For over five decades, Fernie’s Funnel Cakes has been a beloved fixture at the State Fair of Texas, delighting fairgoers since 1969 with its crispy, sugary goodness. What started as a humble vendor has blossomed into a hallmark of mouthwatering, deep-fried fairground cuisine. Now, this iconic establishment is set to take your taste buds on a thrilling new adventure with their latest creation: Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream—a luscious wine-based cocktail that captures the spirit of their famous funnel cakes.
At the helm of this exciting venture are the dynamic sister-duo, Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee. With a combined legacy of 54 years in culinary craftsmanship, they are no strangers to innovation. Their new product, Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream, is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of Americana infused with a sophisticated twist. Each 750 ml bottle, containing 13.9% alcohol by volume, retails for an affordable $14.99 to $17.99 (prices may vary by retailer) and is set to hit Central Market shelves across North Texas this week, with Goody Goody, HEB, and Spec’s joining the lineup shortly after
What’s inside this remarkable bottle? A delightful fusion of the freshest cream, premium wines, and natural flavors creates a mildly sweet treat with enchanting hints of vanilla. Whether you sip it straight, pour it over ice, blend it into a cocktail, or indulge in it as a dessert, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
The journey to Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream began in 2022, sparked by a serendipitous moment when Christi stumbled upon an advertisement for king cake liqueur. This epiphany led her to envision a drink that encapsulated the joy of funnel cakes—an indulgence cherished at fairs and festivals around the world.
But Christi didn’t just let the idea fade; she had a powerful ally in her corner: her husband, Bert Erpillo, a titan in the liquor industry. As the founder of Beverage Marketing Associates, Bert’s expertise and connections have shaped the success of iconic brands like Tito’s Vodka and Jägermeister. Together with Christi and Johnna, they embarked on an extraordinary journey to bring this delicious vision to life.
The path to crafting the perfect recipe was not without its challenges. While many might have opted for a traditional vodka base, Christi and her team were steadfast in their belief that a wine-based product was the way to go. “With 42 million people attending fairs in the U.S. and Canada annually, we wanted to create something for all these diverse venues—from fairs to convenience stores,” Christi explains. “There are around 2,500 liquor licenses in Texas, but an astounding 50,000 convenience stores. The math was crystal clear.”
In a stroke of serendipity, they partnered with David Tindol at Specialty Blends in Dripping Springs, Texas—trusted collaborators for years on their wine-based margaritas and daiquiris. The partnership to co-pack and bottle this innovative cream was seamless, further enhancing their commitment to quality.
To ensure that Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream reaches eager fans, they teamed up with Green Light Distribution, a rising star in the industry, recently recognized as the fourth fastest-growing company on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list. With orders already secured from major retailers like HEB, Central Market, Spec’s, and Goody Liquor, the future looks incredibly bright for this delicious endeavor.
A Fairground Favorite
Fairgoers can look forward to enjoying Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream at any of Fernie’s five stands throughout the State Fair of Texas, making this sweet legacy even more irresistible. So whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering the magic of funnel cakes for the first time, this delightful new creation promises to be the perfect companion for your fairground adventures.
With Fernie’s Funnel Cake Cream, Christi and Johnna are not just serving up a beverage; they’re creating a new chapter in the rich tapestry of fair food traditions. Join the celebration and treat yourself to a sip of nostalgia with a modern twist—because at Fernie’s, the fun never ends.
