus.
Bolo Blackberry Mojito Seltzer - This beverage has notes of blackberry, lime, mint, and sweet honey, with a lovely purple hue!
Bauhaus Seedless Summer - A sour ale brewed with fresh watermelon juice and a hint of sea salt.
How about enjoying these with some loaded fries, jerk chicken, seafood, or a burger. You can’t go wrong with the variety of options here.
Surly Brewing Co. At The Hideaway
Surly Brewing Co., founded in 2006 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a pioneering force in the craft beer movement, known for its uncompromising approach to brewing bold, full-flavored beers. Surly gained national recognition with its flagship beer, Furious, a hop-forward IPA that set the tone for the brewery's reputation. With a state-of-the-art facility and a commitment to innovation, Surly has become a cornerstone of the Twin Cities' craft beer scene, offering a diverse lineup of brews that appeal to both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers.
NEW this year from Surly is the ATTACK OF THE QUACK! You can’t miss this one paired with the bootlegger sandwich!
This is a purple-punch inspired kettle sour topped with a Salted Foam Rim with a Minnesota Vikings souvenir rubber ducky on top. SKOL Vikings!
How to Make a Wine or Booze Slushie at Home!
If you can’t make it to the Fair this year and want a fun way to beat the heat at home, check out this fun easy to make frozen drinks that you can enjoy on your porch, patio, or balcony.
Wine and booze slushies, along with other frozen cocktails, have surged in popularity, especially during the warmer months, as they offer a refreshing and playful twist on traditional drinks. These icy concoctions are perfect for cooling off on hot days, combining the appeal of familiar beverages like wine, margaritas, or daiquiris with the fun, nostalgic texture of a slushie.
Here is a fun wine and boozy frose that is refreshing with a little kick!
Tropical Bumbu Rum Slushie
2 cups frozen mango
2 cups frozen pineapple
1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
Juice of one lime
2/4 cub Bumbu Original Rum
1-2 cups ice
Lime slices to garnish. Makes 4 cups.
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until desired consistency. Serve immediately or freeze.
Bumbu Original Rum is highly regarded among rum enthusiasts for its depth of flavor, authentic Caribbean character, and versatility in both sipping and cocktail applications. It makes a vibrant tropical cocktail that delivers a memorable and enjoyable experience that resonates with rum lovers worldwide.
Spicy Strawberry Frosé
Ingredients:
1 bottle of Yes Way Rosé
1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 Jalapeno, stem and seeds removed
1 oz. honey
1/2 cup Siempre Tequila
Garnish: tajin rim, strawberry half, jalapeno slice.
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until desired consistency. To serve, pour into your glass of choice and garnish!
Yes Way Rosé's still rosé wine has a crisp and refreshing flavor profile. It features notes of ripe strawberries, citrus, and white peach, balanced with a subtle hint of minerality. The wine is light-bodied with a dry finish, making it a versatile and easy-to-drink option for warm-weather sipping. This flavor profile makes it a perfect match for a frosé.
Siempre Tequila is crafted from a unique blend of Blue Weber agave from both the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco, resulting in a smooth, well-balanced flavor profile with notes of cooked agave, vanilla, citrus, and spice. The brand was founded by a passionate couple whose personal story of resilience and dedication is reflected in the tequila's authenticity. This, combined with its artisanal production methods, makes Siempre Tequila a standout choice for a cocktail.
Frozen Sangria Slushie
1 cup of Z. Alexander Brown Cabernet Sauvignon
1 cup ice cubes, crushed
1/3 cup frozen blueberries
1/3 cup frozen strawberries
1/3 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup of Naranja Orange Liqueur
1/2 orange, juiced
1 tablespoon white sugar, or more to taste
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until desired consistency. Serve immediately or freeze.
Z. Alexander Brown Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted in collaboration with musician Zac Brown and it is great in sangria! Its bold flavors of dark fruits, along with notes of mocha and vanilla, provide a rich base that complements the fruity and citrusy elements typically found in sangria. The wine's full-bodied nature holds up well with the fruit, and a splash of orange liqueur, creating a flavorful and robust sangria. Naranja Orange Liqueur is a premium orange liqueur with deep roots in Mexican tradition. Crafted using high-quality, hand-selected oranges, Naranja is known for its vibrant, authentic citrus flavor. The liqueur has a bright, zesty profile with a balance of sweetness and a touch of bitterness, making it an ideal ingredient for cocktails
Whether you are enjoying the Minnesota Get Together with friends or recreating your favorite fair foods and experiences at home, these are some great brands to enjoy while supporting our friends and neighbors who work for the companies that make these brands available in Minnesota. So, relax and enjoy every sip we have left of summer!