With football comes tailgating, and with tailgating comes adult beverages, so start thinking about planning for your party! While you can’t go wrong with a cooler full of beer at a tailgate, sometimes you want to kick things up a notch when it comes to your drink menu. These are the best drinks to bring for your tailgate this fall that will set the tone for you and your party before kickoff.
Bloody Mary
Few beverages complement an early morning tailgate like a Bloody Mary. Having one gives your guests a savory, smooth drink with a kick. While vodka is the popular choice to mix, some people may prefer tequila or gin. Pairing one with hummus or chili is a delicacy that any tomato lover will enjoy.
Old-Fashioned
Few things are sweeter in life than a plate of BBQ chicken wings and an Old-fashioned. Originating in Louisville, a perfectly executed Old-fashioned will be a great way to show off your mixing chops. While bourbon is the most popular spirit, make sure you pick one of the best whiskeys for an Old-fashioned.
Negroni
The famous Italian cocktail is similar to an old-fashioned but with a vintage feel and charm. A negroni will mix three main components: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. A nice plate of garlic fries makes this classic go down smooth.
Vodka Sour
Pairing a nice steak with a vodka sour will be both delicious and calorie conscious. At around 110 calories, the vodka sour offers a low-cal option with a delightful taste—a combination you won’t find often. But if you are so inclined, a few other options for limiting that caloric intake include a vodka soda, kombucha with vodka, or a martini.
Cider
The sweet nectar of cider hits differently once the leaves start to fall. There are plenty of options you can choose from, depending on your preference. New drinkers can dip their toes with a standard apple ale. Those with a more diverse palate can experiment with dry, sweet, craft, or low-sugar variations to find the one that suits them best. Any cider will pair well with a dessert to put a bow on your tailgating venture.
Now that you have a solid understanding of the best drinks to bring for your tailgate this fall, grab the pigskin, throw on your favorite jersey, pack up the car, and have a great time! Hopefully, the game goes as well as the pregame festivities.