Game Day Cocktails

Whether you’re rooting for your home team or just here for the commercials, there’s a few Game Day cocktails here you’ll love. Whip up your favorite for the Big Game, March Madness, the Olympics or a tailgate to share with your fellow game lovers.

two beeritas on a white background

Sportsball. You either love it or you don’t.

If you do, you’ve got a favorite team and you watch every weekend. If you don’t, you probably enjoy some amazing commercials, a good halftime show and the Olympics every few years.

I fall mostly in the “don’t” category, but I do love attending a tailgate once in a while.

Honestly, it’s the beer cheese dip and guacamole for me.

Oh, and the drinks of course.

While I love a cold one, especially a local craft beer from a cooler, I also love mixing up punches and pitcher drinks for an athletic gathering with friends and family.

It’s good to have some recipes for game day cocktails in your back pocket, and I’ve got you covered with some ideas.

a plate of pretzels and a bowl of beer cheese

Tips for picking game day cocktails

Go for a theme. Think about the event you’re about to watch, and choose drinks accordingly.

One way to do this is to make drinks that match your team’s color scheme. When my Carolina Panthers are playing, I might make frozen blue margaritas to match their jerseys.

Or you could mix up place-related cocktails using ingredients representative of the team you’re pulling for. Example: Pulling for New Orleans? Make some Mardi Gras cocktails. Or when the Olympics are in France in 2024? Make some champagne cocktails.

This year the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals are playing in the Super Bowl. If you’re pulling for the Rams, you might make a California-esque pineapple Moscow mule that matches their blue and gold jerseys. If you’re a Bengals fan, you might make a Who Dey! cocktail.

Place matters. If you’re bringing drinks from home for, say, a tailgate, you might want to think about pre-mixing your drinks ahead of time. Some drinks just won’t travel well.

A pitcher or bottle of Bloody Mary mix would work well packed in your cooler along with some beers. You could also make some bottled cocktails to bring. Don’t forget the cups and some ice!

Have something for everyone. Not every drink will be a winner with every set of tastebuds. If you’re hosting, plan to offer some beer and wine and a non-alcoholic option like Winter Citrus Spa Water. Check out these tips for stocking your bar for a party.

Glass or plastic? If your folks can get rowdy, skip anything glass, including bottles and pitchers. Stick to plastic. You can wash everything in the dishwasher when you get home.

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

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