Cocktails have been around since the early 1800s. They can be simple two-part concoctions of a distilled spirit mixed with a favorite flavoring ingredient or they can be an elaborate mixture of multiple distilled spirits, fruit juices, bitters, sugars or other combinations of yumminess.
With the onset of the Covid pandemic and the shutting down of bars and restaurants the concept of cocktails to-go entered the mainstream. Cocktails to-go provided an extra revenue stream for bars and restaurants owners to stay afloat and allowed fans a way to continue to get a hold of their favorite cocktail without stepping foot in a restaurant or bar. The rules of allowing cocktails to-go were left to the discretion of each state, some allowed them and some did not. Now that lockdowns are in the rearview mirror states must decide whether they want to continue to allow cocktails to-go permanently, extend the rules or put an end to the practice.
Illinois Extends Cocktails to-Go for 5 Years
Illinois, the ‘Land of Lincoln’, is the latest state to extend the availability of cocktails. With the temporary law set to expire on June 1, 2024 Illinois lawmakers voted to continue to allow cocktails to-go for five years through August 1, 2028.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States – DISCUS applauded Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for signing SB 89 into law, extending cocktails to-go.
“Illinois businesses and adult consumers have embraced the added value and convenience that cocktails to-go bring,” said DISCUS Senior Vice President & Head of State Policy Andy Deloney. “With this extension, local businesses and consumers will be able to enjoy cocktails to-go for the next five years. This is particularly important for the hospitality industry which continues to face economic challenges. We thank Governor Pritzker and the legislature for ensuring cocktails to-go were extended.”
The Complete List: Which States Allow Cocktails to-Go?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 20 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to permanently allow cocktails to-go, and 14 others have enacted laws that allow cocktails to-go on a temporary basis. Numerous states are still considering cocktails to-go legislation.
The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.
Below is the complete list of states that have permanently decided to allow Cocktails to-go, states that have extended the concept, and states that do not allow them at all.
| State | Cocktails to Go Allowed? | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | – |
| Alaska | No | – |
| Arizona | Permament | – |
| Arkansas | Permament | – |
| California | Temporary | Dec 31, 2026 |
| Colorado | Temporary | Jul 1, 2025 |
| Connecticut | Temporary | Jun 4, 2024 |
| Delaware | Permament | – |
| Florida | Permament | – |
| Georgia | Permament | – |
| Hawaii | No | – |
| Idaho | No | – |
| Illinois | Temporary | Jan 3, 2024 |
| Indiana | No | – |
| Iowa | Permament | – |
| Kansas | Permament | – |
| Kentucky | Permament | – |
| Louisiana | Temporary | ? |
| Maine | Permament | – |
| Maryland | Temporary | Jun 30, 2023 |
| Massachusetts | Temporary | Apr 1, 2024 |
| Michigan | Temporary | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Minnesota | No | – |
| Mississippi | Temporary | ? |
| Missouri | Permament | – |
| Montana | Permament | – |
| Nebraska | Permament | – |
| Nevada | No | – |
| New Hampshire | No | – |
| New Jersey | Temporary | TBD |
| New Mexico | No | – |
| New York | Temporary | Apr 9, 2025 |
| North Carolina | No | – |
| North Dakota | No | – |
| Ohio | Permament | – |
| Oklahoma | Permament | – |
| Oregon | Permament | – |
| Pennsylvania | No | – |
| Rhode Island | Permament | – |
| South Carolina | No | – |
| South Dakota | No | – |
| Tennessee | Temporary | Jul 1, 2023 |
| Texas | Permament | – |
| Utah | No | – |
| Vermont | Temporary | Jul 1, 2023 |
| Virginia | Temporary | Jul 1, 2024 |
| Washington | Permament | – |
| Washington D.C. | Permament | – |
| West Virginia | Permament | – |
| Wisconsin | Permament | – |
| Wyoming | No | – |
If your state has made an update since this story was published, please email us the latest details at Info@DistilleryTrail.com.
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