As the Minnesota State Fair kicked off its 2026 edition, visitors were treated to a vast array of new alcoholic beverages, sparking discussions about the latest trends and flavors. Among the standout offerings was a ranch dressing-flavored beer, intriguingly named "Old Ranch Hand." Despite its unconventional flavor, tasters found it surprisingly palatable, even if the ranch salt on the rim drew mixed reactions.

The Fair’s sampling team tested 65 out of 75 new drinks on their second day, uncovering a blend of innovative concoctions and some less successful attempts. While many brewers leaned towards less sweet profiles, numerous products still fell into the overly sugary category characterized by artificial fruit flavors.

Here’s a snapshot of some memorable drinks sampled at the Fair, organized by their location:

Ball Park Cafe

• Homer Black Pepper IPA: A lack of black pepper flavor was disappointing, though it did offer a pleasant citrus bitterness.
• Rare Candy Pink Lemonade Sour: Sweet with a confusing flavor profile, tasting neither completely sour nor sweet.

Shanghai Henri’s (International Bazaar)

• Midway Sparkling Ale: A light beer lacking pronounced citrus notes but easy to drink.
• Key Lime Colada Slushie: A refreshing coconut-flavored drink, perfect for hot weather.

Aldo’s and Sabino’s

• Tropical Fruit West Coast IPA: A fruity yet balanced beer, well-received by tasters.
• Old Ranch Hand: Again mentioned, its ranch flavor garnered mixed reviews but wasn’t outright rejected.

The Blue Barn

• Hugo Spritz: Tasting like an elderflower cocktail, it received positive remarks for its authentic flavor.
• Espressotini Frozen Seltzer: This innovative drink was praised for its creamy coffee flavor and refreshing characteristics.

Various Locations

• Candyman Blue Raspberry Lager: This drink confused tasters with its overly sweet profile that left them unimpressed.
• Juicy Apricot Tangerine Hazy IPA: Highly rated for balance and flavor, noted as a fun drink for strolling around the Fair.

While attendees faced a mix of successes and disappointments in the beverage offerings, the overall atmosphere remained festive and exploratory. With many drinks leaning towards extreme flavors, there was something for everyone, proving that the creativity of brewers continues to escalate year after year at this beloved annual event.

For a deeper dive, check out:

• 2026 Minnesota State Fair food review
• More on the ranch beer