Slam Dunk Cocktails: College Basketball-Themed Drinks for March Madness

Slam Dunk Cocktails for March Madness

The Sweet 16 is here, and that means it’s time to gather your crew, place your bets, and enjoy the madness with some basketball-themed drinks! Whether you’re rooting for a Cinderella story or the tournament’s top seed, these cocktails will bring the excitement straight to your party.

1. The Full-Court Press (Whiskey Sour with a Twist)

A bold, energetic drink to keep the party going, just like a relentless full-court press defense.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy texture)

• Dash of orange bitters

• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a cocktail shaker.

2. Dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds.

3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.

4. Strain into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

2. The Cinderella Story (Blue Lagoon Cocktail)

Every tournament has an underdog. This vibrant blue drink celebrates the teams making unexpected runs to the Sweet 16.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz vodka

• 1 oz blue curaçao

• ½ oz lemonade

• ½ oz club soda

• Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.

2. Pour vodka and blue curaçao over ice.

3. Add lemonade and top with club soda.

4. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel.

3. The Buzzer Beater (Espresso Martini)

Like a game-winning shot at the last second, this cocktail will keep you hyped for the final minutes of every game.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz espresso (or strong coffee)

• ½ oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Coffee beans for garnish

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

3. Garnish with three coffee beans.

4. The Sweet 16 Sangria (Perfect for a Crowd!)

A fruit-filled punch that’s easy to make and keeps the whole crew refreshed throughout the night.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (such as Tempranillo or Zinfandel)

• 1 cup orange juice

• ½ cup brandy

• ½ cup triple sec

• 1 cup club soda

• 2 tbsp simple syrup

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 lime, sliced

• ½ cup strawberries, halved

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, triple sec, and simple syrup.

2. Add sliced fruit and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. Just before serving, stir in club soda and serve over ice.

Game On!

No matter who you’re rooting for, these cocktails will make your March Madness party a slam dunk. Cheers to buzzer-beaters, Cinderella runs, and the ultimate bracket busters!