NFL
By: Sofia Wan
The Best Part of Summer Ending–Football
Tailgating, fantasy football leagues, hosting your friends in the man cave…the possibilities are endless when watching your favorite team. However you choose to start the season and continue throughout the year, you’re gonna need drinks!
I like to mix it up on Sunday Funday as I know it’s a marathon of a day, not a sprint. Starting out with a classic cocktail, such as the Bloody Mary, will get the day going in the right direction. Like any great libation, it needs to be balanced with the right pours of vodka, juice, and spice. I prefer to add a little bit of beef broth and I always insist on using the freshest ingredients. If you have space or a bar cart available, I suggest making a basic batch of Bloody Mary mix and leave out some extra toppers that your guests can add to make a custom cocktail of their own. Olives, fresh pepper, cheese, gherkins, bacon, celery, even an Old Bay seasoned rim is fair game. Once you master this recipe, you can customize it with your own flavor twists and garnishes.
When you move on from the most important meal of the day, you have to choose wisely about the drink that will get you through the next few hours. I’d like to say that it’s a crazy cocktail with 10 ingredients and a garnish that needs to be prepared the night before; but, that’s not how you want to spend your lazy Sunday and you won’t be able to actually enjoy the game with your friends and family. It’s beer, plain and simple. There are so many great beers that come in can form that are easy to serve and have real depth to them. The first beer I suggest serving would be on the more agreeable side. The Montauk Brewing Company serves a plethora of flavors; the Summer Ale effortlessly reminds guests that there’s still a little Summer to be had with its well-balanced wheat and caramel flavors blended together. The second option to serve is a refreshing IPA. This style of beer has been making waves and has become a draught staple over the past few years. Founders Brewing Company’s All Day IPA is a fantastic IPA with a blend of complex hops and grains that end with a nice aromatic finish. You’re tough to please beer snobs will be happy to see this one being served up.
No matter what you pick to serve, just make sure to have enough for the day and plenty of choices. Enjoy the games and remember to relax. Until next month, keep the cocktails fresh and drink responsibly. You can always contact me with questions and comments at sofia@nutsandbolts.com or @sofresha on Instagram.
Bloody Mary Mix (serves 10-12 people):
10 cans tomato juice (5.5 oz per can)
1 oz lemon juice
.5 oz lime juice
.5 oz Tabasco Original Hot Sauce
1 oz Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
1-3 oz beef broth (amount added according to taste preference)
.5 tsp celery salt
.5 tsp salt
.5 tsp fresh ground pepper
3 tsp (heaping) prepared horseradish (fresh grated)
Add ingredients and stir until well blended. Chill until ready to serve.
Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe:
- 2 oz vodka
- 5-7 oz bloody mary mix
- Add ice
- Light shake
- Garnish with olives, lime wedge or your favorite topping
