Cheers! This Is Michigan’s Favorite Beverage For Tailgating

Tailgate season is in full swing! We're at that point in the year where we get both NFL football and college football. Meaning we have not one, but two chances every weekend for some tailgating action. There are several staples needed for any quality tailgate. First, you need hot food. It gets chilly out there! Secondly, you need snacks. Can't all be meats, as much as we'd like that. Finally, you need alcohol. However, only one beverage can be Michigan's favorite tailgating beverage.

To find Michigan's favorite tailgating beverage, the fine folks at Shane Co. analyzed Google Trends search data. They examined data over five years of football seasons to find the most searched-for tailgate drink in every state. Michigan's may come as a surprise!

There's no secret that in Michigan we enjoy our cold refreshing beverages. Our state is even home of Grand Rapids which has been dubbed "Beer City." The state of Michigan is home of several breweries that are famous across the country. We have Founders, Short's, and Bell's to name a few. Those three carry some serious weight and offer up some of the most famous beers both in and out of Michigan. Perhaps one of these local products is Michigan's favorite beverage for tailgating? It seems like you see Bell's Two Hearted IPA at every tailgate in the state.

If you assumed it was an offering from one of those three major breweries (I like to refer to them as Michigan's other Big Three), you'd be incorrect. As much as we love our local suds, the data says it's not one of them. So, what else could it be?

I noticed that the study sought to find the favorite tailgate beverage for each state. Perhaps the word "beverage" is actually key here. Beverage doesn't have to mean beer. It could be a vodka drink. It could be a cocktail of some sort. I know Detroit has some amazing places for Bloody Mary's. Could that be our favorite beverage? Nope. Hard Seltzers are in right now, is it one of those? Again, no. It turns out, I read too much into it. At least for those of us here in Michigan. It is, indeed, a beer. It's just not the one I'd expect it to be.

According to Shane Co., the most popular beer state-to-state in the country is Blue Moon. Once the results were analyzed, the study concluded that Blue Moon was the most popular tailgating beverage in 14 states. Blue Moon was the most popular tailgating beverage in states like Colorado, Washington, The Carolinas, Florida, and more. However, it was not our favorite here in Michigan.

Our favorite beer in Michigan for tailgating is Labatt's, according to the study. Labatt's was also the favorite tailgating beverage for the state of New York. They have their "innovation brewery" in Buffalo, so it makes sense that it would be the go-to choice for New Yorkers. However, for us in Michigan it doesn't make as much sense to me. We have so many amazing local beers! I'm thinking it must be our proximity to Canada. That likely plays a role in all of this. Or it could be something with the Great Lakes states? No, despite it being a favorite of New York, it's not the favorite in Ohio, Illinois, or Wisconsin.

I have no problems with Labatt's. I've enjoyed it any time I've sipped it. I just don't correlate Michigan tailgates with Labatt's. My money would have bet on something local. However, that's the problem with gambling: you often lose. Regarding Labatt's, I do have something positive to say. Those old commercials with the Bear were hilarious. What ever happened to those? Bring them back! Canada!

We all know tailgating is a huge part of going to a show at Pine Knob. Here are some tailgate activities...at your own risk! Read on for the full list.

Playing Cornhole is always a fun way to kick off the night. Just don't hit any strangers with the bean bags!

Get your drink on! We recommend beer, wine, liquor, water, pop, Vernors...you get the drift!

Make the WCSX your tailgate playlist, and crank us!

Get your grub on with snacks before the big night...after all, you'll need the energy to get through all these great performances!

If you're like me, going to a concert is like a reunion. I often see people I haven't seen in ages! Text your friends and see who's around..and invite them to the tailgate!

Hey, stranger things have happened. Maybe you'll meet the love of your life while tailgating at Pine Knob. Probably not, but still.

Make new friends, but keep the old! Make friends with your tailgating neighbors and stay in touch for the next big show.

Ewwww, bugs. Don't forget some bug spray and sunscreen so you aren't roasted during the tailgate.

Since you know everybody will be posting their Riff Fest photos of socials the next day, make sure to get enough pix to commemorate the evening!

If you're proud of your ride (like me!) then show it off! Make sure to get it cleaned before the big event, and display it proudly!

Do you agree with the results? Is Michigan's favorite beverage for tailgating really Labatt's? Let us know in the comments!