Game Day Cocktails

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

two beeritas on a white background

Your ultimate guide to game day drinks

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 Super Bowl 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!)

The drinks make it better too. A good cold one — especially a local craft beer from a cooler — is always nice, but it’s also fun to mix up punches and pitcher drinks for an athletic gathering with friends and family.

Whether you’re watching football, basketball, golf, tennis or any other sport, it’s always good to have some recipes for game day cocktails in your back pocket, and I’ve got you covered with some ideas and tips for hosting below.

Game day cocktail themes

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 or recipes representative of the team you’re pulling for or the location of the big game. Examples:

A glass of a light pink drink with crushed ice, garnished with a skewer of green grapes. Another glass and a bowl of green grapes are in the background, with a teal cloth nearby.

Official game day cocktails

Another idea is to see if your sporting event or tournament has an official (or unofficial) cocktail you could make! A few ideas:

Quick tips for hosting

Here are some tips and tricks for serving drinks at your Super Bowl party so everyone has a blast:

Tailgating parties: 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 classic Bloody Mary mix would work well packed in your cooler along with some beers. You could also make some bottled cocktails to bring, or make hot chocolate in the slow cooker for a hot chocolate bar. Don’t forget the cups and a bag of ice!

Game day at home: If you’re watching the big game from your couch, you can have a little more flexibility. Big-batch drinks like jungle juice are still your friend so your guests can serve themselves. You can also set up a mimosa bar or Bloody Mary bar for your pals to DIY their drinks.

Glass or plastic? If your folks can get rowdy, skip anything glass, including bottles and pitchers. Stick to re-usable plastic (or disposables if you must). You can wash everything when you get home.

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.

two bottles of corona on a marble countertop.

What to serve with game day drinks

Your game day isn’t complete without some snacks! Win or lose, everyone is going to be hungry.

For parties at home, consider things you can make ahead or don’t have to do much prep for, like a basic charcuterie board or some chips with homemade salsa. A warm dish like pizza dip or queso fundido will be a hit too. Sliders are always good for something heartier.

When you tailgate, it’s important to bring cold foods that travel well. Consider things you can make ahead and serve from a cooler or at room temperature. Some caprese skewers, white bean dip or sausage balls would be perfect.

Now, who’s ready for a game day drink?

