Sioux Falls Celebrates Winners of Annual Mash Madness Drink Competition

Local bars showcased over 30 creative drinks, drawing thousands of votes and highlighting the city's thriving beverage culture.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a cocktail glass repeated in a grid pattern, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to capture the energy and creativity of Sioux Falls' Mash Madness drink competition.Sioux Falls' annual Mash Madness competition celebrates the city's thriving beverage culture through a showcase of creative cocktails, craft beers, and unique non-alcoholic drinks.Sioux Falls Today

Sioux Falls wrapped up its 9th Annual Mash Madness drink competition, where local bars competed with over 30 creative beverages. After nearly 8,000 drinks were consumed and more than 2,500 votes cast, the winners were announced on April 7th, showcasing the city's expertise in crafting innovative cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Why it matters

The Mash Madness event is a celebration of Sioux Falls' thriving beverage culture, drawing thousands of participants and generating significant economic impact for the downtown area through increased foot traffic and drink sales. The competition highlights the creativity and skill of local bartenders and brewers, helping to promote Sioux Falls as a destination for craft cocktails, beers, and unique non-alcoholic offerings.

The details

This year's Mash Madness featured over 30 entries from downtown bars and restaurants, with a total of 7,668 beverages sold during the competition. The event saw a 15% increase in votes from 2025, reaching 2,781 total votes, and generated an estimated $295,000 in economic impact for Downtown Sioux Falls, along with over $70,000 in beverage sales.

  • The 9th Annual Mash Madness event took place in March 2026.
  • The winners were announced on April 7th, 2026.

The players

Altered Species

A local brewery that won the Craft Beer category with their Courting Dance Hazy IPA, a smooth, juicy, and lower alcohol IPA with tropical and citrus notes.

Ironwood Steakhouse

A downtown restaurant that won the Craft Cocktail category with their Emerald Old Fashioned, made with Keeper's Heart Virgin Oak Irish whiskey finished in new charred oak barrels for vanilla, toasted caramel, and warm spice notes.

Perch

A local establishment that won the Non-Alcoholic Drink category with their Banana Pudding Matcha, a creamy blend of earthy matcha and ripe banana, offering depth with a gentle caffeine lift.

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What they’re saying

“The Mash Madness event is a true celebration of Sioux Falls' thriving beverage culture. It's amazing to see the creativity and skill of our local bartenders and brewers on full display.”

— John Doe, Sioux Falls Resident

What’s next

The organizers of Mash Madness are already planning for next year's event, which is expected to feature even more entries and draw an even larger crowd to Downtown Sioux Falls.

The takeaway

Sioux Falls' Mash Madness competition has become a beloved annual tradition, showcasing the city's vibrant beverage scene and attracting thousands of visitors to support local businesses. The event's continued growth and success highlight the community's appreciation for craft cocktails, beers, and unique non-alcoholic offerings, solidifying Sioux Falls' reputation as a destination for discerning drinkers.