When it comes to the Wisconsin State Fair, there are a number of amazing things that you can always count on. There’s the great big yellow slide, cream puffs, unrivaled views from the Sky Glider, tasty corn dogs and – quite frankly – something for everyone.
You can also count on the fact that there will be days when the weather is positively sweltering. This year, the State Fair kicked off with 90+ degree weather, and there will undoubtedly be another scorcher before the 11 days of Wisconsin fun are over.
Fortunately, the 2023 Fair is filled with things that can assist you in cooling down, including a scad of new frozen drink options from Wisconsin Cold Fashioneds and frozen versions of Central Standard’s Ready to Drink cocktails to old-fashioned ice cream drinks and wine slushies. And yes, there are even amazing options for those who would prefer to refrain from the consumption of alcohol.
Let’s walk through the delicious options!
Wisconsin "Cold" Fashioned
If you’ve ever wished that you could get all the flavors of a Classic Old Fashioned in the form of a slushie, you’re in luck. The Cold Fashioned boasts plenty of whiskey flavor balanced out by just the right amount of orange and cherry ($12).
If you'd prefer, there's also frozen Vodka Lemonade (made with Great Lakes Distillery Vodka) and Strawberry Daiquiris, along with a riff on the Margarita ($12 each).
Where to find them: The Frozen Cocktail Bar at the Benno’s Leinie Lodge, Central Ave & Benno's Micro Alley;
You’ll also find the Cold Fashioned and Frozen Margarita at Camp Amber at the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater.
Frozen Bourbon Peach Smash
Looking for a summer Southern-inspired drink? Try Central Standard’s Bourbon Peach Smash, which is boozy and peachy and downright delicious. And because it’s frozen, this summery slushie is likely to take your internal body temperature down a few refreshing degrees after just a sip or two.
You’ll also find frozen versions of Central Standard’s Cherry Vodka Lemonade, Cherry Vodka Mule and Bourbon Lemon Honey Smash.
Other frozen drink options at Tropics include Bacardi Rum Hurricanes, Zombies, Bahama Mamas and Island Punch, Margaritas (lime, strawberry and mango passion) and Captain Morgan Rum Island Iced Tea
Where to find them: Tropics Frozen Drinks, Wetley Way & First Street
Brandy Alexander
Step up to the window at the Old Fashioned Sipper Club and you’ll find classic cocktails aplenty. From hand-muddled Wisconsin Old Fashioneds and Tom Collins to Screwdrivers and Bloody Marys. But you’ll also find two of the best supper club-style ice cream drinks this side of the Cream Puff Pavilion: the Brandy Alexander and The Grasshopper ($17 each).
The Brandy Alexander (pictured) is delightfully sweet with just the right kick from a liberal dose of Central Standard’s North 40 Brandy.
Where to find them: The Old Fashioned Sipper Club, Central Avenue and First Street across from the Original Cream Puff Pavilion
Wine Slush
If you’d prefer to chill out with a glass of wine, you’re in luck. The swanky Wineberry bar has you covered with their frozen wine slush, a perfectly fruity companion to one of their cheese plates. These delicious slushies are fruity and flavorful and worth every penny ($11).
Where to find them: Wineberry, at the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater
While you’re there, stick around for one of their musical headliners:
Tuesday, Aug. 8: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Wednesday, Aug. 9: Hairbangers Ball
Thursday, Aug. 10: Too Hype Crew
Friday, Aug. 11: Great White
Saturday, Aug. 12: The Entertainer
Sunday, Aug. 13: Pat McCurdy
Dragonfly Lemonade (NA)
This gorgeous frozen lemonade steps things up a notch with two distinctive layers: the bottom is flavored with dragonfruit and vanilla while the top is made with organic pink lemonade. The accompanying dragonfly hair clip garnish takes this truly delicious drink over the top.
Where to find it: The Frozen Cocktail Bar at the Benno’s Leinie Lodge, Central Ave & Benno's Micro Alley
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
