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12 Most Popular Tailgating Cocktails to Try

While beer is often the tailgating drink of choice, there are plenty of cocktails perfect for tailgating the big game.

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Two colorful drinks

These concoctions aren’t just drinks; they’re vibrant expressions of camaraderie and celebration. What sets these drinks apart is their ability to infuse that moment with a burst of flavor – from zesty citrus punches to smoky bourbon serenades. They become the lifeblood of tailgating festivities, elevating the experience beyond the ordinary. So, whether you’re parked in a stadium lot or perched in front of your TV, let’s uncork the secrets of these liquid celebrations.

Sunday Funday Punch

Sunday Funday Punch
Source: werethejoneses.com

The Sunday Funday Punch embodies a harmonious blend of vibrant flavors that dance on your palate. It’s a delightful fusion of Sprite’s sparkle, the tropical embrace of orange juice (with a hint of mango), the lush sweetness of pineapple juice, the kick of vodka, and the subtle sophistication of prosecco. What sets it apart is its simplicity and versatility; these readily available ingredients make it a go-to choice for tailgating gatherings. Best enjoyed under the sun, this punch elevates any outdoor event with its fruity allure and the gentle buzz of vodka, making it the undisputed champion of tailgate refreshments.
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Big Batch Tailgating Cocktail

Big Batch Tailgating Cocktail
Source: mymilitarysavings.com

The Big Batch Tailgating Cocktail harmoniously blends dry white wine, bourbon, citrus juices, and soda for an irresistible medley of flavors. With its vibrant fusion of fruity sweetness and the bold, warm embrace of bourbon, it stands out as the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings. What sets it apart is its simplicity, leveraging common ingredients that are easy to find. Best enjoyed in the company of friends, this cocktail’s balanced profile caters to a wide range of tastes, making it the unrivaled choice for any tailgating celebration.
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Tailgate Punch with Pineapple & Lime

Tailgate Punch with Pineapple & Lime
Source: cuisineathome.com

Tailgate Punch with Pineapple & Lime is an irresistibly tropical concoction that brings the sun-soaked shores to your pre-game party. Infused with the bright zest of freshly squeezed limes and the luscious sweetness of ripe pineapple juice, it’s a vibrant fusion of citrusy tang and exotic fruitiness. What sets it apart is its simplicity, as it harmoniously combines these two common ingredients with a generous pour of your favorite rum, making it the best choice for hassle-free tailgating. Best enjoyed on warm, game-day afternoons, this cocktail captures the essence of laid-back camaraderie, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
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See also  12 Most Popular Beers for Tailgating

Tailgate Tea

Tailgate Tea
Source: thebakermama.com

Tailgate Tea is a delightful concoction that combines the classic charm of Red Diamond Sweet Tea with the bold kick of bourbon. This tailgating favorite effortlessly marries the rich, comforting notes of sweet tea with the spirited fusion of pineapple, orange, and lemon juices. What sets it apart is its simplicity, relying on easily accessible ingredients that ensure a crowd-pleaser at any pre-game gathering. Best enjoyed amidst the camaraderie of fellow sports enthusiasts, this beverage’s smooth and pleasing blend strikes the perfect balance between the familiar and the exciting, making it the ultimate choice for a tailgate celebration.
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Yellowhammer Drink

Yellowhammer Drink
Source: blog.memeinge.com

The Yellowhammer drink, a quintessential tailgating favorite, offers a delightful blend of flavors that appeals to a wide range of palates. This cocktail combines high-quality vodka, light rum, and the sweet essence of amaretto, resulting in a harmonious symphony of spirits. The addition of pineapple and orange juices infuses a tropical vibrancy, complemented by the optional cherry garnish. What sets the Yellowhammer apart is its balance; it’s not overly sweet and allows for personalization to suit individual taste preferences. 
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Alabama Slammer

Alabama Slammer
Source: tipsybartender.com/

The Alabama Slammer is an iconic tailgating delight, blending Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, Amaretto, and zesty orange juice. This crimson-hued cocktail offers a harmonious medley of flavors: the smooth warmth of Southern Comfort, the rich sweetness of Amaretto, and the fruity tang of orange juice. It’s best enjoyed on sun-soaked game days, elevating the camaraderie with its vibrant taste. What sets it apart is its simplicity, using common ingredients that effortlessly unite to create a timeless favorite, making it the ultimate choice for tailgating aficionados.
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GRAPEFRUIT SHANDY

