Cheers to Tradition: Nevada Could Crown Picon Punch as Its Official State Drink

In a nod to Nevada’s rich Basque heritage, Assemblyman Bert Gurr, R-Spring Creek, is pushing a bill to designate Picon Punch as the state’s official drink. The bittersweet and aromatic cocktail, with origins in Basque boardinghouses during the 19th-century Gold Rush, has become a Northern Nevada signature, symbolizing tradition, camaraderie, and a celebration of community.

Picon Punch was originally crafted by Basque immigrants and gained popularity as it traveled from San Francisco to Northern Nevada’s Elko County, where the Basque community settled. Traditionally served before dinner in tulip-shaped glasses, the drink’s ingredients include grenadine, club soda, lemon peel, and a splash of brandy. While the original French liqueur Amer Picon is no longer available in the U.S., bartenders have adapted with similar substitutes, preserving the cocktail’s unique flavor.

Gurr believes this effort is more than just about a drink—it’s about honoring the cultural fabric of the state. “This is kind of to honor their culture more than anything,” Gurr stated. Unlike previous legislative attempts in 2013 and 2015, which failed due to being attached to broader bills, Gurr is presenting this as a standalone measure for the 2025 legislative session.

Should the bill pass, Nevada would join a select group of states that recognize alcoholic beverages as their official drink. Unlike the standard designation of milk in many states, Picon Punch celebrates Nevada’s individuality and its immigrant roots. Will this legislative effort succeed in recognizing a drink that encapsulates community and tradition? Gurr’s proposal invites a deeper conversation about how states honor their unique histories and cultures.

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal