Alright, Golden State—happy birthday to you! You’ve been showing off for 175 years now, and honestly? You’ve earned every single one of those candles. From the waves of Big Sur to the vines of Napa, California is where innovation meets beauty, and where farm-fresh food is more than a trend—it’s a way of life. So, what better way to mark this epic birthday celebration than with a toast (or two) to the best place on earth with what we are deeming the ‘Cocktail of the Golden State’, the California 75.

California Turns 175: Let’s Celebrate Like Only We Know How

Enter: the California 75—our signature spin on the French classic, but like everything else here, it’s got a little more sunshine, a little more sparkle, and a lot more citrus. And if you’re not drinking alcohol, no worries. We’ve got the ultimate lemonade recipe born from CA GROWN lemons and it too tastes like a perfect opportunity to raise a glass to the state we love.

But this isn’t just about sipping cocktails and mocktails. Consider this blog post, and the recipes shared within it, a love letter. We’re toasting to the soil, the people, and the produce that only California can offer.

Sipping Sunshine: The California 75

The California 75 is everything you love about a French 75—elevated by the bright, citrusy brilliance of the West Coast. This sensational lemon cocktail is as bright and effervescent as the drive that inspired it; California SR75 to sunny San Diego. Citrus dotted roads and ocean views, it just doesn’t get much better.

California 75 Ingredients:

• Sparkling wine from California
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• California-crafted dry vermouth
• A touch of simple syrup

Vermouth is Made in California too?

You betcha we do! It’s truly a fascinating food story that you should read more about in the article below.

Serve it in a champagne glass with a lemon twist, or a coupe glass with a lemon cheek and it becomes the perfect way to toast to California’s 175th birthday celebration.

Whether you’re enjoying a backyard birthday party or hosting a virtual birthday party with friends, these drinks are the perfect place to start the celebration.

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Mark Your Calendar: California’s Official 175th Birthday Celebration

This isn’t just a year to remember—it’s a moment in the making. The state of California will officially kick off its 175th birthday celebration on September 9, 2025, known as California Admission Day, which commemorates our entrance into the Union in 1850.

To make it even better, the state has launched Celebrate.ca.gov, a central hub for all things related to this milestone event. From local happenings to classroom resources and historical retrospectives, it’s the place to be if you want to honor California’s past while looking toward its future.

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom are leading the charge, encouraging all Californians to reflect on our shared heritage and celebrate our diverse communities. Consider it your statewide invitation to one epic, year-long birthday party.

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From Hidden Valley to Napa Valley: The Golden State’s Culinary Claim to Fame

Let’s kick things off with the hits—the iconic foods California has given the world. Because when you’re planning birthday parties, you want the delicious snacks, right? Well, we’ve got those in spades.

In fact, lots of America’s most beloved foods were either born in California or made famous here:

• Hidden Valley Ranch was first whipped up on a real dude ranch in Santa Barbara County. It went from humble salad topper to America’s #1 dressing. Click here for the recipe.
• Sourdough Bread has roots going back to the Gold Rush era in San Francisco. That tangy crust? Still the best sidekick to chowder or charcuterie. Click here for the recipe.
• The Mission Burrito was born in San Francisco’s Mission District and turned a tortilla into an art form. Click here for the recipe.
• Orange Julius, anyone? This creamy, dreamy orange drink got its start in Los Angeles in the 1920s and is still the popular option at fairs and food courts nationwide. Click here for the recipe.
• And don’t forget Cioppino, the seafood stew invented by Italian fishermen in San Francisco. It’s comfort food, California-style. Click here for the recipe.

That’s the best part about food here—it’s deeply rooted in culture, community, and creativity. It’s not just a meal. It’s our history on your plate.

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Let’s Celebrate How California Feeds the Nation (and the World)

Now let’s talk about what we think is the most important thing California brings to the table: agriculture.

California produces over 400 crops, including more than 99% of the country’s almonds, artichokes, figs, and walnuts. This food economy not only feeds America but also exports knowledge, innovation, and sustenance around the globe.

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Always In Season: A Year-Round Birthday Buffet

No matter the season, California’s got something fresh to bring to the table. Our “Always in Season” produce shows off just how diverse and consistent our growing seasons really are.

So whether you’re making a birthday cake topped with fresh berries or a harvest salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, you’ve got California’s farms to thank.

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Leading the Way in Sustainability and Innovation

California is farming smarter than ever before. With our eyes always focused on sustainability and equitability.

We’re home to some of the most progressive farming techniques on Earth—techniques that are influencing growers around the globe.

From water conservation practices to biodiversity-focused regenerative agriculture, California is setting the bar. And we’re not stopping there.

The Farm to Table movement started here and thrives here. It’s how food moves from the dirt to your dinner plate quickly, responsibly, and often with a story behind it.

That’s the California difference.

Here are a few articles to read if you would like to learn more about these fascinating topics.

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Birthday Ideas, Golden State Style

Throwing a Golden State-themed birthday party? Here are a few great ideas to get you started:

• Host a California Wine Tasting: Pair sparkling wines with citrus desserts or marmalade and goat cheese on crackers.
• Set the Table with the Seasons: Let in-season produce inspire your menu—maybe a blueberry galette in summer or a persimmon salad in fall.
• Virtual Birthday Party Cooking Night: Choose a recipe from CA GROWN’s blog and cook together over Zoom.

This is the kind of celebration that reminds people why California is more than a place. It’s a way of life.

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Cheers to the Golden State, 175 Years and Counting

We lead in tech and innovate in food. We drive culture, flavor, and sustainability—and we share it with the world.

Here’s to a special day and a state that does everything just a little extra.

So raise your California 75 high and say it with us:

Happy Birthday, California. You’re truly golden!

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Use #CAGROWN on Instagram to show off your celebration and tag @cagrownofficial. Let’s see your toast, your table, and your tribute to the Golden State.