For college students everywhere, it is officially the most wonderful time of the year: tailgate season. We wake up at the crack of dawn, get decked out in Maryland apparel and promptly begin a day of drinks and shenanigans all in the name of school spirit. It’s safe to say that every student here at UMD has grown fully accustomed to lukewarm Natty Lights, Zelko bottles and Rofo Pop, but why not class it up a little this semester? We are in the Big Ten now after all, so maybe we should think a little bigger with our drink choices. To help all of you start off tailgate season the right way, I’ve compiled a list of a few fun drink recipes perfectly suited for every aspect of tailgate season.
1. The Early Morning Drink: Beer Mimosa
When someone says “morning drinks,” mimosas are typically the first thing you’ll think of. They’re delicious and acceptable to drink with breakfast. So, it’s only natural that this would be the perfect drink to get your early morning tailgate started. However, there are some problems: champagne is expensive, and people aren’t exactly popping bottles at your typical football tailgate. A Beer Mimosa is the perfect solution for broke college students looking to (sort of) stick to uniform game day beverage protocol. This recipe from The Beer Chicks is the perfect way for you to ease into a tailgate day.
Beer Mimosa:
½ Pint White Ale
(Like Lost Coast Great White or Allagash White)
½ Pint Orange Juice
(Grapefruit & Blood Orange Juices are also good)
2. The Fall Drink: Hard Apple Cider
There are a lot of fancy ways to home brew hard apple cider, and then there is the college way to “home brew” hard apple cider. For the sake of your time and money, and because you’re in college, do things the college way this time. Buy a few bottles of pre-made apple cider, as well as some real apples (the amount depends on how much you plan on making), and a liquor of your choice. Honestly, Zelko should work. To make it legitimate, pour the apple cider into a large pot on the stove and heat it up, adding sliced apple pieces and alcohol as you go. Perfect for a cool fall day, this drink is easy to make and absolutely delicious.
3. The School Spirit Drink: Layered Cocktails or Shooters
Image via Mix That Drink
Maryland colors are everywhere on game days, so it seems fitting to add them to your drink. Layered cocktails and shooters are a fun, colorful way to toast to another winning game for the Terps! The website Mix That Drink has a recipe for German Cherry Bombs, layered shooters that incorporate chocolate liqueur, grenadine and cream for a black, red and white stack. The site also has a quick and simple guide that explains how to pour a layered cocktail.
So, Terps, there you have it. Those three drinks should help you mix up tailgate season in a fun and easy way. One will get you through the morning, one will keep you warm on a chilly day, and the other will get you pumped up for some Terrapin football. Drink responsibly!