Wisconsin State Fair: Sporkies & Drinkies judging media invitation

WEST ALLIS, Wis., July 28, 2026 – The wait is nearly over. The response when the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair’s Sporkies and Drinkies finalists were first announced in April was overwhelming. And the time for a panel of celebrity judges to declare the winners and bestow bragging rights for this year’s batch of culinary creations is just around the corner.

Wisconsin State Fair, presented by T-Mobile, will be packed with foodie adventures as State Fair’s esteemed class of creative food and beverage artists are on fire in the kitchen and at the mixologists’ table to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Wisconsin’s favorite tradition. See the full list below. Then mark your calendars for Aug. 6–16 and get set to eat and imbibe your way through these dishes and drinks. Your tastebuds will thank you!

While this event is not open to the public, media interested in covering the judging should clear their schedule for Tuesday, Aug. 4, when judging will begin at 3 p.m. The highlight of the gastronomic calendar will take place on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater stage – State Fair’s largest FREE entertainment venue. Media interested in covering the event should enter through Gate 5 off 84th Street and Schlinger Avenue. Please see below for a refresher on this year’s finalists.

   The Drinkies Finalists:

Hot Honey Chicken Lemonade – Deep-Fried Mashed Potatoes On-a-Stick
Sip on fresh-squeezed lemonade, sweetened with Mike’s Hot Honey and garnished with two sweet hot honey battered chicken nuggets. Did we mention the iced Hot Honey Chicken Lemonade is served with honey popping juice pearls, too? The mix of hot, sweet and cold has never tasted better!
Tilt-a-Spritz – Old Fashioned Sipper Club
Tilt-a-Spritz is a playful nod to the State Fair’s iconic SpinCity! And like the ride itself, it’s designed to be an experience from the very first moment. The bright ruby grapefruit and key lime juices deliver a vibrant citrus flavor with ginger beer effervescence for a crisp finish. Sealed in a smoke box with hickory and torched rosemary, open the door to reveal a dramatic cloud before the first sip.
Color-Changing Swamp Juice – All Things JerkyColor-Changing Swamp Juice brings a splash of fun as Fairgoers inject the “swamp potion” into the blue raspberry lemonade and watch it change colors right before their eyes! Gummy gators lurk below while candy frogs hop on top for a wildly playful treat as the swamp comes alive with a crackling Pop Rocks rim.
Cookie Butter Coffee Float – Fluffy’s Hand Cut DonutsFollow the cookie butter craze to the Cookie Butter Coffee Float! This float blends delicious vanilla ice cream and cookie butter-infused iced coffee to create a refreshing, indulgent drink. Topped with a Biscoff cookie crumble rim, drizzled with cookie butter drizzle and garnished with a Biscoff cookie – yum!

   The Sporkies Finalists:

Bayou Crunch Cup – Exotic Meat GrillThe Bayou Crunch Cup is a towering cup of southern comfort, stacked with crispy sidewinder fries, Cajun slaw and tender alligator nuggets. Breaded crawfish bites and a rich comeback sauce add a bold, zesty kick in every layer. Finish this dish off with pickled okra and a whole crawfish on top for big bayou flavor and a true Fair wow factor.
Cream City Cone – WürstBarThe Cream City Cone is a handheld creation that delivers a flavorful, fully loaded bite from the top down. This warm, buttery pretzel cone is dipped in Milwaukee Pretzel Company Dill Pickle Mustard, packed with a savory mix of bratwurst, sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheddar, and then topped with a breaded white cheddar cheese curd and more mustard. It’s a brat … in a cone … and somehow, it all makes perfect sense! 
Tinga Tango Chicharrones – Blue Moon Tavern at the ParkTinga Tango Chicharrones is a dish created to be the ultimate sweet-heat showstopper. A savory stack of house-made crispy honey-habanero pork rinds topped with smoky chicken tinga, tangy pickled red onions, creamy queso fresco, cotija cheese, sweet and spicy candied jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Finished with a drizzle of silky cilantro-lime crema and served with vibrant salsa verde for dipping, drizzling, and devouring. 
Porky Puff – Bud Pavillion 
The Porky Puff is a golden, flaky puff pastry filled with tender pulled pork, house-made zesty peach filling, layered with creamy garlic and herb cheese for a rich, savory bite. Baked until light and crispy, finished with a drizzle of hot honey, and a sprinkle of mustard seeds, this Puff delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and tang. Handheld and packed with bold flavor, it’s an easy-to-eat indulgence that hits every note in one irresistible square! 
Deep-Fried Horchata Balls – Badger Bites 
Deep-Fried Horchata Balls are an indulgent, sweet luxury! These bites are dusted in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with rich dulce de leche sauce, chocolate sauce, then topped with mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut and sweet fried plantain chips for the ultimate dessert!
Sweet Lemon Berry Cheese Curds – Saz’s BBQSweet Lemon Berry Cheese Curds feature Ellsworth Creamery white cheddar cheese curds fried to crispy, cheesy perfection then tossed in a cinnamon-sugar mix. Add a sweet raspberry sauce over the cheese curds and finish the dish with a side of homemade sweet lemon zest cream whip for a dish that is somehow sweet, salty and crisp, but also so refreshing.
Al Pastor Pizza – Charlie’s PizzaThe Al Pastor Pizza is loaded with tender, marinated al pastor pork, melty mozzarella cheese, and juicy pineapple for the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s finished with fresh cilantro, white onion, lime and a signature special sauce, bringing a bright, zesty kick to every bite. Crafted on a perfectly crisp crust, this pizza delivers bold, unforgettable flavors in every bite.
Birria Flamin’ Bombs – Fiesta Grill & Cantina 
Birria Flamin’ Bombs were created as a crazy twist on a fan-favorite meal that showcases rich, delicious flavors! These crispy bombs are filled with slow-cooked beef birria, cilantro, onion, and melted mozzarella cheese, then coated in a savory seasoned breadcrumb blend and served with a birria consommé for dipping with a side of creamy chipotle aioli.

Lori Fredrich, who heads up OnMilwaukee’s food & drink coverage as the Dining Editor, will serve as the emcee and moderate the panel of judges as they taste, deliberate and crown the winners. The celebrity judges will include:

Can’t make the live judging? Wisconsin State Fair will have robust live coverage on its social media channels. Please feel free to follow along and share with your audiences.

All the Sporkies and Drinkies items entered into the competition will be available for purchase during the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair (Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 16). A massive, 13-foot Spork or Straw statue will be displayed at all finalists’ locations. All vendors who entered either competition will display a sticker at their State Fair location(s).

About the Wisconsin State Fair

The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by T-Mobile, will take place August 6–16, 2026. The State Fair offers a unique experience to all who attend and is an exceptional value. Enjoy dozens of FREE entertainment stages, exciting rides and games in SpinCity, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, shopping vendors, and culinary delights. For more information, visit WiStateFair.com or follow us on social media. 

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