As we approach the night of the big game, holding a viewing party requires some careful planning. We’re going to want to stock up on wings and guacamole, but it’s also important to have a few great co*cktails.
While there’s always wine and beer, we just may want to take some inspiration from these restaurants and bars across the country that are doing some pretty special co*cktails in honor of the Super Bowl.
Blue Eagle and Touch Down Mahomes
Available at Gamehaus in the Long Island City area of New York, these co*cktails represent each of the two teams playing in the Super Bowl. The Blue Eagle is mixed with Bacardi Rum, Blue Curacao, mint and seltzer as a take on a classic Mojito and Touch Down Mahomes with a little smokiness from Ilegal Mezcal, simple syrup and Aperol. "To get into the Super Bowl spirits, the co*cktails represent the team colors with blue to match the midnight green uniforms of the Philadelphia Eagles and a reddish co*cktail to symbolize the Kansas City Chiefs. The mix of sweetness from the Blue Eagle co*cktail and the refreshing smokiness in the Mezcal and Aperol co*cktail from the Touch Down Mahomes complements nicely with the spicy wings on our menu, jalapeño balls and dips,” said Bar Manager Jose Diaz.
The Longest Yard
At Common Ground Bar in New York City, this is one of the most classic co*cktails ‘in the playbook.’ It started during prohibition, originally named the “Last Word” and renamed for the Super Bowl. “It’s perfectly balanced ingredients between the gin and the chartreuse makes it an extremely popular drink for years. The refreshingly tart and subtly sweet drink resembles a key lime pie and is easy to drink while watching the game. Its coloring is a fun ode to the Kansas City Chiefs gold uniforms as you root on your favorite teams,” said bartender Brandon Colon.
Rih-Rih
At Skysill Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Tempe, this co*cktail is made with Roku Gin, yuzu, rosemary, and Ponche Liquor. “Just like this year's Big Game halftime show, the Rih-Rih co*cktail is a showstopper," says Anthony Esparaza, director of food and beverage of The Westin Tempe. "Floral and sweet botanical aromas fused with yuzu citrus reminiscent of the Valley's signature sunset are complimented by the panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan that surrounds us creating a true nod to this year's Desert Duel destination."
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Big Game Fuego
At Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge in The Mirage Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the “Big Game & Fuego“ has a kick of spice and passion. “This co*cktail is perfect for celebrating the Big Game on the Las Vegas Strip, giving a classic margarita some Rhumbar gameday flair. At Rhumbar, we believe you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” said Eric Falcon, General Manager of Pool F&B at the Mirage.
Gold Blue Beer
At Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino, this co*cktail is made with tequila, blue curacao and lemon juice – infused with beer for an American touch. “This co*cktail combines the best of the Caribbean with a Super Bowl staple, creating a fun island-inspired take on an American pastime,” said Amilkar Amador, Bar Manager at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino.
The Double Move Strawberry Peppercorn Gin & Tonic
At VUES Lobby Bar at Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, a twist on the classic gin and tonic infused with a strawberry puree and notes of rosemary and pepper. “The inspiration behind The Double Move was to combine two classic ingredients gin and tonic with colorful garnishes representing both the Philadelphia Eagles and The Kansas City Chiefs.
Red Kingdom
At J. Rieger & Co. in Kansas City, Missouri, a classic highball style co*cktail with heavy notes of baking spice and cooked cherries. It has a soft Kansas City whiskey flavor, reinforced with a spiced dryness from a blend of amaro and apricot liqueur. "The inspiration behind this co*cktail was to encapsulate everything about the Chiefs fan base: bold, enthusiastic, and loyal. Staying true to our own lineup of products at the distillery, we chose to highlight Kansas City whiskey by layering in distinct and friendly fruit flavors that rally behind the co*cktail for a push across the goal line,” said Andrew Olson, beverage director.
Hook And Latter
At The Willow Bar at The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta, this co*cktail takes the classic ingredients of a margarita and gives it a spiced smoky twist with a little blackberry for a fruity balance. Made with chipotle tequila, agave, cointreau, lime, blackberry shrub, and a tajin rim. “We have crafted it to pair with our Sticky-Hot & Sweet Green Circle Chicken Wings featured in the Willow Bar on Super Bowl Sunday,” said chef Thomas Davis.
Hail To Chiefs
Available at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, Cinder House Restaurant and Bar, this is a fun whiskey co*cktail that supports the Kansas City Chiefs with its red hue and yellow lemon peel garnish, reflecting the colors of the team's uniforms. This co*cktail is made with premium apple whiskey, house made grenadine, and cranberry juice, for a crisp co*cktail that is a little tart and a little sweet. India Stevens, bar supervisor, says: "I wanted the co*cktail to not only reflect the team's bold red and gold colors with its appearance, but also the energy and excitement of the team and its success. Super Bowl Sunday is full of emotions, so my inspiration was for the Hail To The Chiefs co*cktail to ride that wave from the zing of the cranberry to the smooth finish of the whiskey.”
LTG Margarita
At Legends Tavern & Grille locations across the Broward and Palm Beach Gardens areas of Florida, this co*cktail is made with gold tequila, triple sec and the brand's house-made sweet & sour mix served in a 10 oz glass that's garnished with salt and lime on the rim. “Our LTG Margarita continues to be an ultimate fan-favorite for our guests as it pairs extremely well with anything on our menu, especially Game Day favorites like wings, burgers, nachos and other classics,” said Brendan Fonteciella, Director of Operations of Legends Tavern & Grille.
Coin Flip
Found at Bonsai Elevated Japanese Cuisine at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, this drink is made with Don Q Gran Reserva XO rum, Godiva dark chocolate liquor, Southern Tier Peanut Butter Cup imperial stout, demerara syrup, egg and nutmeg. "When I think about football, I think about tailgating, and when I think about tailgating, I think about drinking a nice, cold beer. I've always loved reviving historic co*cktails; sharing fun twists on tried-and-true recipes with my patrons and bringing these once widely loved libations back to life. This rich and beautifully spiced beverage will certainly warm up your heart, even if your team doesn't come out on top,” said Rob Jamieson.
Kansas City Rickey
Found at Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval in Denver, The Kansas City Rickey is a fun and refreshing take on a classic American highball. It’s made with J. Reiger Company's Midwestern Dry Gin, a KC staple, is shaken with lemon juice and green chartreuse, and Boulevard Brewing's Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale. "When I found out the Chiefs made it into the big game, I knew exactly what kind of drink I wanted to make for their fans: A Kansas City take on a classic rickey. Rickeys are some of my favorite drinks, because they are not overly sweet and make for easy sipping. I decided to use two Kansas City beverage institutions to make this drink fun and different. J. Reiger Co's Midwestern Dry Gin is perfect for this rickey's spirit. Then, for an extra twist, I substituted the classic seltzer water topper with Boulevard Brewing Company's Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale. This beloved KC beer adds refreshing carbonation and a little extra ABV. Cheers!" said Tamayo's Bar Manager Pete Tognetti.
