Three Ultimate Cocktails for Football Season to Savor on Game Day.

As autumn paints the leaves golden and temperatures drop, football season makes its much-anticipated return. This is the perfect time to gather friends and enjoy delicious cocktails that warm both heart and soul. Imagine sipping a flavorful drink while cheering on your favorite team. This season, elevate your game day experience with three delightful cocktails featuring bourbon, rye, and scotch. Let’s jump into these flavorful recipes that are just right for the crisp fall air!

A bourbon cocktail ready for sipping

1. Bourbon Maple Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz pure maple syrup

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish

  
  

Steps:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh mint leaves with maple syrup and lemon juice to release the mint's aroma and flavor.

2. Add bourbon and fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

   
   

3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

   
   

4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.

   
   

5. Serve and enjoy while cheering for your favorite team!

   
   

This Bourbon Maple Smash blends sweet and tart perfectly. According to a study by the National Honey Board, maple syrup has various antioxidants, making this drink not only delicious but a tad healthier. The noticeable warmth from the bourbon combined with rich maple syrup will keep you cozy as you embrace the fall chill.

Use Cherry or Orange to garnish - Enjoy one of the classics.

2. Rye Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey

• 1 sugar cube

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel for garnish

• Maraschino cherry for garnish

  
  

Steps:

1. In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube with Angostura bitters and a splash of water until the sugar dissolves.

   
   

2. Add rye whiskey and a large ice cube to the glass.

   
   

3. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

   
   

4. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink and drop it in, along with a maraschino cherry.

   
   

5. Sip slowly to savor the rich notes of the rye.

   
   

The Rye Old Fashioned is a classic that adds a splash of sophistication to your football festivities. An impressive 54% of whiskey drinkers prefer rye for its spicy character, making this cocktail an instant hit. Its bold flavors and smooth finish are perfect for both veteran whiskey lovers and newcomers alike.

3. Smoky Scotch Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz scotch whisky

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1/2 oz egg white (optional for frothiness)

• Lemon twist for garnish

  
  

Steps:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the scotch, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).

   
   

2. Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.

   
   

3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until well chilled.

   
   

4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.

   
   

5. Garnish with a lemon twist for a refreshing finish.

   
   

The Smoky Scotch Sour offers a twist on the traditional sour cocktail, merging smoky notes with tartness. This cocktail takes advantage of scotch’s unique flavor, which often has around 20% of its drinkers appreciating the peaty notes. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing drink to balance out the evening's excitement.

Cheers to an Enjoyable Football Season!

Gather your friends and family and experience the thrill of football season with these three carefully crafted cocktails—Bourbon Maple Smash, Rye Old Fashioned, and Smoky Scotch Sour. Each drink brings its own unique flavors that are perfect for cooler weather and unforgettable moments.

So whether you're hosting a lively game day gathering or enjoying a cozy evening at home, mix up these cocktails. Here's to cheering for your favorite team, indulging in great flavors, and creating wonderful memories all season long!