Prepping for Tailgate Season
As August comes to a close, a familiar excitement begins to fill the air across East Tennessee. Football season is right around the corner! Whether you are making the drive to Neyland Stadium, setting up a tent with friends, or hosting a game day party in your living room, proper planning is essential for a winning tailgate.
While hot dogs and burgers usually take center stage on the grill, your beverage lineup deserves just as much thought. Moving beyond basic light beer elevates the entire experience and keeps your guests smiling all afternoon. At Wine & Spirits Cellar in Maryville, we are here to help you draft the ultimate game day drink roster. Here are three ways to upgrade your tailgate this season.
1. Batch Up the Ultimate Tailgate Punch
When hosting a group outdoors, nobody wants to spend kickoff mixing individual drinks. Batched punch recipes are lightweight, easy to transport in insulated dispensers, and let guests serve themselves whenever they like.
Try mixing up a Bourbon Apple Cider Punch. Combine one bottle of smooth Tennessee bourbon, four cups of local apple cider, one cup of ginger ale, and a half-cup of fresh lemon juice in a large dispenser. Add cinnamon sticks and sliced apples for a festive touch. It is crisp, sweet, and captures the early autumn spirit perfectly.
2. Upgrade Your Cooler with Craft Cans
If convenience is your top priority, cans are undisputed kings of the tailgate field. They are completely shatterproof, chill down quickly in ice, and require zero cleanup. However, you do not have to settle for boring options.
Stock your cooler with a diverse mix of local craft IPAs, crisp wheat beers, and hard seltzers. Additionally, ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails—like canned Margaritas, Vodka Mules, and Bourbon Highballs—offer full-strength, bar-quality flavors in a compact, portable format that fits perfectly in your hand.
3. Game Day Wines That Go the Distance
Wine at a tailgate? Absolutely! The key is choosing approachable, durable wines that pair well with classic football foods like nachos, wings, and slider sandwiches.
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For Red Lovers: Choose a fruit-forward, low-tannin red like an Australian Shiraz or a California Red Blend. These pair phenomenally with smoky barbecue and tangy buffalo sauce.
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For White Lovers: Go with an un-oaked Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio. These stay crisp and clean, balancing out salty snacks and spicy dips.
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Pro Tip: Look for canned wines or shatterproof screw-cap bottles for safe, hassle-free outdoor transport.
Your Game Day Headquarters in Maryville
No matter who you are rooting for this season, a successful game day always starts with great company and great drinks.
Before you head out for kickoff, make Wine & Spirits Cellar in Maryville your first stop. Our shelves are fully stocked with local craft beers, bulk mixers, premium spirits, and crowd-pleasing wines ready for any tailgate budget. Stop in today, speak with our team, and let’s get ready for a winning season together!