Football gamedays are about more than just the action on the field – they’re also about bringing people together for fun, food, and of course, drinks! This guide will give you all the tools you need to mix up the best cocktails for your next gameday gathering. From classic favorites to refreshing crowd-pleasers, these cocktails are perfect for entertaining.

Why Cocktails and Football Make the Perfect Pair

Elevating Your Gameday Experience

Football is more than a sport; it’s a tradition of gathering with friends and family, and cocktails can elevate this experience. A well-crafted cocktail not only tastes great but also adds a celebratory feel to the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a large group or keeping it low-key, having cocktails on hand will ensure your guests have a great time.

Mixing Fun with Flavor

From bold, spicy drinks to light, refreshing sips, cocktails offer a range of flavors that appeal to everyone. Mix and match based on your guests' preferences, and you’ll be the MVP of your next gameday party.

Top 10 Cocktails to Serve on Gameday

1. Classic Margarita

A margarita is a must-have for any gameday event. It’s refreshing, tart, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz triple sec (or Cointreau)
• Agave (optional)
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a glass with lime juice and dip it into salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

2. Bloody Mary

A savory cocktail perfect for morning kick-offs, the Bloody Mary is packed with flavor and can be customized with a range of garnishes.

Ingredients (about 15 servings):

• 2 tsp Celery Salt
• 2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
• 3 Tbsp Horseradish
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire
• 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
• 1/4 cup Lime Juice
• Tobasco to taste
• 46oz Can of Tomato Juice

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a pitcher.
2. Add 2 oz of Vodka to a 16 oz glass.
3. Top with Bloody Mary Mix.
4. Garnish with a celery stalk, bacon strips, or other preferred garnishes.

3. Whiskey Sour

This timeless cocktail is a hit with whiskey lovers and non-whiskey drinkers alike. It’s tangy, sweet, and strong in all the right ways.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• Lemon twist and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice and add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist and cherry.

4. Spiked Lemonade

A super simple and refreshing cocktail, spiked lemonade is perfect for sipping on during a long football game.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon slice and mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour vodka and lemonade over the ice and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice and mint sprig.

5. Beer Margarita

Combining beer with a margarita creates a fizzy, flavorful drink that’s perfect for football fans.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 bottle of light beer
• Lime wedge and salt for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a glass with salt and fill with ice.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, then shake well.
3. Pour the mixture into the glass and top off with the beer.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

6. Rum Punch

A fruity and vibrant drink, rum punch is great for serving during halftime. It’s easy to make in large batches too!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rum
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Combine rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine in a shaker.
3. Shake well and pour into the glass.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

7. Tequila Sunrise

This visually stunning cocktail is not only delicious but also easy to whip up in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and orange juice.
3. Slowly drizzle the grenadine into the glass. It will sink and create a layered effect.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

8. Moscow Mule

A favorite for many, the Moscow Mule combines spicy ginger beer with a zesty lime kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz lime juice
• Lime wedge and mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug (or glass) with ice.
2. Pour in vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and mint.

9. Mojito

Light and refreshing, the mojito is the perfect cocktail for warm gamedays.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Club soda
• Mint sprig and lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a glass with lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Add ice and pour in the rum.
3. Top with club soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge.

10. Old Fashioned

For whiskey fans, the Old Fashioned is the ultimate classic cocktail that packs a punch.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in a glass and add the bitters.
2. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the bourbon.
4. Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist and cherry.

How to Set Up a Gameday Cocktail Bar

Essential Tools for Mixing

To create a seamless gameday cocktail experience, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cocktail shaker: A must-have for mixing up drinks like margaritas, mojitos, and whiskey sours.
• Muddler: Perfect for mojitos and other cocktails that require herbs or fruit to be muddled.
• Jigger: This tool helps you measure out your spirits for perfectly balanced drinks.
• Bar spoon: Used for stirring cocktails like the Old Fashioned or for gently layering drinks like the Tequila Sunrise.
• Strainer: To ensure your cocktails are smooth and free from ice shards or muddled ingredients.

Create a DIY Garnish Station

One way to make your cocktail bar more interactive is to create a DIY garnish station. This allows your guests to customize their drinks with the perfect finishing touches. Here’s what to include:

• Citrus wedges: Lemon, lime, and orange slices are essential for most cocktails.
• Fresh herbs: Mint, basil, and rosemary are great for adding freshness to drinks.
• Fruit: Cherries, pineapple chunks, and berries provide a sweet pop of flavor.
• Salt and sugar: Set out small dishes for guests to rim their glasses.
• Pickled veggies: For drinks like the Bloody Mary, offer pickles, olives, and even bacon.

Ice, Ice, Baby

Don’t underestimate the importance of ice. Make sure to have a variety of ice options to keep drinks cold and interesting:

• Crushed ice: Perfect for mojitos or spiked lemonade.
• Large cubes: These are ideal for slow-sipping cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
• Flavored ice cubes: Freeze some of your mixers (like fruit juice) to add extra flavor as the cubes melt.

Create a DIY Garnish Station

A garnish station can be a fun addition to your gameday setup. Offer a variety of garnishes like lime wedges, olives, jalapeños, mint leaves, and fruit slices so guests can personalize their drinks.

Conclusion

Football gamedays are about more than just the game; they’re about community, fun, and of course, great drinks. By serving a variety of cocktails, you'll ensure that your guests have a fantastic time no matter which team wins. From classic margaritas to spiked lemonade, these gameday drinks are guaranteed to keep the party going.

FAQs

What’s the best cocktail for a large crowd?

Rum punch is perfect for serving a large group. You can make it in advance and easily refill glasses throughout the day.

How can I keep my cocktails cold for a long game?

Use large ice cubes or ice balls to keep drinks cold longer without watering them down. You can also freeze your mixers ahead of time.

Can I make cocktails ahead of time?

Yes! Many cocktails like margaritas, rum punch, and sangria can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer until gameday.

What’s a good low-alcohol cocktail for gameday?

A spiked lemonade made with a light pour of vodka or rum is a great option if you want something with lower alcohol content.

What’s the best snack to serve with cocktails on gameday?

Wings, nachos, and sliders are all classic gameday snacks that pair well with bold, flavorful cocktails.