Texas has its own drink culture, and it goes well beyond beer and margaritas. The state has produced some of the most iconic beverages in America, from a 23-flavor soda born in Waco in 1885 to a frozen margarita machine invented in a Dallas restaurant in 1971. If you are visiting for the 2026 international soccer tournament, knowing what to drink is almost as important as knowing what to eat.
Here is your guide.
Sweet tea is brewed strong, poured over ice and sweetened heavily. It is the default drink at most casual restaurants in Texas, and refills are free and unlimited. If you come from a country where tea is served hot, the Texas version will surprise you. It is cold, sweet and meant to fight the heat.
When a server asks “sweet or unsweet?” they are asking about tea. If you want it without sugar, say unsweet.
Dr Pepper was created in 1885 in Waco, Texas, making it one of the oldest major soft drinks in the United States. The 23-flavor blend is arguably the state’s most iconic non-alcoholic beverage, and Texans are fiercely loyal to it.
A classic Texas tradition is dropping salted peanuts directly into a bottle of Dr Pepper. The combination of salt, crunch and soda sounds unusual but has been a roadside habit for generations.
Dr Pepper is available at virtually every restaurant, gas station and concession stand in the DFW area, including inside Globe Life Field.
Shiner Bock is brewed at the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, and it is the unofficial state beer. The amber lager is smooth, malty and pairs well with barbecue, Tex-Mex and the Texas heat. You will find it on tap and in bottles at bars, restaurants and stadiums across the DFW area.
The frozen margarita machine was invented in 1971 at Mariano’s Mexican Cuisine in Dallas by Mariano Martinez. The original machine is now in the Smithsonian. Frozen margaritas are a staple at Tex-Mex restaurants throughout Texas, and they pair surprisingly well with brisket.
Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch in Arlington is the best place to drink one near the stadiums, and the restaurant carries the history of the invention with it.
Ranch water is a simple cocktail made with tequila, lime juice and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. It has become one of the most popular drinks in Texas over the past several years. The drink is light, refreshing and built for the heat. You will find it at most bars and many restaurants across DFW.
Topo Chico itself, a sparkling mineral water bottled in Monterrey, Mexico, is a Texas lifestyle staple. You will see it everywhere.
The DFW area has a growing craft beer scene. Legal Draft Beer Co. in Arlington is a local brewery near the Entertainment District. Deep Ellum Brewing Company in Dallas is one of the most established craft breweries in the metro area. Both are worth a visit if you are a beer drinker looking beyond the national brands.
Inside Globe Life Field, you will find Dr Pepper, sweet tea, Shiner Bock, local craft beer, frozen margaritas and a full range of soft drinks and water. Blue Bell ice cream throughout the concourse is not a drink, but it is another Texas institution worth trying.
Get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026 and try the Texas drinks lineup alongside a Boomstick or Hurtado Barbecue at Section 141.
Dr Pepper, created in Waco in 1885, is the state’s most iconic non-alcoholic drink. Shiner Bock is the most iconic beer. The frozen margarita is the most iconic cocktail.
Strongly brewed tea served cold over ice with heavy sugar. Refills are free at most casual restaurants.
A cocktail made with tequila, lime juice and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. Light, refreshing and popular across Texas.
Yes. Dr Pepper, sweet tea, Shiner Bock, craft beer and frozen margaritas are all available at the ballpark.
At Mariano’s Mexican Cuisine in Dallas in 1971. The original machine is in the Smithsonian. Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch in Arlington continues to serve frozen margaritas.
Sweet tea is the traditional pairing. Shiner Bock and frozen margaritas also go well with smoked meat.
