Game days are all about the excitement of the sport, the camaraderie of friends and family, and, of course, the delicious food and drinks that add to the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the socializing, having the right drinks on hand can elevate your game day experience. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 drinks for football game days, including the best alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Best Alcoholic Beverages
Craft Beers
Craft beers have become a staple at football game day gatherings. They offer unique flavors and a touch of sophistication that can impress your guests. Here are some craft beers that are perfect for game days:
- IPA (India Pale Ale) Known for its strong hop flavor and higher alcohol content, IPAs are a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts. Their bold taste can stand up to spicy game day snacks.
- Stout Rich and creamy, stouts are perfect for colder game days. Their chocolate and coffee notes make them a delightful companion to hearty dishes like chili or barbecue.
- Wheat Beer Light and refreshing, wheat beers are great for early-season games. Their citrusy undertones make them a versatile choice that pairs well with lighter fare like salads and chicken wings.
- Pale Ale Balanced and flavorful, pale ales offer a more moderate hop flavor compared to IPAs. They are an excellent choice for those who want something not too overpowering but still flavorful.
Signature Cocktails
Crafting signature cocktails for your football game day can make the event feel special and personalized. Here are some crowd-pleasers:
Bloody End Zone
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes of hot sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery stick and lemon wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Garnish with a celery stick and a lemon wedge.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a tall glass with plenty of ice for a refreshing and savory drink.
MVP Margarita
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lime juice
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Lime wheel for garnish
- Instructions:
- Rim the glass with salt. Fill a shaker with ice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a margarita glass with a salted rim for a classic and refreshing drink.
Huddle Mule
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a copper mug for a traditional presentation and enhanced flavor.
First Down Old Fashioned
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of bitters
- Orange twist and cherry for garnish
- Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in a glass, add bitters, and a splash of water. Muddle until dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, add bourbon, and stir. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a rocks glass with a large ice cube for a sophisticated and classic drink.
Sideline Sangria
- Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red or white wine
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Sliced oranges, lemons, limes, and berries
- Club soda (optional)
- Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine wine, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add sliced fruit. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Top with club soda before serving if desired.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in large wine glasses or tumblers with plenty of fruit for a vibrant and fruity drink.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Mocktails
For those who prefer to stay sober or are designated drivers, mocktails provide all the fun without the alcohol. Here are some delightful non-alcoholic options:
Victory Mojito
- Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup soda water
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
- Instructions:
- Muddle mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar in a glass. Fill the glass with ice and add soda water. Stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a tall glass with a straw for a refreshing and minty drink.
Cheerleader Shirley Temple
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp grenadine
- Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. Add ginger ale, orange juice, and grenadine. Stir gently. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a highball glass with plenty of ice for a sweet and fizzy drink.
Nojito Touchdown
- Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
- Instructions:
- Muddle mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar in a glass. Fill the glass with ice and add lemon-lime soda. Stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a tall glass with a straw for a sweet and bubbly drink.
Sparkling Kickoff Lemonade
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemonade
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- Lemon slices and mint sprig for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. Add lemonade and top with sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon slices and a mint sprig.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a tall glass with a straw for a refreshing and fizzy drink.
Fresh Juices
Fresh juices are not only healthy but also refreshing and vibrant, making them a great choice for any game day.
Field Goal Orange Juice
- Ingredients:
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Orange slice for garnish
- Instructions:
- Squeeze fresh oranges until you have a cup of juice. Pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a clear glass with plenty of ice for a classic and refreshing drink.
Apple Blitz Cider
- Ingredients:
- Fresh apple cider
- Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
- Instructions:
- Pour fresh apple cider into a glass. Add ice if serving cold. For a warm version, heat the cider in a pot until hot but not boiling. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a mug for hot cider or a glass with ice for a cold version.
Cranberry Touchdown Juice
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- Splash of sparkling water
- Fresh cranberries and lime wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice. Add cranberry juice and top with a splash of sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a clear glass for a vibrant and tangy drink.
Pineapple Punt Juice
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- Pineapple slice for garnish
- Instructions:
- Pour fresh pineapple juice into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in a tropical-themed glass with a straw for a sweet and tropical drink.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect atmosphere for your football game day goes beyond just the game; it’s about the experience. Whether you’re indulging in craft beers, savoring a signature cocktail, or enjoying a refreshing mocktail or juice, having the right drinks on hand can make all the difference.
These top 10 drinks for football game days are sure to please any crowd, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and enjoyable time. Cheers to great games and even greater gatherings!
FAQs
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