Last Sunday I found myself at a tailgate in Buffalo, pre-gaming the inevitable loss of my family’s beloved football team. Come 8 a.m., a stranger sporting signature Bills apparel handed me my first Labbat Blue of the day in order to join him in a ceremonious “shot gun.” (Ed note: for those of you who didn’t go Greek in college, or haven’t spent much time drinking in parking lots, to “shot gun” a beer means to puncture a hole in the side of the can and drink it rapidly. This usually results in unsafe, immediate inebriation. Or, in my case, a very messy sweatshirt).
By noon, I had consumed more than enough beer, and was desperate for something resembling a cocktail (or water). Suddenly, out of the crowd, I spotted my shimmering Galahad, brandishing a bottle of Smirnoff. He chivalrously offered up his supply of vodka, along with a Crystal Light pink lemonade packet to mix it with. This was exactly what I needed to face kick-off: a low-calorie, bubble-free respite from all of that Canadian ale. I’m sure I’ve just lost any street cred by saying this, but Crystal Light is actually a handy tool in a pinch, especially if you’re trying to reserve your kcals for those nachos. If I haven’t lost you, a true tailgate favorite is the beer margarita. It may not be the most high-brow beverage, but it’s easy to make on the spot (just bring a large container and a ladle) and great for crowds.
What do you drink while you’re watching football?
I’m a lifelong Falcons fan. The traditional pregame drink of choice is hemlock.