Yes, you could put the brewskis in the cooler. You could, and should, and everyone would cheer for that, always. But you know what gets us fired up even more, come game day? Cocktails, in big batches, worth sharing and delighting in. There’s something about a communal punch bowl or pitcher that just brightens our moods. Here are a few of our favorite cocktail recipes for game day. (Go, team!)
1. Hot Spiced Cider
OK, this one’s for those of you who want your event to be a slow-sipping sort of affair, as opposed to a “fall asleep on the couch at halftime” sort of party. Hot Spiced Cider will make everyone slow their roll. It’s just the thing if you’re serving sweets rather than a big meal, and it features cider, rum, cinnamon, and our famous mulling spices (introduced by Chuck Williams himself more than 50 years ago!)
2. Carrot-Ginger-Tequila Punch
Got a juicer? Right on; you’re most of the way to the blissful eye-opener that is our Carrot-Ginger-Tequila Punch. Featuring plenty of fresh carrot, lime and orange juices, plus a kick of fresh ginger and tequila blanco, it’s a great way to kick off game day festivities. Make a big punch bowl or pitcher of it and serve garnished with carrot peels and herb sprigs.
3. Sparkling Applejack Cocktails
Make this pitcher of Sparkling Applejack Cocktails in advance, then whip it out when guests arrive and pour drinks over ice for everyone. Garnish with star anise or apple slices, or don’t; with a prep time of 10 minutes, this is one you don’t want to overthink. (And the results are so MVP-worthy that no one will notice a missing garnish!)
4. Cranberry-Tequila Punch
“What. Is. This?!” Prepare for exclamations of pure joy when you set out a big bowl of Cranberry-Tequila Punch. Brimming with winter fruit like oranges and cranberries, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty. We love the way apple juice, orange liqueur, cranberry cocktail and tequila work so surprisingly well together. A finishing splash of bubbly gives the whole thing a lift over the finish line.
5. Pink and White Punch
Aperol spritz lovers, your punch is here! Pink and White Punch has your beloved Aperol, plus white wine, lemon juice and bitters. Just mingle those four ingredients in the fridge for an hour, then top with sparkling water and orange slices when guests arrive. It’s so refreshing it’s almost unbelievable. Watch out; it’s eminently drinkable.
6. Spanish Sangria
Sangria forever! Most folks are pretty darn happy to see it make a cameo at a party, and winter is the time to make this citrus-heavy Spanish Sangria. The usual lemons, limes, and oranges are in there, plus red wine and a slightly unexpected kicker: brandy! Serve with pomegranate seeds as a garnish if you like, or skip it. The game is afoot, and it’s time to pay attention to it!