If beer is the only beverage that comes to mind to drink on game day, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Beer adds body, bubbles and froth to otherwise subdued cocktails. And when paired with whiskey, you’ll get a refreshing libation that highlights the distinctive flavor profiles of both. Toss in fresh ingredients and you’ll have game-day-ready drinks that are tasty from beginning to end zone.
Rub & Rye
Is there anything that screams “game face” more than a whiskey sour mixed with barbecue bitters and beer and beef jerky as the garnish? You’ll want to trust us on this one. It doesn’t get anymore All-American than this beer and whiskey combo.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. rye whiskey
- 1 oz. honey liqueur
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz. maple syrup
- 1 oz. egg white
- 5 oz. Belgian beer
- 5 drops barbecue bitters
- Mesquite salt or your favorite dry rub spice mixture
- Garnish: beef jerky
Directions: Coat the rim of a pint or double Old Fashioned glass with mesquite salt or dry rub. Fill halfway with ice. Add the rye, lemon juice, maple syrup and egg white to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared glass. Top with the beer and bitters, and garnish with a piece of beef jerky.
Here Comes the Sun
As the name suggests, this beer-based cocktail is a bright yellow hue that is both vibrant and creamy in texture. Rye whiskey adds a spice and depth that molds well with ginger and lemon. For a refreshingly fizzy flavor, try this beer and brown spirit mixture.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. rye whiskey
- 1 oz. wheat beer
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz. ginger syrup
- Garnish: lemon wedge
Directions: Add the whiskey, ginger syrup and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and top with the beer. Garnish with a lemon wedge. *For the ginger syrup: In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of fresh ginger juice until warm (do not boil) over low heat. Add one cup of sugar and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Store in a sealed container until ready to use.
Beggar’s Banquet
Why should liquor have all the fun in a cocktail? It shouldn’t. Not when beer can add a sophisticated touch to a cocktail, like with the Beggar’s Banquet. The blend of bourbon and the chilled lager makes this drink alluring for both whiskey and beer aficionados.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 5 oz. lager, chilled
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz. maple syrup
- Garnish: orange wheel
Directions: Add the bourbon, maple syrup and lemon juice to a rocks glass and stir. Add ice cubes, top with lager and stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange wheel.
Bourbon and Honey Beer Cocktail
The thing about beer is that all you have to do is crack it open. Therefore, a beer and whiskey cocktail needs to be just as easy. Especially when there’s a big game on. This bourbon and honey beer cocktail delivers, on ease and on big game flavor!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 6 oz. lager, chilled
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 dashes bitters
- Garnish: lemon twist for garnish
Directions: Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey and bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until honey is dissolved. Pour into a pint glass and top with beer. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Southern 75
The ingredients might be simple, but don’t let the simplicity fool you: this cocktail is delicious! You won’t believe how tasty it is and it’s perfect for pre-game, halftime and post-game shenanigans (we won’t tell).
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 6 oz. IPA, chilled
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup
- Garnish: lemon zest spiral or wedge
