On April 7, 2026, Altered Species Brewing Co., Ironwood Steakhouse, and Perch won the 10th annual Mash Madness drink competition, announced by Downtown Sioux Falls. This year's event, a month-long celebration of Sioux Falls' beverage scene, saw record participation and highlighted key consumer shifts, contributing significantly to the local economy.
This year's Mash Madness results validated two major movements: the refinement of classic cocktails and the dramatic surge in sophisticated non-alcoholic options. The annual contest serves as a real-time barometer for the flavor and wellness industry, revealing consumer preferences and categories experiencing explosive growth. With a reported economic impact of nearly $300,000, the event provides a data-driven snapshot of drinking trends in Sioux Falls and beyond.
What We Know So Far
- Altered Species Brewing Co. secured the win in the craft beer category for its IPA, Courting Dance, as confirmed by multiple sources.
- Ironwood Steakhouse won the craft cocktail category with its Emerald Old Fashioned, which also achieved the highest overall score in the competition at 9.60, according to a report from siouxfalls.business.
- Perch successfully defended its title in the non-alcoholic drink category, winning for a second consecutive year with its Banana Pudding Matcha.
- The competition, which ran throughout March, generated an estimated $295,000 in overall economic impact and over $70,000 in direct beverage sales, according to Downtown Sioux Falls.
- Participation grew significantly, with 2,781 votes cast, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. A total of 7,668 specialty drinks were sold across 31 competing downtown establishments.
- The non-alcoholic category demonstrated remarkable growth, experiencing a 132 percent increase in participation over last year, signaling a significant shift in consumer preferences.
