This is the final foreseeable match up between Notre Dame and Michigan on the football field and we’ve been blessed with a night game. What does that mean? All day tailgating of course.
We all know that the only true key to a good tailgate party in South Bend is a nice, big bucket of Martin’s fried chicken and a playlist including the Notre Dame Marching Band’s greatest hits, but what are you willing to do to make your Saturday party great?
Since we all have a little extra time on our hands before the late kickoff this Saturday, I have come up with a few cocktail recipes that will set your tailgate apart from the mundane of the guy two spots down who is serving warm Pabst and Popov mixed with knock off colas. Yes, it’ll cost more than a tank of gas and a 30-pack, but won’t it be worth it to become an #NDTwitterati legend?
Of course it is.
Bloody Hail Mary
This one will take a bit of effort and should be done the night before, but for you early risers in the parking lots it’ll be well worth it to get the day started off right. This recipe will fill a one gallon pitcher and will best be served with a pitcher that allows straining. By following the recipe, it will make approximately ten servings.
Food prep is as follows: wedge one lime and one lemon; chop two stalks of celery into approximately one inch pieces; slice one red and one green bell pepper into strips.
Pour three quarts of spicy vegetable juice into the pitcher and add lime, lemon, celery and peppers. Add one tablespoon hot sauce, one teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, two teaspoons prepared horseradish and 1/3 cup cocktail onions. If you so desire, add salt and/or black pepper to taste. Let sit overnight in a refrigerator.
Before serving, add one 750ml bottle of vodka (for extra spice, use Hanger One Chipotle or Absolut Peppar) and stir. Pour over ice into 16 ounce glass. Using large cocktail picks, garnish with one each of a wedge of lime, wedge of lemon, blue cheese-stuffed olive and cube of pepper jack or other white cheese. For added zest and spice, also add a strip of peppered beef jerky.
Yes, I know. That’s a LOT of work. But nothing cures a post-Friday hangover like a Saturday morning heartburn. Delicious, savory heartburn.
’75 Irish
This take on the classic French 75 is inspired by what was actually a mistake. So we can go ahead and call this the champagne of classic cocktails (which is somewhat coincidental since sparkling wine is a necessary ingredient to the original recipe).
The recipe is quite simple:
Pour 2 ounces Irish whiskey (author’s choice is 2 Gingers, in honor of the leprechaun) into a mixing glass with ice. Add 1/2 an ounce lemon juice and shake vigorously. Strain into martini glass or champagne flute and top with your favorite hard cider. That’s it!
I recommend finding the driest cider possible; Strongbow is one of the best and easily attainable, but this will work with any level of sweetness. If you don’t have the time or care to stop for some disposable flutes/martini glasses, I suggest at least getting the nice clear plastic cocktail cups. Plus, this way you can completely avoid as many Toby Keith references as possible.
For a little extra flavor, I highly encourage you to add a cinnamon stick.
Dead Wolverine
Is the time ticking away before kickoff? Need something strong and tasty for one last punch? Are you looking to get that little extra buzz before stumbling walking to the gate? With a fun, game week-appropriate name and a delicious product, this variation of a dead nazi is the perfect way to end the party.
Quite simply take 3/4 ounces of Fireball (or other cinnamon) whiskey and 3/4 ounces of Barenjager honey liqueur. Pour into shot glass.
Cheers.
Drink.
Done.
Disclaimer and Other Mumbo-Jumbo
While I hope you give one or all of these drinks a try this weekend, please remember to stay safe and be responsible adults. All previous drinks should be consumed only by drinkers of a legal age (21 in Indiana) and please please PLEASE do not drive if you are under the influence. We all want to have fun this weekend, and there is no reason why we can’t all be safe and smart.
Believe me, Brady Hoke will say and do plenty of stupid things during and after the game for all of us.
I will also be sending NDTex a new drink each week based on our current opponent in the Friday Roundup starting with this week, so keep your eyes open and bars stocked!
Go Irish. Beat Utah State Wolverines.
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