There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a game day in Indiana. Whether you’re cheering on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, heading to a college football matchup in Bloomington or West Lafayette, or setting up for a Pacers watch party in your backyard, tailgating is a tradition that brings people together. Good friends, great food, and the right drinks can take the experience from fun to unforgettable.

If you’re gearing up for your next tailgate, Payless Liquors has everything you need to stock your cooler, fire up your grill, and keep the party going. Here’s your ultimate guide to tailgating 101: what to pack from Payless.

Step One: The Beer Lineup

No tailgate is complete without beer. It’s the centerpiece of most coolers, and for good reason—it’s easy to sip, share, and pair with game day foods. The trick is to have a mix of styles so everyone finds something they like.

• Domestic Classics: Keep things simple and crowd-pleasing with favorites like Bud Light, Miller Lite, or Coors. These easy-drinking beers are always a hit for long tailgates and go well with burgers, hot dogs, and chips.

• Craft Beer from Indiana: Show your Hoosier pride by supporting local breweries. Pick up Sun King’s Sunlight Cream Ale, Three Floyds Zombie Dust, or Upland Brewing’s Wheat Ale. These bring variety and flavor while highlighting the best of Indiana’s craft scene.

• Seasonal Picks: In the fall, pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest beers are a great conversation starter. For warmer months, crisp lagers and session IPAs keep things refreshing.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to grab a mix of beer singles at Payless so guests can try something new without committing to a full pack.

Step Two: Wine for the Win

Beer may dominate most tailgates, but wine drinkers deserve options too. A few bottles in the cooler can really elevate your setup.

• Portable Options: Canned wines like Underwood or House Wine make sipping easy and travel-friendly. No corkscrew needed.

• Red for the Grill: A smooth red blend or a bottle of cabernet pairs beautifully with steaks, burgers, and BBQ.

• Chilled Whites: Crisp sauvignon blanc or a fruity rosé keeps things light and refreshing, especially for afternoon games.

Tailgating tip: Pre-chill bottles at home and pack them in the cooler last so they stay cold until kickoff.

Step Three: Spirits & Cocktails

If you really want to impress, bring a small cocktail station. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few versatile bottles and mixers can cover a lot of ground.

• Whiskey & Bourbon: Great for sipping straight, mixing with cola, or making a simple old fashioned. Local favorite Hotel Tango adds a Hoosier touch.

• Vodka: The most versatile spirit, perfect for screwdrivers, vodka tonics, or spicy Bloody Marys.

• Tequila: Margaritas and tequila sunrises keep the energy high.

• Pre-Mixed Cocktails: Canned margaritas, seltzers, or ready-to-drink mojitos are convenient and a big hit with crowds.

Don’t forget mixers—club soda, tonic, cranberry juice, and ginger beer are all essentials. Throw in some limes and lemons, and you’re covered.

Step Four: Non-Alcoholic Essentials

Good hosts always think of everyone, and that includes designated drivers and non-drinkers. Stocking a few alternatives ensures all your guests feel welcome.

• Sparkling waters (LaCroix, Bubly, Liquid Death).

• Zero-proof cocktails or mocktail mixers available at Payless.

• Classic sodas like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite.

• Gatorade or BodyArmor for hydration, especially if you’re tailgating under the sun.

Step Five: Game Day Food Pairings

Drinks are half the fun—food seals the deal. While Payless isn’t your grocery stop, here’s how you can plan smart pairings that make your tailgate memorable:

• Burgers + Pale Ale: A classic combo with balance.

• BBQ Ribs + Bourbon: Sweet, smoky, and bold.

• Chips & Salsa + Margaritas: Easy crowd-pleaser.

• Pizza + Lager: Always works, always loved.

Grab your drinks at Payless and stock up on tailgate grub at a local grocery store on your way. Together, you’ll have a spread that rivals the big game.

Step Six: Tailgate Vibes

The right drinks set the tone, but don’t forget the extras:

• Coolers: Bring at least two—one for drinks, one for food.

• Ice, and plenty of it. Always bring more than you think you’ll need.

• Portable Speakers: Music is non-negotiable. Build a hype playlist ahead of time.

• Cups, Napkins, Plates, and Trash Bags: Stay organized and respectful to your tailgate neighbors.

• Games: Cornhole boards, a football to toss, or card games keep energy high before kickoff.

Local Spirit: Making It an Indiana Tailgate

One of the best parts of tailgating in Indiana is weaving in local pride. Highlight local breweries, wineries, and distilleries in your spread. Whether it’s a Sun King beer, Oliver Winery wine, or Hotel Tango bourbon, Hoosier-made products spark conversation and support the community.

Another tradition worth embracing? The hearty, comfort-food tailgate dishes that Hoosiers love. Bring brats, pulled pork, or chili to warm up during colder months. Pair them with your Payless picks, and you’ve got a true Indiana-style tailgate.

✅ The Payless Checklist

Before you head out the door, make sure you’ve got the essentials packed:

• ✅ Domestic beer favorites

• ✅ Craft & seasonal beers (Indiana-made if possible!)

• ✅ A few wine options (reds, whites, canned)

• ✅ Versatile spirits (whiskey, vodka, tequila) + mixers

• ✅ Pre-mixed cocktails or seltzers

• ✅ Non-alcoholic drinks (water, soda, Gatorade)

• ✅ Ice, cups, and coolers

• ✅ Grill food, snacks, and tailgate games

With Payless Liquors as your one-stop shop, you’ll have everything you need for a successful tailgate—without the stress.

