When it comes to football season, nothing gets the fan-frenzy going like a good old-fashioned tailgate party. But what’s a tailgate without some fantastic drinks to get the party started in the parking lot? If you’ve been scratching your head about what libations to bring to your next tailgate, worry no more. In our latest blog post, “Top Tailgate Drinks to Get the Party Started in the Parking Lot!”, we’re serving up some of the best tailgate cocktails to fuel your game-day celebrations. Get ready to sip, cheer, and score big with these crowd-pleasing concoctions!
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Touchdown-worthy Tailgate Drinks: Get the Pre-Game Party Started!
Tailgating is more than just a pre-game meet-up; it’s a cherished tradition that solidifies the camaraderie amongst fans. It’s a time where both rivalry and unity are celebrated, where grills sizzle, drinks flow, and the anticipation for the game reaches fever pitch.
This ritual of food, fun, and fanfare is interwoven into the very fabric of sporting culture, making it an integral part of the game day experience.
It’s more than just the anticipation of a win or loss; it’s about community, connection, and the shared love for the game that brings everyone together, one parking lot party at a time.
Having the right drinks at a tailgate
Having the right drinks at a tailgate is akin to having the right team spirit – it’s all about enhancing the experience and bringing people together.
The beauty of tailgate drinks is in their versatility.
Whether you’re a beer fanatic, a cocktail lover, or a soft drink sipper, there’s a tailgate drink for everyone.
The right mix of beverages not only caters to various tastes but also fosters a sense of community.
Sharing a drink, be it a complex cocktail or a simple beer, invokes a sense of unity and camaraderie among fans.
Moreover, the process of preparing these drinks can, in itself, be a fun and engaging activity, adding another layer of excitement to the tailgate experience.
Forget the foam fingers and the face paint, the real game-changer at any tailgate is the drink in your hand! So gear up, mix it up and get ready to clinch a victory with the best tailgate drinks around!
Essential Elements of Tailgate Drinks
When thinking about the ideal tailgate drink, a few characteristics come to mind.
- First and foremost, portability is key. You’re likely to be moving around a lot, mingling with different groups, so a tailgate drink needs to be easy to carry and serve. This means opting for cocktails that can be pre-mixed in large batches or choosing beer and wine that’s easy to pop and pour.
- Secondly, ease of preparation can’t be overlooked. You want to spend time cheering on your team, not mixing complicated drinks. Look for recipes that can be prepared ahead of time or require minimal ingredients.
- Lastly, remember you’re catering to a crowd. Picking drinks with broad appeal ensures everyone at your tailgate can find something they enjoy. Whether it’s a classic brew, a fruity punch, or a spicy Bloody Mary, the best tailgate drinks are those that keep the spirit high and the party going!
3 Top Tailgate Cocktails
Mexican-Style Bloody Mary
Forget the regular vodka-based Bloody Marys, this one takes things up a notch with bacon-infused tequila. Yup, you heard it right – bacon and tequila together in a drink. It’s a thing, folks!
You know what’s surprisingly awesome? The slightly sweet, like “whoa, is that maple syrup?”, taste of smoky bacon. And guess what? It’s a perfect match for tequila! Trust me, it’s not your typical combo, but it’s strangely delicious.
Oh, and here’s a bonus tip: try adding some Bacon-Infused Tequila to apple cider and give it a touch of maple syrup. You won’t believe how good it is! Cheers! 🥓🍹
Ingredients
- Chili powder
- ½ c. vegetable juice
- 1 ½ oz. Bacon-Infused Tequila (Make it yourself!)
- 1 ½ tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp. bottled hot pepper sauce
- celery salt
- bitters
- ice
- celery for garnish
- lime for garnish
- bacon, crisp-cooked, for garnish
Bacon-Infused Tequila Recipe – Add 2 c. tequila blanco and 2 slices of bacon to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake a few times. Let stand at room temperature overnight. Strain before using; discard bacon.
Directions
- Rim a chilled glass with chili powder; set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vegetable juice, infused tequila, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, hot pepper sauce, celery salt and bitters. Fill with ice cubes. Lightly shake and strain into rimmed glass.
- If desired, garnish with celery, lime and bacon.
