Your guide to the best refreshments of Syracuse’s New York State Fair.
Photo: Courtesy of Unsplash
Breaking its all time record this weekend, the 2018 New York State Fair brought in 127,394 people on August 25th, 2018 – over 30,000 more than last year’s fair on that day. This year’s New York State Fair is being held in Syracuse, New York, where they will host events such as livestock competitions, antique displays, art exhibitions, a circus, along with a milking parlor where kids can learn about how milk is made. The New York State fair is also hosting an array of musical guests including, Big & Rich, The Temptations, and Counting Crows.
Aside from the activities, the real highlight of the State Fair is all of the vendors. Local food and drink vendors from Syracuse gather to share tastes of their companies with thousands of visitors. They have everything from Fried Olives on a stick to Cheesecake Chimichangas. However, this year the drink game has definitely stepped it up a notch. These are the top five drinks of the 2018 New York State Fair.
Mint Matcha – 3 Leaf Tea
Photo: Courtesy of 3 Leaf Tea
In recent years, Matcha has become a huge hit when it comes to food trends. It’s made from ground up green tea leaves that are left in the water so the leafs themselves are actually consumed. It not only contains 70mg of caffeine, but is also high in antioxidants. So if you’re new to Matcha, or a returning user, make your way to 3 Leaf. Find your flavor of Matcha, from their array of lavender, cinnamon, blueberry, and mint! This New York State Fair newcomer will have its stand up on Sunday, August 26th, Monday, August 27th, Sunday, September 2nd, and Monday, September 3rd – so be sure to check it out!
The Sundae Dasher – Carvel Ice Cream
Photo: Courtesy of Carvel Ice Cream
Though famous for their amazing homemade ice cream, if there is one thing Carvel Ice Cream does with perfection, it’s their Sundae Dashers. Similar to a shake, the Sundae Dasher is filled to the brim with cookies and whipped cream, but instead of being blended, there are visible layers of fudge, cookies, ice cream, and whipped cream throughout the whole thing. It’s beautiful to look at and eat! Be sure to check out their Oreo Cookie and Lotus Biscoff Sundae Dashers!
Lavender Lemonade – Birdsong Café
Photo: Courtesy of Birdsong Café
This café on wheels is sure to brighten up your day with its collection of sweet treats and refreshing drinks. They have everything from tea, coffee, fruit smoothies, and Liége-style Belgian waffles. However, the real menu winner is their infamous lavender lemonade. On a hot August day, there is no better way to stay cool than with a tall glass of lemonade, flavored with hints of flowery lavender and tapioca.
The Wine Slushy – Thousand Islands Winery
Photo: Courtesy of Thousand Islands Winery
To all you parents out there, prepare yourself. Thousand Islands Winery has created possibly one of the best innovations of all time. While your kids are sipping on their strawberry smoothies, get yourself over to Thousand Islands Winery for a Wine Slushy. Yes, a Wine slushy. You get the satisfaction of a glass of wine, but the refreshing nature of a slushy. It’s the perfect combination. So treat yourself! And make your way over to these delicious delicacies.
The Tipsy Cow – 1911 Brewery
Photo: Courtesy of 1911 Brewery
Created in 1911, 1911 Brewery was founded on an apple orchard in Lafayette, New York. For over 100 years they have been handcrafting ciders, beers, and spirits to bring you a quality drinking experience. Pop on over to their tent to check out their variety of premium ciders, wine, gin, and vodka. However, if you are feeling daring, their Tipsy Cow drink is a must have. Made with locally sourced dairy, whipped cream, roasted coffee, and their 1911 vodka, The Tipsy Cow is known as one of the best cocktails of the New York State Fair.
Written by: Gabrielle Christensen