Final Thoughts

Tailgating isn’t just about eating and drinking—it’s about the memories you make with friends, family, and fellow fans. With the right mix of drinks, food, and local Indiana flavor, you’ll be the MVP of the parking lot.

Next time you’re planning a tailgate, stop by your nearest Payless Liquors. From beer singles and wine favorites to local spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, Payless has everything you need to stock your cooler and fuel the fun.

So grab your gear, pack your cooler, and get ready to cheer—because game day starts at Payless.

In recent years, there’s been a major shift in how people enjoy their favorite beverages. More and more customers are looking for ways to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy a night out without the extra calories and sugar that often come with traditional cocktails, beers, and wines. At Payless Liquors in Indiana, we’ve seen this trend firsthand, and we’re excited to bring our customers a wide variety of low sugar alcohol options that deliver on flavor while keeping health and wellness goals in mind.

Why Low Sugar Alcohol is on the Rise

Consumers today are more health-conscious than ever before. From reading nutrition labels to tracking calories and carbs with apps, it’s clear that many are rethinking their choices. Traditional alcoholic beverages, while delicious, often contain hidden sugars that add up quickly. A typical cocktail with mixers like soda, juice, or flavored syrups can pack in over 30 grams of sugar in a single glass.

This is where low sugar alcohol steps in. Whether you’re watching your blood sugar, trying to maintain a keto or low-carb diet, or just looking to cut back, these beverages provide a lighter way to enjoy the social and celebratory aspects of drinking without the added sugars. It’s no surprise that low sugar options are among the fastest-growing segments in the beverage industry today.

Popular Types of Low Sugar Alcohol

When most people think of low sugar alcohol, hard seltzers are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there’s so much more available at Payless Liquors. Here are some of the top categories our Indiana customers are enjoying:

1. Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers have taken the market by storm over the past few years. Brands like White Claw, Truly, and High Noon offer refreshing flavors with minimal sugar and calories. Most hard seltzers have around 100 calories, 2 grams of carbs, and less than 1 gram of sugar per can—making them one of the best-selling low sugar alcohol categories today.

2. Light Beers & Low-Carb Brews

Indiana is home to a strong beer culture, and we’re happy to stock both local craft brews and national brands that focus on lower sugar and carb content. Beers like Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, and newer craft “fit beers” deliver crisp flavor without the heavy sugar load.

3. Zero-Sugar Spirits

One of the easiest ways to control your sugar intake is to start with a clean base spirit. Vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey naturally contain no sugar or carbs—making them a great foundation for cocktails. Pair them with sugar-free mixers like soda water, diet tonic, or fresh citrus to create a flavorful drink that’s also light.

4. Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

The ready-to-drink (RTD) category has exploded, and many brands now offer low sugar alcohol versions. From canned margaritas to low-sugar mojitos, these convenient beverages give you bar-quality flavor without the excess sugar.

5. Low-Sugar Wines

For wine lovers, there’s good news: many wineries are responding to consumer demand by offering bottles with lower residual sugar. Dry reds, sparkling brut, and specially crafted low-sugar wines let you enjoy a glass or two without worry.

Benefits of Choosing Low Sugar Alcohol

Making the switch to low sugar alcohol isn’t just about cutting calories. It’s about making choices that better fit your lifestyle:

• Supports health goals – Great for people following low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diets.

• Reduces next-day sluggishness – Less sugar often means fewer “sugar crashes” and less of that heavy, bloated feeling.

• Better balance – Allows you to enjoy social occasions without straying from personal wellness goals.

• Variety and taste – With so many options, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to drink smarter.

How to Enjoy Low Sugar Alcohol at Home

One of the best parts about shopping at Payless Liquors is the ability to stock up on everything you need to create tasty, low sugar drinks at home. Here are some simple ideas:

• Skinny Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, soda water, and a splash of orange extract.

• Light Gin & Tonic: Zero-sugar tonic water, gin, and fresh cucumber slices.

• Hard Seltzer Spritzer: Mix your favorite hard seltzer with a splash of dry white wine and fresh berries.

• Low-Sugar Mule: Vodka, diet ginger beer, and lime juice.

Payless Liquors: Your Indiana Destination for Low Sugar Alcohol

At Payless Liquors, we pride ourselves on carrying something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the latest hard seltzer flavors, a refreshing light beer, or a bottle of clean, sugar-free vodka, we’ve got you covered. Our knowledgeable staff can help point you toward the best low sugar alcohol choices to fit your taste and occasion.

With multiple locations across Indiana, it’s easy to stop by and explore our wide variety of options. We regularly update our shelves with new products and seasonal releases, so there’s always something new to try.

Final Thoughts

Choosing low sugar alcohol doesn’t mean giving up flavor or fun. It’s about making smarter choices that still let you enjoy life’s celebrations. From light beers and crisp seltzers to zero-sugar spirits and innovative canned cocktails, the options have never been better—or more delicious.

So the next time you’re searching for “low sugar alcohol near me” in Indiana, remember that Payless Liquors is your one-stop shop. Stop in today and let us help you discover your new favorite drink.