The best game day drinks

1
A close-up of a bowl containing a fruity beverage with red strawberries, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves floating on the surface.
Jungle Juice
A big batch punch like Jungle Juice is the perfect addition to your game day parties. This adult version is even better than the one you knew in college.
GET THE RECIPE
2
colorful jello shots on marble
Jello Shots
Every game day party loves jello shots. These easy, colorful treats are a great way to show your team spirit.
GET THE RECIPE
3
two beerita cocktails next to beer cans
Beerita
Beer + tequila = a winning combo. The Beerita is a beer margarita recipe that's perfect for sipping while watching the big game!
GET THE RECIPE
4
a carafe of homemade Bloody Mary mix with a kitchen towel and a plate of Bloody Mary rim salt
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
The best easy, homemade Bloody Mary mix is made with a few simple ingredients and packs a powerful punch in Bloody Marys and Bloody Marias alike. Perfect for a crowd or setting up a Bloody Mary bar!
GET THE RECIPE
5
Two tall glasses filled with an orange drink, each garnished with an orange slice, are set on gold coasters. A whole orange, a jigger, and a bowl are nearby.
Orange Crush Recipe
The Orange Crush is bright and zesty with a hint of fizz. You'll want more than one of these crushable cocktails!
Get the Recipe
6
www.foodlovinfamily.com
Royal Flush Drink
If your team has red jerseys, this gorgeous red cocktail is an easy sipper that will be a big hit with your fellow fans.
Get the Recipe
7
A glass of orange juice with foam on top, garnished with a small green leaf, surrounded by whole oranges and a bottle on a white surface.
2-Ingredient Beermosa
A mimosa made with beer? Trust me on this. It's perfect for brunch or watching the game!
GET THE RECIPE
8
a michelada cocktail on a wood coaster
Michelada Cocktail
The Michelada is similar to a Bloody Mary, only it's made with beer and lime juice. It's a lovely savory cocktail to start the tailgate.
Get the Recipe
9
www.cakenknife.com
Chile Beer Sangria
Chile-infused whiskey and citrus bring out so many flavors in the beer! This sangria will be loved by everyone at your game day party.
GET THE RECIPE
10
Beat the heat this summer with Frozen Lemon Daiquiris reminiscent of the New Orleans classic cocktail. Sweet and tart, this citrus and rum cocktail is like a fresh frozen lemonade. (via feastandwest.com)
Frozen Lemon Daiquiris
For the team with yellow jerseys or for a hot game-watching party, these Frozen Lemon Daiquiris are reminiscent of the New Orleans classic cocktail. Sweet and tart, this citrus and rum cocktail is like a fresh frozen lemonade.
GET THE RECIPE
11
limoncellokitchen.com
Gin Campari Sour
This drink calls for campari, but it's not as bitter as a Negroni. This one's much brighter and perfect if your team has an orange jersey.
GET THE RECIPE
12
a bourbon and ginger ale cocktail in a gold polka dotted glass
Bourbon Ginger Ale Cocktail
A cocktail for a wintry night, this Bourbon Ginger Cocktail will warm you right up.
Get the Recipe
13
a lime wedge is pushed into a pink corona beer cocktail.
Corona Sunrise
What happens when you mix a tequila sunrise with a beer? The Corona Sunrise is the most delicious summer cocktail.
GET THE RECIPE
14
www.thespeckledpalate.com
Pimm’s Punch
This Pimm's Punch is an easy sipper that serves a crowd. Make it anytime NOLA is playing.
Get the Recipe
15
A glass of iced root beer with a red and white striped straw, surrounded by wrapped candies.
The Tootsie Roll Cocktail
Made with root beer and coffee liqueur, the Tootsie Roll Cocktail tastes just like the candy. It is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Get the Recipe
16
Two glass jars of orange-colored drink garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves, placed on hexagonal coasters.
Summer Shandy
Have some leftover homemade lemonade? Use it to make this amazing Summer Shandy!
GET THE RECIPE
17
www.foodbanjo.com
Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail
This gorgeous Aperol cocktail is served iced. A perfect way to chill out and watch a game during the summer months.
Get the Recipe
18
a glass of herbal limeade with green straw next to a pitcher and limes
Herbal Limeade
Make a pitcher of bright and refreshing Herbal Limeade for your next gathering or to sip on all week! Mix it with tequila for margaritas or enjoy it as a mocktail.
GET THE RECIPE
19
a gray mug with hot chocolate and a melted marshmallow next to a gray kitchen towel
Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
Make this easy, silky and delicious hot chocolate in your Instant Pot or any slow cooker. Perfect for a chilly game day!
GET THE RECIPE
20
A close-up of a frozen strawberry daiquiri on a gold tray.
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris
Easy to whip up in a belnder, these sweet, succulent, frozen strawberry daiquiris are delicious anytime.
GET THE RECIPE
21
Grapefruit Crush
theculinarycompass.com
Grapefruit Crush
The Grapefruit Crush is tart and delicious. These light cocktails are perfect to sip as you cheer on your team!
GET THE RECIPE
22
two glasses of margarita sangria next to a pitcher of the same
Margarita Sangria
Margarita Sangria uses white wine, tequila and citrus to bring you a margarita flavor that can easily serve a crowd.
GET THE RECIPE
23
www.splashoftaste.com
Purple Rain Cocktail
For the team with purple jerseys, this Purple Rain cocktail uses blue curaçao and grenadine to make the most brilliant violet color.
Get the Recipe
24
A refreshing citrus cocktail with ice, garnished with an orange slice, in an ornate green glass stemware, accompanied by citrus fruits and a cocktail shaker on a white background.
Texas Margarita
This Lone Star State version of the classic sipper brings lime and orange flavor to the party. Even if your favorite team isn't from Texas, it's a great one to enjoy!
GET THE RECIPE
25
A tall glass of iced orange-colored drink garnished with an orange slice and a cherry on a cocktail pick. Nearby are orange slices, a whole orange, and a gold jigger.
Alabama Slammer Cocktail
The Alabama Slammer is a classic cocktail packing smooth, fruity flavor. You'll love how easy it is to make for a crowd.
GET THE RECIPE
26
Two highball glasses with blue cocktails and ice, garnished with lemon slices and blue straws, placed on a white surface next to a gold jigger. The glasses have large gold polka dots.
Electric Lemonade
With a taste like grown-up Kool Aid, this sweet drink is perfect if your favorite team wears blue!
GET THE RECIPE
27
Small cups of creamy dessert topped with whipped cream and star-shaped sprinkles on a white tray.
Rumchata Pudding Shots
Serve a boozy dessert everyone will love with these easy vanilla pudding shots with Rumchata. The single servings are perfect for game day!
GET THE RECIPE
28
A glass of yellow cocktail garnished with an orange slice and a cherry, on a gold coaster. A jigger and a glass of an amber liquid are in the background.
Hurricane Cocktail
This New Orleans classic is the perfect way to cheer on your favorite team in gold!
GET THE RECIPE
29
Three small glasses filled with a bright green liquid, topped with whipped cream, placed on a golden tray.
Scooby Snack Shot
This Action Green shooter is a must for any Seahawk fan!
GET THE RECIPE
30
A cocktail garnished with dried orange slices and thyme in a clear glass with star patterns, surrounded by scattered thyme sprigs and a metal jigger.
Citrus Ginger Beer Mocktail
With plenty of bold flavors and no booze, this drink is a perfect option for anyone who prefers a non-alcoholic beverage.
GET THE RECIPE
decorative icon of a beer stein.

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!