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Keep the Football Spirit Alive With These Fresh Takes on Tailgating Cocktails

Tailgating Cocktails

As we inch closer to another football season, it’s time to learn how to make tailgating cocktails. Sadly, we must deal with the bleak prospect that some local football may not happen as planned this year. Still, it’s important to keep the football spirit alive no matter what league you’re watching.

Traditionally, of course, the tailgating drink of choice is none other than inexpensive beer. However, this being the season of change, we’ve decided to roll with the punches and provide you with a list of alternative cocktails that truly honor area teams. Try these cocktails for your next tailgate experience:

Boilermaker

Built to honor none other than the Purdue Boilermakers up in West Lafayette, this relatively simple drink is perfect for a tailgate party. All you’ll need are two ingredients any self-respecting tailgater should have readily on hand:

  • 1 lager beer, poured into a mug
  • 1 ½ oz bourbon (preferably Wild Turkey) poured into a shot glass

Then, simply drop your shot of bourbon into your beer and race to the finish!

Hoosier Heritage

While this drink was designed to incorporate Indiana heritage and regional ingredients, IU fans can appreciate the name as well as the unique autumn flavor. You’ll need:

  • 1 ½ oz Knob Creek bourbon
  • ½ oz maple syrup
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz apple cider
  • 1 sprig of rosemary

Pour syrup into a cocktail shaker and muddle with rosemary. Add ice and remaining ingredients, shake well, and strain over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a slice of apple.

Return to Glory

Developed to depict the heritage of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and their return to a storied football program, the Return to Glory is as tasty as it is descriptive. Gather these ingredients:

  • 2 oz Irish whiskey
  • 2 oz ginger ale
  • ½ oz Peach Schnapps
  • Splash of orange juice

Pour ingredients over ice in a tall glass. If desired, garnish with an orange slice and toast to the Fighting Irish’s return to glory.

Blue Stampede

Aside from smaller, more regional programs, the NFL may be the area’s one remaining hope of a full-scale football schedule this year. As a result, we’ve included this recipe crafted specifically for Indianapolis Colts fans – signature blue color and appropriately named tequila (Herradura means “horseshoe in Spanish) aside. We adore this play on a margarita. You’ll need:

  • 1 ½ oz Herradura Blanco (or other white tequila)
  • 2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz agave nectar
  • ½ oz blue curaçao

Pour all ingredients over ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a martini or cocktail glass.

Tailgate Tea

If your team isn’t well-represented in Indy (or if football is delayed once again), there’s no reason to fret. This Tailgate Tea is a crowd-pleaser we’d be happy to sip anytime, football or no. Gather these ingredients:

  • 1½ parts Svedka Strawberry Lemonade
  • 1 part tea
  • ½ part simple syrup
  • ½ part fresh lemon juice
  • Splash of Corona Extra

Pour the first four ingredients into a tall glass filled with ice. Top off with a splash of Corona Extra, stir, and enjoy.

No matter what happens with this year’s football season, Payless Liquors is here for you. Stop in to see how our wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits can help you stock any social distancing tailgate party. Alternatively, call ahead or place an online order for pickup any night of the week.