As you plot your Super Bowl gathering, you're probably thinking about spicy wings and creamy dips, epic nachos and meaty chili, potato skins and of course, a fridge full of beer. Still, it's nice to have a pitcher of cocktails—and an non-alcoholic option—ready as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
The Ultimate Bloody Mary
You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning, so we recommend mixing up a pitcher or two of Bloodies before the kickoff. The key to a winning Bloody Mary is punching up the savory side with umami-rich ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, plus freshly grated horseradish and a little Frank's hot sauce. As for the vodka, any decent cheap brand will do: the flavor isn't going to be that apparent once you mix in all your tomato juice and other flavorings.
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Frozen Lime Margaritas
This is the best recipe we know for frozen margaritas: tart, refreshing, cooling, and easy to make ahead. The secret: placing your homemade margarita 'mix' in the freezer overnight. Try to use decent tequila here; we recommend seeking out Tapatio, which was recently introduced in the US. It's a steal at around $34 for a liter bottle.
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Steak Island Beer Cocktail
This beer cocktail is somewhat similar to a michelada, but with a secret savory ingredient: steak sauce. It's an earthy drink that pairs up well with meaty nachos or chili; but it's cooling, tart, and refreshing, too.
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Pineapple Rum Punch
If you're feeling ready for a little winter escape, this tropical drink will take you there thanks to ripe, fresh pineapple which infuses a simple syrup for a few hours (or overnight.) Aged rum adds caramel notes and richness, offset by tart lemon and sparkling water.
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Hibiscus Rum Cooler
We always recommend making drinks by the pitcher for a party, and this one's a really nice presentation with fresh mint and a gorgeous magenta hue. Think of it as a spiked lemonade, that's super-easy to make, especially if you use Tazo tea bags.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Rum Cooler »
Fresh Watermelon Margaritas
If you're serving super-spicy wings and jalapeno-topped nachos, you may want something fruity to calm the heat. Watermelon juice is extra refreshing, especially with a hit of lime (and, ahem, tequila.) To get the watermelon flavor to really come through in this thirst-quencher, you'll whir an ample amount of ripe cubed melon (seedless is best) in a blender with a little kosher salt. Instead of the traditional triple sec, this recipes calls for St. Germain elderflower liqueur, which adds a delicate floral sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Watermelon Margaritas »
Classic Lemonade
Don't forget non-drinkers—and don't forget to encourage drinkers to occasionally alternate boozy drinks with something non-alcoholic! Grocery-store lemonade is ok, but the fresh homemade stuff is much better. Here's a classic recipe for lemonade with the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.