Take heaping plates of melt-in-your-mouth appetizers and a crowded living room of friends decked out in their favorite jerseys—you’ve got the makings for a great game day. But something’s missing. You guessed it: the liquid refreshments!
No football-viewing venture is complete without sporty libations! Want to kick off your tailgating celebrations with a pre-game pick-me-up? Why not start the festivities with a spice-infused, gussied up and garnished Bloody Mary. Follow this simple (but tantalizing) recipe from Liquor.com to mix up your own batch of this classic hangover cure and feel fueled to talk smack and spout team pride.
Ingredients:
2 ounces of your favorite local vodka or gin (spice things up with a pepper-infused vodka)
4 ounces tomato juice
Fresh lemon juice (about .25 ounce, and be sure to save the rest for garnish)
Worcestershire sauce (3 dashes, or to taste)
Tabasco (try chipotle style for a smoky twist) or your favorite brand of hot sauce (2-3 dashes)
¼ teaspoon horseradish
Celery bitters (2 dashes)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Add vodka, tomato juice and remaining ingredients into a pint glass, fill with ice and stir to perfection!
Garnish:
Go traditional with a lemon wedge and celery rib, or jazz it up with pickled veggies of your choice (try green beans and asparagus,) pepperoncinis and green olives.
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Once the game starts, the real party begins. If you’re looking for an alternative to beer (although there’s nothing wrong with stocking the fridge or cooler with a few six-packs), spice things up with a season-inspired favorite. Perfect for fall, get spirited with Real Simple’s recipe for this bourbon-based “Gingersnap Punch.”
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup honey
1 3-inch chunk of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
6 cups fresh orange juice
4 cups pear nectar
1 liter of your favorite local bourbon
2 lemons, thinly sliced
ice
Directions:
Combine 2 quarts of water with the lemon juice, honey and ginger in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then strain into a bowl. Once cooled, add the orange juice, pear nectar, bourbon (it’s okay to be generous here) and lemons. Grab a glass and serve over ice.
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Want to keep the party going after the game is over? Rather than lose your momentum, fuel up with a caffeinated cocktail. With only four simple ingredients, this Martha Stewart patented recipe for Irish coffee is simply sumptuous.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup sugar
3 cups of hot coffee (get gourmet by brewing up a pot of your favorite local roast)
4 ounces of your favorite local whiskey
Directions: Whisk or whip together the cream and sugar in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Divvy up the coffee and liquor of choice among 4 coffee mugs and top with generous amounts of your homemade whipped topping.
Whether you’re a die hard sports fan or just looking for an excuse to entertain, these intoxicating cocktails are sure to be the perfect addition to your game-day menu. Cheers!
