At Your Private Bar, we believe every cocktail should tell a story — and there’s no better place to draw inspiration from than right here in Iowa. From rich farmlands and historic landmarks to beloved state fairs and local distilleries, Iowa offers plenty of flavorful influences to craft one-of-a-kind drinks. Whether you're planning a wedding, private event, or just want to bring a little Midwest charm to your next cocktail night, these signature Iowa-inspired drinks will make your guests feel right at home.
🌽 1. The Iowa Sweet Corn Old Fashioned
A nod to our most iconic crop, this twist on a classic Old Fashioned uses a house-made sweet corn syrup for a subtle, earthy sweetness.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Iowa bourbon (like Cedar Ridge)
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½ oz sweet corn simple syrup
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Orange peel and Luxardo cherry for garnish
Directions:
Stir with ice and strain over a large cube. Garnish and serve.
🍎 2. Apple Orchard Mule
Inspired by fall weekends in Iowa’s apple orchards, this drink features apple cider and local vodka for a refreshing spin on the Moscow Mule.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Iowa vodka
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1 oz apple cider
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½ oz lime juice
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Ginger beer to top
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Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Directions:
Build in a copper mug over ice. Stir and garnish.
🍯 3. Hawkeye Honey Bee
This golden drink pays homage to Iowa’s love for college football and honey production. Perfect for tailgates or alumni events!
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz honey whiskey
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz honey syrup
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Splash of club soda
Directions:
Shake all but soda and strain into a chilled glass. Top with club soda and serve with a lemon wheel.
🎡 4. State Fair Lemonade
A fun, boozy lemonade inspired by the Iowa State Fair — deep-fried food not included (but encouraged). Great as a batch cocktail, too!
Ingredients:
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2 oz vodka
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1 oz strawberry puree
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1 oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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Club soda or lemon-lime soda
Directions:
Shake all but soda, pour over ice in a fair-style cup, and top with fizz. Garnish with a strawberry or candy lemon wedge.
🌾 5. The Prairie Breeze
This elegant cocktail captures the fresh air and open skies of the Iowa prairie — light, floral, and slightly herbaceous.
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz gin (try Iowa’s own Clearheart or Lonely Oak)
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½ oz elderflower liqueur
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz lavender syrup
Directions:
Shake and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lavender sprig or edible flower.
Bringing Iowa to Your Bar
Want to include these drinks at your next event? At Your Private Bar, we specialize in customized cocktail menus that reflect your style, theme, or even your home state. Whether you’re celebrating an Iowa love story, hosting a corporate event with local pride, or just want to wow your guests with something new, we’ve got the expertise (and bartenders!) to make it happen.
Let’s raise a glass to Iowa — one sip at a time.
If you missed any of our past posts, you can read them here, and don’t forget to look out for next week's blog post; Which Cocktail Are You Based on Your Weekend Plans?
Thanks for reading, we appreciate you!! Cheers!