Frozen cocktails, local liquor, 60+ taps: New drinks coming to Wisconsin State Fair

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin state fair is just around the corner.

The 11-day run starts Thursday, Aug. 3, and it just wouldn't be Wisconsin without beer and old fashioneds.

While the State Fair might be famous for food, new drink options are pouring in this year.

"This is my giant art project, is what the fair is for me," said Benno Weigel, owner of Benno's Concessions.

Benno's Concessions has sold drinks at the Wisconsin State Fair for 38 years.

Their goal is to make unique and local beverages a fair staple.

"I'm the kind of guy that just lays in bed at night thinking, what can we try," Weigel said.

New this year at the Leinie Patio Bar, there are five new flavors of frozen drinks, after their frozen lemonade cocktail was a hit in 2022.

"It's hot, it's summertime, you want something refreshing, maybe something you haven't tried before," said Tim Gill, the vice president at Benno's Concessions.

Also new at the Camp Amber bar - mixed drink options, made with local spirits.

"There's something for everyone," Gill said.

Old favorites remain, like Wineberry wine bar, and The Micro, with more than 60 Wisconsin craft beers on tap.

"Wisconsin serves great beer, and we love to feature that here," Gill said.

This is The Micro's 24th year on the fairgrounds, and the bartenders are keeping a longstanding tradition.

"You get that last beer out of the keg, you're a 'keg killer.' You get the coveted 'keg killer' t-shirt, and people wear that proudly," Gill explained.

More than 95 drink options surround the Bank Five Nine Ampitheater, the largest free entertainment stage.

"People come to the fair to have fun, and they do," Weigel said.

Having fun also means being safe. There are protocols, especially when serving hard liquor.

"No shots, everything is filled to the top with ice, regulated pouring sizes," Gill said.

Fairgoers are expected to drink responsibly, and bartenders will be keeping an eye out.

"Everyone is trained to make sure we're providing a safe, friendly environment for everybody," Gill said.

With so many options, visitors are asked to have a safe and sober ride home.