Get To Know The Best Signature Cocktails & Dishes In Kansas State

This post was written in collaboration with Fango Sports

The state of Kansas is known for a lot of things: A booming agriculture economy (hence the nickname, “The Wheat State), a rich history in aviation and aircrafts and of course its array of signature drinks and dishes.

If you’re planning a trip to the state of Kansas, you’ll definitely want to make some time to taste some of their signature drinks — especially the cocktails — and mouth watering meals and dishes.

Interestingly, the state of Kansas Bucked the trend for favorite Thanksgiving side dishes last year, with green bean casserole coming in at No. 1. That was followed by mashed potatoes and then macaroni and cheese.

The state of Kansas launched sports betting in September of last year, just in time for the start of the NFL season. With sports betting legal in Kansas, you can enjoy placing wagers anywhere through the simple tap of your phones. Why not go to a sports bar/restaurant and place some bets while also enjoying a signature Kansas cocktail or beer?

With that all said, let’s take a dive into some of the top drinks and dishes throughout the state of Kansas that you won’t regret trying.

The Horsefeather

Ask a local about Kansas state’s signature beverages, and the “Horsefeather” will always be one of the first drinks they mention.

The Horsefeather, developed in Lawrence, saw an increase in popularity in the final years of the 20th century. The Horsefeather uses similar ingredients to the Moscow mule, with one notable exception: The signature Kansas beverage uses whiskey instead of Vodka.

This drink uses a type of Whiskey (a plethora of choices), ginger beer, lime and a series of bitters. If you’re making the Horsefeather at home, it’s often recommended that you use three to five different bitters for enhanced flavor.

The Horsefeather drink is offered at countless bars and restaurants across the state of Kansas. Residents of the neighboring state of Missouri can also enjoy one of the finest Horsefeather drinks at the Horsefeather Social rooftop bar, located on the Loews Kansas City hotel.

Chilli & Cinnamon Rolls

It’s a unique combination, alright. But if you give the two a try simultaneously, you’ll quickly come to understand why it’s a signature dish in Kansas.

Kansas has plenty of signature dishes, including barbequed chicken, crisp and flavorful hamburgers and so much more. But during your visit here, you have got to try chili and cinnamon rolls at least once.

Chili is a highly popular dish during the fall (around Halloween time) and the early stages of the winter season. It’s a super smoothing and relaxing meal to enjoy, and cinnamon rolls are the ideal complement for those with a sweet tooth.

Arrow Cocktail Lounge’s Special Cocktails

The Arrow Cocktail Lounge is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and open Tuesdays to Saturdays. If you’re in or around the Manhattan area during your trip to Kansas state, this venue should be high on your to-do list.

The lounge offers a plethora of unique cocktails, including a plethora of old-fashioned, sours, highballs and house cocktails.

One of the best ones to try out during this time of the season? The Sunflower Sour for the cost of $14. This drink has lemon juice, caramelized honey, sunflower seed orgeat and the state’s beloved Boot Hill Wheat Whiskey.

If you’re into a sour house cocktail, you may want to try the $14 bourbon renewal which is made up of lemon juice, syrup, the creme de cassis liqueur and Hirsch Bourbon.

And if you’re in the mood for something on the sweeter side, the Spanish Coffee house cocktail is just for you. For $11, you’ll get a mouthwatering drink consisting of coffee, brown sugar, the combier orange liqueur and the Hamilton 86 Demerara Rum.

The Blind Tiger’s Signature Beers

The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant in Topeka is home to some of Wheat State’s most beloved and highly-regarded beers.

This award-winning brewery has plenty of unique beer selections to offer. Among their best: The County Seat Wheat — a lighter beer that goes down easily with a so-called “dry finish.” If you’re looking for a more “crisp” selection, the Raw Wheat beer is a fine alternative.

And if you like to be adventurous with your beer tasting, you should try their Tiger Paw Porter. This is a sweeter beer with chocolate and coffee flavors and very little bitterness, which is just perfect on a warm summer’s day.