With football season in full effect, dedicated fans across the nation celebrate their favorite team in lively pre-game festivities. Tailgating, a pastime enjoyed through early arrival, an elaborate setup, and massive feast shared with friends and family, is the social event of every football-filled weekend.
In the Lone Star State, the grill and games of every tailgate contribute to a good time, but not without the help of a great beverage. Trying to spruce up the usual array of drinks provided at the tailgate? Take some notes from professional mixologist Jason Shelley.
“Tailgating is an American tradition, so why not enjoy it even more with fantastic, easy-to-make TX Whiskey cocktails?” Shelley said. “These drinks will be sure to impress your friends, even if your team doesn’t!”
Firestone & Robertson Distilling Company’s very own resident mixologist crafted four new cocktails, appropriately named, with your tailgating needs in mind. Entertain and impress your tailgate guests with these refreshments next football game. The recipes are available in single servings. Please remember to drink responsibly.
The All American
The All American is a simple yet refreshing cocktail created with the Texas heat in mind, a frequent visitor at everyone’s tailgate. This lighter beverage provides consumers with something crisp and hydrating to sip on, that packs a punch.
“The All American is a superb option for those who want to keep it light, refreshing, and sugar-free,” Shelley said.
Sparkling mineral water and lime juice can be found at many local grocery stores. Combine the ingredients in a glass of your choice, stir, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of TX Whiskey
- 0.5 ounces of lime juice
- 3 to- 4 ounces of sparkling mineral water
The Red Zone
True to its name, the Red Zone is a fiery libation perfect for the moment when your team is yards away from making a touchdown. If you enjoy a traditional bloody mary, this beverage changes the game and adds a Southern twist.
“The Red Zone is a great choice if you like a bit of spice in your life,” Shelley said.
Can’t go without your favorite beer during the big game? The Red Zone allows you to make it your own! Shelley said the Red Zone also incorporates beer for beer lovers. Combine the ingredients in a glass of your choice, stir, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of TX Whiskey
- 1.5 ounces of bloody mary mix
- 3 ounces of Mexican beer (or a beer of your choice)
- Lime squeeze
The TX Touchdown
The quarterback throws the ball to the end zone, an open receiver jumps to catch it, and the crowd goes wild. This celebratory moment calls for an equally triumphant beverage. Nothing makes you raise your arms in field goal formation like the TX Touchdown! This traditional mule takes a ginger beer and lime juice combination to the next level.
“The TX Touchdown is a play on a classic cocktail that is refreshing and easy to make, with a crisp ginger finish,” Shelley said.
If you’re in the market for a spirited sip after six points are added to the scoreboard, look no further. Combine the ingredients in a glass of your choice, stir, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of TX Bourbon
- 0.5 ounces of lime juice
- 3 to- 4 ounces of ginger beer
The Halftime Show
Whether your team is winning or losing, the clock counts down to an inevitable intermission. Bring out the band, dancers, and mascots: it’s halftime! Enjoy the lively performances by both teams’ student organizations with the Halftime Show. Shelley said the cocktail is a balance between sweet strawberry and tart lemonade.
“The Halftime Show is a fantastic selection for those who like to take it easy with a fruity, smooth cocktail,” Shelley said.
The mixture of the cocktail’s two fruit flavors will have you nodding your head to the bands’ beats. Combine the ingredients in a glass of your choice, stir, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of TX Bourbon
- 2 ounces of lemonade
- ¾ an ounce of strawberry daiquiri mix
