No tailgate party is complete without the right drinks to set the mood. Whether you’re gearing up for a hot summer game or bracing yourself for a chilly fall kickoff, having the perfect cocktails will make your pre-game even more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the most common and popular drinks for tailgating, with cocktail recipes to suit both warm and cold weather.
Drinks for Warm Weather Tailgating
When the sun is blazing and temperatures are high, you’ll want drinks that are refreshing, light, and easy to make. Here are some great options:
1. Vodka Lemonade
A crowd favorite for warm-weather tailgates, vodka lemonade is simple, refreshing, and perfect for outdoor fun.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- Ice
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add vodka and lemonade.
- Stir and garnish with lemon slices.
This drink can be batched for a large group, making it easy to serve your fellow tailgaters.
2. Beer Margaritas
Margaritas are always a hit, but adding beer gives this classic a tailgate twist. It’s fizzy, refreshing, and super simple.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz frozen limeade concentrate
- 12 oz beer (light lager works best)
- 12 oz tequila
- 12 oz water
- Lime wedges and salt for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the limeade, beer, tequila, and water.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Serve over ice with a salted rim and lime wedges.
3. Spiked Iced Tea
Spiked iced tea is an easy, refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or vodka
- 4 oz iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add bourbon or vodka, then pour in the iced tea.
- Stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
This drink is great for keeping things cool while enjoying an outdoor tailgate.
Drinks for Cold Weather Tailgating
When the weather cools down, it’s time to switch to drinks that will warm you up. These cocktails are perfect for tailgating during the cooler months of the football season.
1. Hot Toddy
A classic warming cocktail, the hot toddy is ideal for cold-weather tailgates.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz whiskey
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 4 oz hot water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mug, combine whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
- Pour in hot water and stir.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
2. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Nothing beats a warm, cozy cup of hot chocolate at a chilly game—especially when it’s spiked!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot chocolate (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps or whiskey
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Make a cup of hot chocolate.
- Stir in schnapps or whiskey.
- Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Mulled Cider
For something a bit more festive, mulled cider is the perfect drink to serve at a cold-weather tailgate.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 oz rum or bourbon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat apple cider in a pot with cinnamon and cloves.
- Once warmed through, remove the spices and stir in the rum or bourbon.
- Serve in mugs and garnish with orange slices.
Final Thoughts
No matter what the weather is like, having the right drinks for your tailgate is key to kicking off game day in style. From refreshing summer cocktails to warm, cozy beverages for fall and winter, these recipes are sure to keep your fellow fans happy. So, mix up a batch of your favorite tailgate cocktail and enjoy the game!