Game Day Entertaining
How To Garnish Team Spirits
What’s In A Name
You could argue everything. Or nothing. Or you could just relax & have a cocktail. All it takes is one recipe & a few effortless garnishes to honor rival schools & a tailgater’s sangria with a jolt of backwoods soul is the perfect choice. Wine has quickly become a game day favorite so Swine Wine twists & twirls some of our best game day picks from behind the bar when an Alabama Crimson Tide & Arkansas Razorback match up is scheduled. Plus, the Auburn Tigers square off against them the very next football Saturday. Follow my trick plays to finish strong no matter what team you pull for & implement a few simple moves to make spirited cocktails really shine on game day.
Game Day Cocktails 101
Style Points
Crimson Revelry
Moonshine & the citrus brighten the spiced apple flavor. Thinly sliced apple & a few cranberries dropped right into the glass pay homage to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Swine Wine
makes 10 to 12 servings
6 cups apple juice
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 cinnamon sticks
1 {750 mL} bottle white wine, chilled
3/4 cup moonshine
1 orange, freshly squeezed juice
Garnishes: Gala apple slices & fresh cranberries
Bring the apple juice, the sugar, the pumpkin pie spice & the cinnamon sticks to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan over Medium-High heat & cook 5 minutes. Chill 2 hours. Transfer the apple mixture to a large beverage jar. Stir in the wine, the moonshine & the freshly squeezed orange juice. Add the fruit to the beverage jar or garnish individual cocktails.
The Extra Point
Substitute your favorite champagne variety for a livelier concoction.
Game Day Cocktails 101
Style Points
Tipsy Tails
Thinly sliced apple & orange curls perched on the glass rim add bold Auburn Tiger flair.
Swine Wine
makes 8 servings
6 cups apple juice
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 cinnamon sticks
1 {750 mL} bottle white wine, chilled
3/4 cup moonshine
1 orange, freshly squeezed juice
Garnishes: Gala apple slices & orange curls
Bring the apple juice, the sugar, the pumpkin pie spice & the cinnamon sticks to a boil in a 4-quart saucepan over Medium-High heat & cook 5 minutes. Chill 2 hours. Transfer the apple mixture to a large beverage jar. Stir in the wine, the moonshine & the freshly squeezed orange juice. Add the fruit to the beverage jar or garnish individual cocktails.
The Extra Point
Serve this beverage for a variety of festive occasions beyond game day.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Garnish Team Spirits
Start by choosing a fun title for your creation. Add in a stunning garnish & you have one fabulous cocktail. All it takes is a few basic fundamentals to elevate them instantly. Try these ideas that can be prepared quickly for beautiful results.
The Essential Guide To Garnishing Game Day Cocktails
Whether you’re serving a host of football fanatics by the glass, the pitcher or an extra large beverage jar, you can set the tone for the occasion by adding some fun finishing touches that rally a bit of extra spirit.
No. 1
The Fruit
A great garnish can easily start with a few floaters. This concept can be used when serving large quantities or libations by the glass. Apple wedges, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, strawberries & fresh citrus slices are ideal choices as the rind & skin offer an excellent opportunity to show a little school spirit depending on the colors that are chosen. Peel large strips of rind from oranges or lemons to highlight the flavors in the drink. Wrap them around drinking straws to create pretty ringlets that can dropped into glasses or perched on rims. Consider threading a combination of picks on wooden skewers, too. They not only show team pride & perfume the beverage with additional flavor but can be used as an instant stick to aide in stirring drinks while enjoying them.
The Application
The Tipsy Toomer’s is a wonderful way for Auburn fans to serve a cocktail brimming with team spirit & rich tradition. Alabama fans can steal a few moves from Pachyderm Moonshine Punch. Blend your team colors with a few customs specific to your own fine institution to replicate the idea.
No. 2
The Vegetables
An array of pretty produce can really add a pep rally of bold color to cocktails. Look to cucumber, grape tomatoes, celery & carrots as the foundation to create something stunning. Pickled & brined selections make delicious additions as well. Consider olives, cocktail onions & okra to get the job done.
The Application
Southwestern Bloody Mary’s take an effortless approach by relying on spicy garden vegetables to not only flavor the drink but add a touch of gridiron green to the glass. Any school allegiance can be highlighted when grassy hues take the lead.
No. 3
The Herbs
A lovely bouquet garni works to develop complex flavors in roasted specialties but the same notion can be used to make a beverage look more appealing. Combine a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme & oregano with a little butcher twine & pop them into cocktails before serving. Drop a few mint leaves in the glass for an even more effortless idea.
The Application
Use this thought when aiming to cover a variety of school affiliations as game day green is always in vogue. A Magnolia Avenue Sweet Tea Cocktail is the perfect backdrop to showcase this idea. Try A few sprigs of rosemary or fresh mint to liven up this wonderful concoction.
No. 4
The Rim
Sugars, salts & syrups or a combination of all three can really make a cocktail come to life when it’s time for a sip. Fruits & vegetables perched on the side not only impart visual appeal but can be a tasty little morsel, too. Ringlets of rind can resemble mascot tails for an array of school allegiances. Use your imagination to create a custom idea your fanatics will simply adore.
The Application
Margarita Mimosas boast a rim of salt that elevates an ordinary fan-favorite drink. As in the case of an Auburn Sunrise, any tiger team can borrow this garnish idea to make something special that speaks more specifically to their own school.
No. 5
The Wild Card
Candyland specialties, bacon, beef jerky & non-food items such as umbrellas are always a festive way to create a custom look. The main take away is that you should just have fun with it.
The Application
Pennant Swizzle Sticks add a boost of style to any cocktail you may be serving. Hand craft them in your team colors for a more customized look.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
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The Tune
“Hole In The Wall” Floyd Dixon
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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