Super Bowl 50: Top 10 themed cocktails
By Genna Preston
Feb 2, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Helmets for the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers are lined up in front of the Bay Bridge prior to Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s be honest, the football game is only a small piece of what the Super Bowl is all about. Being with friends and family, the commercials, the half-time show, and food; oh the food!
However, not many people focus on the drinks. You just prepared an ultimate feast for your guests, and now your going to do what, hand them a beer or a soda? Never!
Even if your not a big drinker or the thought of making a mixed drink scares you, there are drinks that are easy to make and delicious to drink.
Stick to your Super Bowl theme and create festive cocktails that will shock your guests. I have created the top 10 Super Bowl themed cocktails that will leave you begging for more. There are even a few recipes for the kids too, let’s take a look!
Next: 10. Bring on the moonshine
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano (9) kicks the game winning field goal against the New York Giants as time expires during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
10. The Moonshine Kick- Off
Before you make the drink, you’re going to want to marinate cherries in a bow of moonshine. Throw some jarred cherries in a bowl; stem and all, and completely cover with moonshine and refrigerate for 24 hours.
In a chilled glass combine ginger-ale, the juice of a lime wedge and one ounce of moonshine. Top with a shot of the cherry juice from the jar and two or three cherries that you previously marinated.
This recipe was inspired by a childhood classic, the Shirley Temple. Interestingly enough, Cam Newton doesn’t drink, so if your house is full of Cam Newton’s or kids, feel free to leave out the moonshine for a classic non-alcoholic beverage.
Next: 9. Keep this punch away from the kids
Aug 8, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; A general view of a panther statue in front of the stadium before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
9. Panther Punch
This is a simple drink for anyone in a rush or not a huge drinker. It literally has four ingredients; Hawaiian Punch, lemon lime soda, rum and fruit.
In a large punch bowl, add blue Hawaiian fruit punch and rum. Make sure the rum is clear; I tend to use Malibu for added fruit flavor.
Do not put the soda in until your guests have arrived. Once you have added the soda, garnish with some fruit slices, mix and serve.
This punch is packed with flavor and will leave your friends happy. Just be sure to keep this punch away from the kids!
Next: 8. The escalated Jell-O shot
Sep 5, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Jeff Miller plays beer pong while tailgating prior to the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Texas A&M Aggies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
8. Genna’s Margarita Jell-O shots
If you have ever been to a tailgate with me, you know I am famous for my Jell-O shots. But, in honor of Super Bowl 50, I am bringing the Jell-O shot to the next level.
Cut clementine’s or oranges in half, keep in mind you can change you the fruit. Scoop out the fruit butt, be sure to keep the peel in the circular shape as, it will act as your cup.
Boil one cup of water and mix it with one packet of orange flavored Jell-O. Once the mixture has dissolved, add ¾ cup of tequila and ¼ cup of triple sec.
Put the orange peels on a sheet pan and fill with the Jell-O mixture. Allow the orange margaritas to set in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Cheers!
Next: 7. This blue drink shows Panther pride
7. The Blue Shake Down
Obviously we have a blue and orange theme this year with the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. Here’s some blue pride for all you Panther fans.
First you need to muddle some blueberries; it’s just a fancy word for smoosh! Put the blueberries on the bottom of the glass, before.
Pour two ounces of blueberry vodka over the ice and fill the rest of the glass with seltzer water. Stir this drink, don’t shake!
To kick this drink up a notch, rim the glass with colored sugar. This drink will leave you wondering why you haven’t done this before.
Next: 6. Manning's favorite drink with a twist
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks out to the field before the AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
6. The Peyton Manning Blood Orange Beer
If you don’t know a lot about Peyton Manning, I am going to let you in on a little secret. He absolutely loves Bud Light and pizza; Manning said he usually finishes his Sunday’s with a nice cold beer after a long hard day at work.
Obviously if you’re hosting a party or attending, beer is going to be on the drink menu. But, don’t settle for the normal beer.
Get a beer that has a citrus brew. Blue Moon is a great example, or any of your local craft beer will work as well. Don’t forget to pre-chill your mugs!
In the bottom of a chilled mug grate a little blood orange zest before adding the beer. Top the beer with a blood orange slice for garnish and extra flavor. Now you can drink a beer while supporting your team’s colors.
Next: 5. This childhood classic has an adult twist
5. The Denver Creamsicle
Who doesn’t love an orange creamsicle? That’s exactly why I couldn’t resist adding my adult version to the list.
Always add ice first. After the ice is in the glass, add two ounces of whipped cream flavored vodka; yes it’s as delicious as it sounds.
After the vodka has been poured fill the remainder of the glass with orange flavored soda. Stir the drink and garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Keep in mind, it’s best to serve immediately after mixing in order to prevent the soda from going flat and the ice cream over flowing. These also make great kid friendly drinks, just leave out the vodka.
Next: 4. This drink screams Denver
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans after the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver Broncos defeated New England Patriots 20-18 to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
4. Mango Shooters
These mango shooters are my newest favorite shot. They are simple, delicious and they scream Broncos.
All you need is your favorite mango rum, I usually use Malibu Mango, mango puree or juice and lemon lime soda.
In a large glass add the rum and mango puree and shake for best results. Next, add a few ice cubes and a little lemon lime soda and stir.
Pour the drink into shot glasses and serve. For an added affect, rim the glass with colored sugar or a mango wedge.
Next: 3. This drink will take you for a ride
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Hector Aguilar rides on the Southern California Trojans white horse mascot Traveler during an NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Wild Horse
I am not much of a bourbon drinker however, if it’s mixed properly and paired perfectly, it is actually delicious and smooth.
First muddle some jarred cherries and orange slices. The peel can be left on for added flavor or saved for a garnish. Once you are done, add a few ice cubes; always add the ice after you have muddled fruit and herbs.
Next you’re going to pour four parts bourbon and one part orange flavored liqueur. Stir the drink and add a cherry on top alongside some orange slices.
Now, sit back relax and enjoy the game! This drink is sure to win MVP!
Next: 2. This sweet tea will score a touchdown
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera waves to the fans after defeating the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Championship football game held at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
2. Carolina Sweet Tea Twister
You can’t go to the Carolina’s and not drink sweet tea, it’s a staple. I am bringing the south to the Super Bowl with this sweet tea twister.
Just mix sweet tea vodka with sweetened lemonade and stir. Pour over ice for the best taste and garnish.
This drink can be garnished with your favorite fruit; peach, mango, raspberry or just a lemon. You can also add some fruit puree to kick this tea up a notch.
Your friends will be shocked with this simple but delicious sweet tea. Make Carolina proud this weekend and grab an adult sweet tea!
Next: 1. This drink will be voted MVP
Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans cheer during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
1. Super Bowl Bloody Mary Supreme
A Bloody Mary is always a great Sunday funday drink. The tomato juice gives you nutrients, energy and freshness while the vodka and hot sauce gives you a little kick.
But, you can’t WOW your guest with a Bloody Mary, you WOW your guest with the garnish! Start with your favorite Blood Mary recipe; one part vodka, two parts tomato juice, hot sauce, horseradish and Worcestershire.
More jets: Top 10 Super Bowl 50 recipe ideas
Once you have made the drink, it’s time to build; toothpicks will work fine but, depending on your snack choices, wooden kabob sticks may be more helpful. Start adding your snacks, let you imagination go wild!
My personal creation will have a celery stick, a pickle spear, a hot dog, green peppers, cheese cubes, lemon and lime wedge, bacon and shrimp cocktail. You literally have brunch and a cocktail in one, the true meaning of a blast in a glass!