North Carolina: What Is Our Most Popular Cocktail?

Summer is officially over, but that does not mean you can't sip cheerful drinks. In fact, Real Simple recently published a feature that detailed the most popular cocktail in every state. In North Carolina, it is usually accompanied by a particular mug.

Real Simple analyzed Google search data to compile the most sought-after cocktail in each state. As a result, 16 different drinks were named among the favorites. "Americans love a wide variety of cocktails, including classics like margaritas and martinis, as well as more niche choices such as a tequila sunrise or a White Russian," Real Simple said.

The most popular cocktail in North Carolina is also the choice of six other states in the county. Furthermore, there is a state in essentially every region that agrees with the Tar Heel State's choice.

So, what are we serving tonight?

"The easy-to-make drink is made with lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer and comes together in just minutes," Real Simple states. Though there are many options for which spirits you use when mixing this popular cocktail, there is one essential item not to be missed. The cool copper mug really brings home the Moscow Mule experience. Are you wondering why this drink is commonly associated with a particular mug? Food and Wine explained, "The very first Moscow Mules were served in a limited-edition run of copper mugs brought to the U.S. from Russia.

Joining North Carolina residents in their love of this cheerful drink were Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Florida. In addition to the Moscow Mule, the other favorite cocktails that are popular among United States residents, according to Real Simple, include Margarita, Negroni, Mimosa, Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, Daiquiri, Mojito, Mai Tai, Martini, Tequila Sunrise, Paloma, White Russian, and an Old Fashioned.

Perhaps you're now on the hunt to find the best Moscow Mule cocktail in North Carolina.  You can find great options in both Charlotte and Fayetteville, for example.

Lastly, mark your calendars for March 3. That is now National Moscow Mule Day. In its honor, Grey Goose vodka has shared a special recipe to help celebrate.

Apple cider season is here. There's just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What's more, if it's chilly out, it's extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. So, what are some spots with the best apple cider in the U.S.?

Before we get to today's apple cider, let's look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very "first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times," and, "in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ." That's so wild to think about.

Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, "Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there's no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages."

In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let's get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What's your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.

Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It's a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.

https://www.linvilla.com/

If you haven't tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven't experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It's a super fun spot for fall activities.

https://www.franklincidermill.com/

Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They're located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

https://mercier-orchards.com/

"Our mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce," Bedner's Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner's Fall Festival.

https://downtowndelraybeach.com/listings/bedners-farm-fresh-market

You'll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.

https://www.applehillorchard.com/