Do you know the state drink of Massachusetts? It's not what you think
There are some Massachusetts state symbols you probably know.
The state flower is the Mayflower, in a nod to the ship the Mayflower. The state dog is the Boston Terrier, which also happens to the the first purebred American dog breed. The state dessert is the Boston Cream Pie, and the state donut is the Boston Cream donut.
But, do you know the official state beverage?
Here's the Commonwealth's official state beverage and why.
Massachusetts' official state drink is cranberry juice, according to the Secretary of State's website.
Cranberry juice was made the state's official beverage on May 4, 1970, in order to honor its cranberry industry. According to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, cranberry agriculture has been growing in Massachusetts for over 200 years. Pun not intended.
The cranberry is also our state berry, as it was made so on July 11, 1994 by the General Court, the Secretary's website said.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Keith Shannon, repeated the sentiment to Wicked Local media partner WCVB in a report last year.
You can honor the Commonwealth's state drink by introducing it as a delicious mixer into a cocktails or mocktails you may have at your next social function.
The Vodka Cranberry, also known as the Cape Codder, is a cocktail that is comprised of one parts vodka to five parts cranberry juice with a lime slice dropped in as a garnish. It is served over ice in a rocks glass or a highball.
You could also try making a Cosmopolitan, which consists of vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau (also known as triple sec) and lime juice. It is shaken then served in a cocktail glass with an orange swirl.
If you're in the mood for a Thanksgiving throwback, you could always make a Harvest Spice Punch.
It's a holiday treat that is made of cinnamon whiskey, cranberry juice, frozen cranberries, ginger ale, red wine and whiskey, stirred and served in a punch bowl.
For exact measurements: Thanksgiving cocktails and mocktail recipes: Festive flavors featuring apple, cranberry, pumpkin
Mike Snider contributed to the reporting of this story.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: MA's state drink is cranberry juice. How to use it in a cocktail
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