Indiana Is The Only State With This Official Drink
Indiana has an official state bird, state flower, state pie, and even a state firearm.
But when it comes to the state drink, the Hoosier State kept things extremely simple.
Indiana’s Official State Drink Is Just Water
Not milk.
Not a local soda.
Not sweet tea.
Water.
In 2007, during the 115th General Assembly, the Indiana Senate officially adopted water as the state beverage through Senate Resolution 20.
That makes Indiana one of just 32 states with an official drink. But among those states, Indiana stands alone for choosing the most basic beverage imaginable.
Most States Pick Something More Flavorful
Many states have chosen drinks tied to agriculture or local culture.
For example, Kentucky’s state drink is milk, Ohio recognizes tomato juice, and Florida celebrates orange juice thanks to the state’s citrus industry.
Indiana, however, decided to keep things universal.
Water was selected largely because it represents a healthy choice and is essential to life. Lawmakers also noted the importance of protecting Indiana’s natural water resources.
Still, the choice continues to amuse Hoosiers who know the state also has some much more distinctive drink traditions.
Read More: Indiana Town Known As The Circus Capital Of The World
Indiana Has Plenty Of Other Drink Contenders
If you ask around the Midwest, you will hear plenty of other suggestions for what Indiana’s state drink could have been.
Royal Crown Cola and Nehi both have deep regional roots, as Indiana was home to bottling facilities in years gone by. Ski soda is beloved throughout southern Indiana and Kentucky, and Boonville, Indiana, has been the home of Derr's Soda since 1889. Even classic Midwestern staples like sweet tea or locally brewed beer might have earned some votes.
But when the official resolution passed in 2007, lawmakers kept it simple.
Plain old water.
So the next time you take a sip from the tap, you are technically enjoying Indiana’s official state beverage.
These National Landmarks are Made with Indiana Limestone
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals