If you need an easy W before game day, try making these big-batch cocktails
Tailgating is ingrained in the spirit of Fort Collins, and it’s not just reserved for football. A great tailgate, regardless of the sport, needs good friends, plenty of snacks, and — let’s be honest — drinks that amp up the Ram Spirit.
Batch cocktails are the secret weapon to keeping your tailgate fun and fully lubricated. They’re easy to make, serve a crowd, and keep you from spending the whole pregame shaking drinks like a rookie bartender. Best idea: Make them the day before, or whenever it’s convenient. A good batched cocktail should keep for a few days in the fridge, guaranteeing a hassle-free tailgate.
If you’re stocking up for game day, Mulberry MAX, your go-to Fort Collins tailgate supplier, has everything you need to fill that cooler and keep spirits high.
Why batched cocktails over RTDs?
Mixing your own batched cocktails gives you full control — flavor, strength, sweetness, all up to you. Want it stronger? Go for it. Need it less sweet? Easy fix. You can use fresh ingredients, skip the artificial stuff, and tweak recipes to match your crowd’s tastes.
Plus, making your own batch is usually cheaper than buying a pile of ready-to-drink cocktails, especially when you’re serving a big group. And let’s be honest — rolling up to a tailgate with your own signature mix is a pro move.
On the other hand, RTDs do have their appeal. More on that below.
Tips for creating batch cocktails for tailgates
1. Keep it simple.
Tailgates aren’t the place for complicated garnishes or 10-ingredient drinks. Pick recipes that use three to five ingredients so you can mix big batches fast.
2. Go big on ice.
Ice is your best friend for keeping drinks cold and refreshing. Bring extra — because warm cocktails are a buzzkill.
3. Choose crowd-pleasers.
Think margaritas, sangria or spiked lemonade. These are classics that go down easy and taste great in large batches.
4. Pre-mix and store smart.
Mix your cocktails in a big jug, beverage dispenser, or even a clean cooler. Keep mixers and alcohol combined, but add fizzy ingredients like soda right before serving so they don’t go flat. And for recipes that use sliced citrus such as lemons or limes, it’s best to add those the morning of the tailgate.
5. Make it portable.
Pour cocktails into mason jars or reusable bottles so people can grab and go. Bonus: You won’t have a bunch of cranky tailgaters.
6. Don’t forget the non-alcoholic batch.
Designated drivers and non-drinkers deserve a tasty option too. Punches, lemonades and iced teas can be just as fun without the booze.
4 batch cocktail recipes for tailgating
Big Batch Margaritas
Ingredients
- 3½ cups tequila blanco
- 2⅔ cups triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1¾ cups lime juice, (roughly 14 limes)
- ¾ cup agave syrup
- Salt or Tajin for rimming glasses
Directions
Add liquid ingredients and stir until the agave dissolves. Serve over ice with the glass rimmed with salt or Tajin, if desired.
Raspberry Lynchburg Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 part whiskey
- 1 part triple sec
- 4 parts lemonade
- Fresh raspberries and lemon slices, to taste
Directions
Preferably the day before game day, combine all liquid ingredients in a large jug and stir to combine. Add the raspberries and let them steep. Add a few lemon slices on game day and serve over ice.
Strawberry Tailgate Tea
Ingredients
- 6 cups prepared unsweetened tea
- 1½ cups (12 ounces) vodka
- 2/3 cup simple syrup
- 2 pints strawberries, sliced (Or substitute peach slices, blackberries, blueberries or raspberries, if you like.)
Directions
Stir all ingredients together in a large pitcher, jug or jar, preferably the day before to let the strawberries steep. Serve with ice.
Mish Delight
This recipe is our guess at recreating a batch version of our favorite Mishawaka breakfast cocktail. Great for early games.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces orange juice
- 8 ounces pineapple juice
- 16 ounces rum
- 8 ounce amaretto
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a large serving jug or serving container. Serve over ice.
RTDs are another solid tailgating option
Mixing batch cocktails for a tailgate isn’t for everyone. We get it. And, honestly, with the myriad excellent ready-to-drink cocktails on our shelves, you might just choose to keep it simple and go the RTD route.
Mulberry MAX has a constantly rotating selection of RTDs for your tailgating pleasure if you’re not up for making batch cocktails. We are always bringing in new ready-to-drink cocktail options to keep your options fresh and interesting. Ask a MAX team member for help picking out some good selections for your next tailgate.
Make Mulberry MAX your tailgate HQ for Rams games and more
Whether you’re mixing a giant jug of margaritas or a cooler of sangria, batch cocktails make tailgating a breeze. Swing by Mulberry MAX, the Fort Collins liquor store with a free 2-story parking lot near Colorado State University. It’s perfect for loading up your car with everything you need before heading to the stadium. Stock up, park easy and let the good times roll.