Fall brings us crisp and cooler temperatures that’s perfect for sitting around the outdoor firepit or cheering on our favorite football teams with friends and family. The best part of game-day is the tailgate of course. Whether you are at the game or throwing a football watch party at home, here’s a few fall cocktails to keep your tailgating spirits running high! How does a pumpkin toddy or tailgate tea sound? I’m feeling thirsty already!
Bourbon and Brew
1.5 oz Coopers’ Craft Bourbon
6 oz Your favorite pumpkin beer or local brew
Rim glass with pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar. Pour bourbon in pint glass and top with your favorite chilled beer.
Tailgate Tea Cocktail
"Kickoff the next tailgate or football watching party and serve this cocktail. Depending on the tailgate crowd, you might want to double the recipe!"
2 cups strongly brewed black tea
16 oz Natalie’s Orange Juice
½ cup Natalie’s Lemon Juice
2 cups Bourbon
Mint and fresh citrus for garnish
Brew black according to package and add to a large pitcher. Stir in orange juice, lemon juice and bourbon. Add in fresh orange and lemon slices. Serve immediately over ice or let sit in fridge for up to 6 hours. Garnish glasses with fruit slices and sprigs of mint.
Jameson Irish Whiskey Night Out
"A cocktail of sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey and whipped cream that is not only acceptable but also expected as a morning treat on holidays!"
2–3 ounces hot coffee
1 ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey
1/2 ounce Santa Teresa Araku Coffee Liqueur (or another coffee liqueur)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon sugar (optional)
Combine whiskey, coffee, coffee liqueur and brown sugar in a heat-tempered mug. Garnish with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin Toddy
"Warm the belly and soul with this spiked Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy. The perfect cocktail to sip on cold winter nights!"
1 ounce apple brandy
½ ounce rye whiskey
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce Grade B maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin purée
2 drops Angostura bitters
5 ounces boiling water
grated cinnamon
Warm a mug (fill with water, microwave for 1 minute, empty and dry). Add all the ingredients except the water. Pour in the boiling water and stir thoroughly. Top with grated cinnamon, add whipped cream, if desired, and serve immediately.
Lady Sangria Cocktail
"A few years back, I developed this recipe for a tasting dinner I put together for my amazing wife’s birthday. The different fruits used represent the beauty that is my wife, and the dark rum represents yours truly. Serve this wonderful cocktail at your next tailgate!"
1 750-ml bottle white wine
2 peaches, chopped
1 apple, cored and chopped
4 ounces raspberries, lightly muddled
4 ounces triple sec
3 oranges, juiced
1 tablespoon lime juice
4 ounces gold rum
2 cups diet tonic water
In a large vessel, add wine, peaches, apple, raspberries, triple sec, orange juice, lime juice, and rum and stir. Let the sangria sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Add the tonic water just before serving it to your guests.