Usher in a new big game cocktail era with these superlative sips

Whether the food spread has a signature recipe, a colorful theme, or just 13 carefully curated dishes, it is often the beverages that keep everyone in a good mood throughout those four quarters of football. Why not shake up some superlative sips and welcome a new big game cocktail era.  

Sometimes a themed cocktail can make a gathering even more festive. It could be featuring a liquor from a particular location, it might be a flavor that coincides with a particular city, or it could be a nod to a well-known football fan. No matter the reason, some people might want to put down that beer and raise a toast to a different beverage.  

Since this year’s big game looks to be an even bigger deal thanks to the location and the celebrities anticipated to be in attendance, the food and beverage choices amplify that sentiment. From colorful concoctions to bold flavors, there is a choice that will have everyone cheering. 

Ready for toast a new big game cocktail era?  

As home to the big game, some Las Vegas locations are going all with the year’s “it” football couple. In honor of Taylor Swift, Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA and The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower are shaking up Swift-inspired cocktails.  

Available at the Proper Bar at the Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA, the #Tayvis Tailgate Tea is a vibrant offering. Balancing a sweet juiciness with a subtle southern charm, it is refreshing and an easy sipper. Featuring Ciroc Red Berry, the fruit forward vodka is paired with iced tea, lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup. Ask for both the mint sprig and lemon as a garnish.  

At the STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower, its Lavender Haze is a smooth melodic cocktail that invites a moment of contemplation. Made with Empress 1908 gin, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, lavender, and lemon, the flavor hits all the right notes. Plus, the blueberry foam topping is picture perfect.  

For the football fan who prefers to have their favorite team influence the cocktail in their hand, Sammy Hagar’s Beach Bar Rum has two options whether people are cheering for the AFC or the NFC to win the championship.  

For the NFC fan, consider Bang Bang Niner Gang. The frozen cocktail is a potent combination of Sammy’s Beach Bar Platinum, Red Head Rums, and cognac. It might not have been the first pick of the night, but it is the cocktail that will have everyone talking. 

Here’s how to make the Bang Bang Niner Gang 

Ingredients: 

1 ½ ounces Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum Platinum  

¾ ounce brandy or cognac  

½ ounce orgeat syrup  

2 ounces fresh orange juice 

1 ounce fresh lemon juice  

Drizzle of Sammy’s Red Head Rum  

Garnish: Fresh orange slice and mint sprig 

Preparation:

In a kitchen or bar blender, add the rum, brandy, orgeat syrup and orange and lemon juices. Add a half scoop of ice until blended smooth. Pour into a Collins glass and drizzle a little of Sammy’s Red Head Rum over the top. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and mint sprig.  

If a bolder cocktail that delivers a precise, winning taste every time, the KC Mojito is a great choice. Bright, refreshing, and a little unexpected, it might be the cocktail that becomes some people’s signature sipper. Maybe it is a Kansas City Chiefs dynasty in the making.  

The Kansas City Chiefs - KC Mojito  

Ingredients:   

2 ounces Sammy’s Beach Bar Platinum Rum   

1 ounce ginger beer  

¾ ounce Sammy’s Beach Bar Red Head Rum 

½ ounce of fresh pineapple (puree, juice, or freshly chopped) 

½ ounce fresh mango (puree, juice, or freshly chopped) 

½ habanero pepper, chopped  

2 ounces fresh yuzu juice 

3-4 fresh kaffir lime leaves  

1 ounce lychee simple syrup 

Garnish: fresh mint sprig  

Preparation: In a cocktail shaker, add the pineapple, mango, habanero pepper, yuzu, lime leaves and lychee simple syrup. Using a muddler, gently (yet firmly) muddle the ingredients. Add Beach Bar Platinum Rum and a stir well and pour into a Collins or highball glass filled with crushed ice. Top with the ginger beer and Redhead Rum.   

No matter what beverage is in hand, raise a toast to another momentous season. A new era in football is here and everyone is included.