GMé in MKE: The Rise of THC Drinks in the Beer Haven of Milwaukee

Milwaukee and beer go hand in hand. For generations, beer has flowed through the veins of this city, solidifying its reputation as one of America’s great brewing capitals. From its rich brewing history to its beer-centric culture, Milwaukee has fostered a love affair with hoppy lagers, crisp pilsners, and everything in between. But now, in this evolving cityscape, a new wave of beverages is gaining traction—not from barley and hops, but from hemp. Enter GMé in MKE, the rise of Green Monké and other THC-infused drinks that are putting a new twist on Milwaukee’s rich tradition. 

Milwaukee’s Brewing Roots Run Deep 

To understand Milwaukee’s beer culture, you have to start with its history. By the late 1800s, Milwaukee was a powerhouse in the brewing industry. With iconic names like Miller, Pabst, Schlitz, and Blatz calling Milwaukee home, it’s no surprise the city earned the nickname “Brew City.”

Beer wasn't just a product in Milwaukee; it was a cultural identity. Festivals and celebrations revolved around it, breweries shaped the economy, and even sports embraced it. To this day, the city’s baseball team is aptly named the Milwaukee Brewers, paying homage to the area’s frothy heritage. And if you’re a baseball fan, you know there's no tradition quite as uniquely Milwaukee as the Bernie Brewer Slide. During baseball games, when a Brewer hits a home run, a guy in lederhosen playfully slides into a giant mug of beer. Beer here isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. 

But Milwaukee’s current vibe isn’t stuck in the past. Alongside its brewing institutions, the city is evolving, with a burst of new development creating a fresh optimism for its future. 

The Changing Face of Milwaukee 

Walk around downtown Milwaukee today, and you’ll notice dramatic changes. Sparkling new buildings, eco-friendly designs, and revitalized neighborhoods are re-shaping the city. The investment into Milwaukee’s infrastructure is palpable, from the shiny Fiserv Forum and its surging Deer District, to the new BMO building and the re-furbished Pabst Theatre creating spaces where businesses, restaurants, and entertainment thrive. 

Residents feel it. There’s a sense of pride and progress in this reimagined Milwaukee—one that honors its roots while eagerly looking toward new opportunities. And just like the skyline has transformed, so too has the city’s palate. 

From Barley to Hemp: The Rise of THC Drinks 

Amid this reinvention, the beverage scene is seeing a buzz-worthy addition—THC-infused drinks. Once under the radar, cannabis beverages, particularly those derived from hemp, are now moving into the spotlight. Green Monké, a hemp-derived Delta-9 THC sparkling drink, leads the pack here in Brew City. 

This isn’t a coincidence. Milwaukeeans are reaching for Green Monké and similar products for reasons that go beyond mere curiosity. 

Why THC Over Beer? 

While beer and Milwaukee are inseparable, times are changing. There’s a growing movement of consumers turning to THC options for a variety of reasons:

• A Health-Conscious Shift: Many consumers are looking for lower-calorie, alcohol-free options. THC drinks like Green Monké offer a buzz without the carbs or hangover.
• Preference for Wellness: With more awareness around mental and physical health, the effects of THC drinks appeal to those seeking relaxation or social enjoyment without alcohol’s downsides.
• Curiosity and Innovation: THC drinks are novel and innovative, and consumers—especially younger generations—love exploring alternative beverages.
• Cannabis Culture Growth: With the relaxation of regulations on hemp-derived products, THC drinks are becoming more accessible and mainstream, appealing to a wider audience.

For Milwaukee residents, these drinks aren’t replacing beer—they’re complementing it. They represent a new chapter in the city’s love for beverages, offering diversity and choice in a city where every drink tells a story. 

Why Green Monké? 

Green Monké stands out as a leader in the THC drink space. Its appeal lies in its playful branding, light and refreshing flavors, and, of course, its carefully dosed THC content that offers an uplifting experience. Flavors like “Tropical Citrus” and “Mango Guava” provide a fruity alternative to hops and malt, while each can delivers just the right amount of Delta-9 THC to keep everything fun and mellow. 

And its mission? To bring happiness to every sip. True to its motto, Green Monké is bridging the gap between cannabis culture and mainstream beverages, creating something approachable yet exciting. 

Did you know that Green Monké has become the official THC drink of the Pabst Theatre Group and its five iconic venues in Milwaukee? It's an exciting collaboration that brings together the rich history of brewing and the innovative world of cannabis-infused beverages. These concert venues, named after brewery Hall of Famers, are thrilled to offer their guests a unique experience with THC-infused drinks. Now, alongside the traditional beer offerings, concert-goers can enjoy the refreshing and uplifting flavors of Green Monké, adding an extra element of excitement to their evenings. It's a true testament to how Milwaukee continues to evolve and embrace new beverage trends while honoring its brewing heritage. 

Milwaukee Embraces the High Life 

Decades ago, Milwaukee earned its reputation as the center of American brewing. Now, it’s taking up the mantle of beverage innovation. With the rise of THC-infused drinks like Green Monké, Milwaukee is once again proving that it can evolve without losing its roots. 

Beer may always sit atop the Milwaukee throne, but there’s room for everyone at the table. And with THC drinks gaining traction, Milwaukeeans are writing a new chapter to cement their city as not just a beer haven, but a beverage capital for everyone. 

Like Bernie Brewer sliding into that oversized mug of beer, Milwaukee is joyfully moving into uncharted waters. And this time, those waters might be sparkling with a little THC. Cheers to the high life!