GRAPEFRUIT SHANDY
Source: taketwotapas.com

The Grapefruit Shandy, a delightful concoction of tequila, grapefruit juice, and Modelo Especial beer, presents a unique harmony of flavors. Its distinctive tangy zest beautifully complements the earthy tequila, while the fizz of Modelo Especial adds a crisp finish. What sets it apart is its simplicity; just a handful of common ingredients yield a drink that’s perfect for tailgating festivities, especially during sunny afternoons. With grapefruit slices for garnish, it’s visually appealing and incredibly satisfying – the ideal companion for cheering on your favorite team.
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See also  12 Most Popular Beers for Tailgating

Breakfast Sangria

Breakfast Sangria
Source: thekitchn.com

The Breakfast Sangria is a delightful blend of citrusy brilliance, featuring pink grapefruit, navel orange, and zesty limes, creating a harmonious symphony of vibrant flavors. What sets it apart is the addition of Cointreau, infusing a subtle yet exquisite orange essence, while the Prosecco adds a touch of sparkle. Best enjoyed during leisurely brunches or early tailgates, this cocktail embodies the essence of a sun-kissed morning, making it an ideal choice for its refreshing and exhilarating qualities. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, the Breakfast Sangria is a surefire way to elevate your pre-game festivities.
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Kentucky Ranch Water

Kentucky Ranch Water
Source: cocktailcontessa.com

The Kentucky Ranch Water is a spirited blend of smooth bourbon, zesty lime juice, and crisp soda water. This cocktail boasts a harmonious marriage of earthy bourbon notes with a bright citrus kick, making it an irresistible choice for those who crave a balanced, no-fuss drink. What sets it apart is its simplicity, relying on just three common ingredients that are readily available at any tailgate party. Best enjoyed on a sunny afternoon in the company of good friends, its versatility and approachability make it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering.
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Tiki Touchdown

https://www.elletalk.com/tiki-touchdown-game-day-cocktail/
Source: elletalk.com

Tiki Touchdown, a tropical delight, brings a symphony of flavors to your tailgating festivities. This cocktail boasts a tantalizing combination of zesty El Yucateco green chile habanero sauce, tangy lime juice, and rich cream de coconut. The magic happens when these ingredients join forces with pineapple juice, orange curacao, and dark rum. What sets Tiki Touchdown apart is its ability to transport you to an island paradise with every sip. Best enjoyed under the sun with friends, this cocktail offers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tropical notes, making it the undisputed champion of tailgate beverages.
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See also  12 Most Popular Beers for Tailgating

Game Day Jungle Juice

Game Day Jungle Juice
Source: tipsybartender.com

Game Day Jungle Juice bursts with a vibrant medley of tequila, vodka, rum, peach schnapps, blue curacao, melon liqueur, white grape juice, white peach mango juice, and a zest of orange. This electrifying concoction is the pinnacle of tailgating camaraderie. Its potency, derived from the triumvirate of spirits, strikes the perfect balance with the fruity chorus, setting it apart from other pedestrian drinks. Best savored amid the spirited cheers of game day, this cocktail embodies the essence of celebration and camaraderie. It reigns supreme, effortlessly uniting fans with its bold flavors and communal spirit.
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Beer Margarita

Beer Margarita
Source: food.com

The Beer Margarita embodies a perfect balance of tangy citrus and crisp beer, creating a unique, zesty delight. Crafted with the simplicity of frozen limeade concentrate, tequila, 7-Up, and a generous splash of beer, it boasts a vibrant taste that’s both enlivening and satisfying. What sets it apart is its effortless preparation, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser at tailgates and summer gatherings. Best enjoyed on warm afternoons, this cocktail’s harmonious blend of flavors, featuring lime and a hint of orange, makes it a go-to choice, infusing conviviality into every sip.
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Two colorful drinks

12 Tailgating Cocktail Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: tailgating cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Get ready for game day with these delicious tailgating cocktails.

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep a tailgating cocktail in less than 5 minutes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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