What to Drink During Football Season

Football season has a way of turning even a regular weekend into an event. Whether you’re watching at home, heading to a tailgate, or meeting friends for the game, having the right drinks on hand makes the whole thing better. The good news is you don’t need to overthink it. A solid football lineup can include beer, whiskey, tequila, vodka, wine, and a few easy mixers, depending on the crowd.

Beer is still the obvious game-day staple, and for good reason. It’s easy, familiar, and perfect for a long afternoon of watching multiple games. Light lagers and pilsners are great when you want something crisp and refreshing, while IPAs bring more bitterness and flavor for people who want something a little bolder. Once fall really kicks in, Oktoberfest lagers, amber ales, and darker beers start fitting the season perfectly.

If you want to keep things easy but offer something beyond beer, canned cocktails are another great option. They’ve come a long way in the last few years, and there are now plenty of good vodka sodas, tequila-based drinks, and spirit-forward canned cocktails that are perfect for a cooler or tailgate. They’re especially helpful when you don’t want to bring bottles, mixers, cups, and everything else that comes with making drinks from scratch.

Whiskey is another football-season favorite, especially once the weather cools down. Bourbon with cola is about as simple as it gets, but you can also make an easy Old Fashioned with bourbon, bitters, a little sugar, and an orange peel. Rye whiskey works well too if you prefer something spicier and a little less sweet. For colder evening games, whiskey tends to hit the spot.

Tequila deserves a place at the table too. Margaritas are always popular, but you don’t have to make a full pitcher with a dozen ingredients. Tequila, fresh lime juice, a little agave, and sparkling water makes an easy, lighter game-day drink. A Paloma is another good option with grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice and sparkling water. They’re refreshing without feeling too heavy.

Vodka is probably the easiest spirit to keep around for a mixed crowd because it works with almost anything. Vodka with soda and lime is simple, while vodka with ginger beer makes an easy Moscow Mule. Cranberry juice, lemonade, or even iced tea can also turn into quick game-day cocktails without much effort.

And yes, wine can absolutely work for football. You don’t have to be watching the game with a beer in your hand! A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is great with chips, dips, wings, and lighter appetizers. Pinot Noir is an easy red for a crowd because it works with everything from pizza to sliders. If you’re hosting brunch before an early game, sparkling wine is always a good move.

The biggest thing is knowing your crowd. If you’re hosting ten people, you don’t need ten different drink options. Pick a couple of beers, one or two spirits, a few simple mixers, and maybe a bottle or two of wine. Add plenty of water and non-alcoholic options and you’re covered.

Football season is supposed to be fun, not complicated. Keep the drinks simple, make sure there’s enough food, and enjoy the game.

Stop by Boone’s Wine & Spirits before kickoff and we’ll help you put together a game-day lineup that works for your crew, whether you’re heading to a tailgate, hosting at home, or just looking for something good to drink while your team hopefully pulls off the win!