- BONUS – use Bacon Rim Salt
Beer Margarita
It’s beerita time! Time to unwind with a super refreshing Margarita cocktail! Get ready to taste the fiesta of Mexico in every single sip. Just mix beer, tequila, and frozen limeade from concentrate for a special treat that will rock your tastebuds. And hey, it’s not just about pleasing your own palate, it’s gonna keep everyone grinning! Cheers, amigos! 🍹🌮😄
BONUS! Match your team colors to your marg flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
- 12 fluid ounces tequila
- 12 fluid ounces water, or more as needed
- 12 fluid ounces beer
- ice
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
- Pour limeade concentrate, tequila, water, and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until limeade has melted.
- Add plenty of ice to the pitcher and garnish with lime wedges. Adjust with additional water if needed.
It’s a good call to go for not-so-micro brews to avoid a beer flavor that takes over. Just use the limeade can to measure the ingredients, and if the mix seems too sweet, water it down a bit. Straining the pulp is usually a wise move, unless you’re really into it. Pulp or no pulp, you do you! 😉
Blood Orange Spritzers
This cocktail is like magic – packed with all the tasty peach, blood orange, and thyme flavors, but lighter in calories! (110 to be exact) It’s a win-win situation for your taste buds and your waistline. More wiggle room in those jeans for more WINGS! Trust me, you won’t be missing out on any flavor with this one! 🍹✨
What you Need
- ½ oz. Ketel One Botanical peach and orange blossom liqueur
- 10 sprig(s) fresh thyme, plus additional for garnish
- 1 blood orange wedge, plus additional for garnish
- 2 oz. Gustare Vita blood orange soda
- 3 oz. club soda
Directions
- Add botanical liqueur, thyme, and blood orange wedge to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to combine. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and shake until thoroughly combined and chilled.
- Strain into a 16-oz. cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. Top with blood orange soda and club soda. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs and blood orange wedges for garnish, if desired.
PS. If you are more of a White Claw Spritzer guy or gal – try their Blood Orange Flavor here!
Also Stirrings makes a great Blood Orange Mixer too here.
Tips for Serving Drinks at a Tailgate
Serving drinks at a tailgate requires a bit of strategy to ensure everyone stays in high spirits. Here are a few tips to keep your tailgate party flowing smoothly:
- Go for Bulk: Pre-mix your cocktails in large batches before the event. This way, you’ll spend less time playing bartender and more time enjoying the party. Just make sure to keep them well-chilled in a cooler.
- Keep It Simple: Choose cocktails that require minimal ingredients and can be easily prepared on-site. This reduces the amount of stuff you need to lug to the parking lot.
- Portable and Sealable Containers: Use leak-proof and easy-to-carry containers for your drinks. This will prevent spills and make transportation easier.
- Label Your Drinks: If you’re serving a variety of drinks, make sure to label them clearly. You can even add a little description of the ingredients.
- Don’t Forget the Non-Alcoholic Options: Always remember to provide a variety of tasty non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer them.
- Stay Hydrated: Tailgating can be a long event, often in the sun. Make sure to have plenty of water available to keep your guests hydrated.
- Drink Responsibly: Keep the party fun and ensure everyone drinks responsibly.
Remember, the aim is to celebrate and enjoy the game, not to overdo it. After all, the best tailgate drinks are those that keep the spirit high and the party going safely!
Game-Changing Tailgate Drinks: Cocktails That Will Make You The MVP!
Choosing the right tailgate drinks can make or break your pre-game festivities. They set the mood for the event, bring people together, and even serve as a great conversation starter.
The beauty of tailgate drinks lies in their versatility – there’s something for everyone, from beer aficionados to cocktail connoisseurs and non-alcoholic beverage drinkers.
But remember, the key factors to consider are portability, ease of preparation, and crowd appeal. Whether it’s a classic brew, a Beer Margarita, or a Spritzer, the best tailgate drinks get the party going and keep the spirit high.
So, at your next tailgate, make sure you’re armed with the best beverages to elevate the experience. Give our suggested drinks a go – we promise, they won’t disappoint. After all, what’s a tailgate without a great drink in hand? Game on!
Stop by Top Shelf in Effingham for all of your pre-game parking lot essentials!
