Food

5 Must-Try New Iowa State Fair Drinks in 2026

By

Anshul Kamboj

You can taste the future of fair refreshments now. The 2026 Iowa State Fair debuts five new drinks, and you can help choose the winner.

Discover the 2026 Iowa State Fair’s New Sips

The fairgrounds will buzz with new flavors at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, showcasing a diverse lineup of alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages. Options range from creamy lattes to vibrant sodas, ensuring a thirst-quenching pick for everyone.

America’s Dirty Soda: A Colorful Creation

America’s Dirty Soda delivers a festive, layered experience. Grenadine and lemon-lime soda form the base, topped with blue raspberry cold foam and a maraschino cherry for a sweet, creamy, and visually striking drink.

Berry Bobalicious Limonada: A Flavor Explosion

Celebrate global citrus with the Berry Bobalicious Limonada. This drink fuses bright citrus and berry notes with sparkling soda and popping boba. A rim coated in chamoy and tajin, plus gummy candies, add festive texture.

Affogato: The Coffee Lover’s Dream

Coffee fans will savor the new Affogato. This rich espresso ice cream drink offers a refreshing, dessert-like treat perfect for warm fair days. Add chocolate or caramel sauce to enhance the flavor.

Apple Cider Float & Apple Lemonade: Fruity Favorites

Two apple-centric options arrive this year. The Apple Cider Float pairs crisp apple cider with creamy vanilla soft serve. For a sweet-tart punch, Apple Lemonade blends fresh apple and lemon with a hint of cinnamon.

Banana Cream Latte: A Sweet Indulgence

Enjoy cozy, nostalgic flavors with the Banana Cream Latte. This smooth latte combines banana sweetness, rich espresso, and a vanilla cream finish—a perfect dessert in a cup.

Vote for Your Favorite New Fair Drink

Attendees can directly influence the People’s Choice award by sampling and voting for the best new beverage. Your taste test helps crown the year’s champion.

How to Vote for Your Favorite New Beverage

Cast your vote using the Official Iowa State Fair App between August 13 and August 19. After sampling the new drink contenders, submit your selection easily through the app.

When to Expect the Winner Announcement

The People’s Choice Best New Drink winner will be announced on Friday, August 21, 2026. This follows the crowning of the Best New Food champion, celebrating the fair’s culinary creativity.

A Sweet Tradition of Innovation

The Iowa State Fair consistently brings new food and drink options, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for all visitors. Each year builds anticipation for unique flavors and returning favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new drinks being introduced at the 2026 Iowa State Fair?

New drinks for the 2026 Iowa State Fair include Affogato, America’s Dirty Soda, Apple Cider Float, Apple Lemonade, Banana Cream Latte, and Berry Bobalicious Limonada.

How can I vote for my favorite new fair drink in 2026?

You can vote for your favorite new fair drink using the Official Iowa State Fair App between August 13 and August 19, 2026.

When will the winning new beverage be announced?

The winning new beverage will be announced on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Are all the new drinks alcoholic, or are there non-alcoholic options available?

A variety of new drinks will be available, including both alcoholic and alcohol-free options.