alcohol

If you’ve ever been to a corner bar in Wisconsin, chances are you’ve seen a pull-tab machine. Milwaukee Magazine writer Tea Krulos explains the history and legality of pull-tabs in Wisconsin.

With a growing demand of both high-quality cocktails and non-alcoholic beverage options, the local company is up to the task of providing them.

Despite its reputation as a beer and brewery state, Wisconsin recently entered the canned cocktail market thanks to local, passionate drink creators.

Fourteen-year-olds in Wisconsin could serve alcohol to seated customers in bars and restaurants under a bill circulated for cosponsors by a pair of Republican state lawmakers.

Patrick McBride worked as a teen for the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers. Later, he became a doctor.

According to the CDC, addiction and substance abuse increased during the pandemic. A critical resource for recovery are sober living facilities. These spaces are structured communities that support recovering addicts, but the number of available spots hasn’t matched the growing need in southeast Wisconsin.

Alcohol plays a big role in Wisconsin culture, but that relationship with alcohol can be unhealthy. The state has the highest rate of binge drinking in the nation, including 7 of the top 10 drunkest metropolitan areas. But there are efforts to change that and improve the health and quality of life of communities throughout the state.

Rob Novak, the historic brewing experience coordinator at Old World Wisconsin, joins Lake Effect to share the history of early 19th century German, English, and Scandinavian immigrants brewing beer in WI and how we still see their techniques in action today.

4th Dimension operates a sober living facility in Riverwest. It’s one of the largest providers of sober living housing in Milwaukee County. Jason Gonzalez, the founder and CEO of 4th Dimension Sobriety Inc., shares more about building a sober living community and making recovery more visible.

Wisconsin is known for our drinks, like the Tom & Jerry and Brandy Old Fashioneds. We’re also known for our finger foods and the classic Friday fish fry. But how did they become so foundational to Wisconsin? Old World Wisconsin's Nick Katona shares the history behind our tavern staples.