Snack and Drink Pairings for the Big Game

There is nothing quite like watching football on Sundays, and with the Big Game right around the corner, it gets us dreaming of a day to gather with family and friends, watch some football (or commercials), and enjoy an afternoon of finger foods and spirited beverages. In fact, other than Thanksgiving, more food is eaten on that one final Sunday than any other day of the year! So, whether you’re hosting your own shindig or attending one this year, here are our top snack and drink pairings to come out of the day as the true champ.

CHIPS AND DIPS

Not all dips are created equal. There are simple, store-bought dips like bottled french onion, store-made ranch, dill, and canned salsa. Nothing against those accompaniments; they’re efficient and they get the job done when you’re in a rush. But this is the Big Game; we’re talking about the fresh, homemade guacamole in a football-shaped bowl, the slow cooker spinach artichoke dip, and the buffalo chicken dip thick with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and shredded chicken. The good stuff. Each dip has its own unique flavor, but we recommend the classic margarita to pair with all of them. The cocktail is sweet, sour, and packed with just enough of a punch to help chase your chips and dip. You can even spice it up just a bit by mixing in some Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur to your desired level of heat.

Big Game Bite: Seven Layer Dip

Drink Pairing: Perfect Patrón Margarita



WINGS

Buffalo, honey bbq, lemon pepper, spicy garlic. Boneless, bone-in, drums, flats, and even cauliflower. Everyone has their favorite flavor, preferred style, and dipping sauce. Are you team ranch or team blue cheese? Either way, chicken wings are a sporting event staple and should be included in your spread. To pair with your wings, we recommend a hoppy IPA filled with citrusy flavors, hints of bitterness, and a juicy finish. The perfect IPA that fits the bill is Athletic Brewing Company’s Run Wild IPA. This award-winning brew not only contains five Northwest hops but it is also alcohol-free with only 70 calories per can.

Big Game Bite: Spiced Honey Chicken Wings

Drink Pairing: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA



VEGGIES AND HUMMUS

We know, we know. Eating healthy at a football viewing party? No thank you and no way! But think of the carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas dipped into a bowl of red pepper hummus as a palate cleanser. In between a mouthful of seven-layer dip and bites of chicken wings, get a satisfying crunch with your daily serving of vegetables smothered in hummus. To accompany your board, we recommend a gin cocktail. The strong citrus notes in this spirit mixed with the subtle mint notes of basil will pair incredibly well with your healthy snack.

Big Game Bite: The Ultimate Hummus and Vegetable Board

Drink Pairing: Basil Gimlet



SLIDERS

The name of the game for an incredible football watching party is easy-to-grab finger-food. But after a couple quarters of snacking, drinking, and socializing you’re going to need some sustenance. We’re talking protein in between mini hamburger buns; also known as sliders. Similar to wings, there are an abundance of options for sliders like kobe beef, fried chicken, pulled pork, and even portobello mushroom for your vegan/vegetarian guests. Whichever route you choose, just be sure to make extra because your guests will be asking for more. For sliders, we recommend the classic Moscow Mule. The smooth vodka collides with the spicy and citrus notes in the ginger beer to create the ideal cocktail to enjoy with a mini sandwich.

Big Game Bite: King’s Hawaiian Mini Cubano Sandwiches

Drink Pairing: Moscow Mule



NACHOS

Last, but certainly not least, the touchdown of snack foods - the classic loaded nachos. Tortilla chips chock-full of nacho cheese, refried beans, seasoned beef (or chicken), sour cream, jalapeños, salsa, and guacamole. The trick to a crispy and soggy-free nachos is layering. First, you need to lay down one solid layer of tortilla chips on a sheet pan or oven-safe platter. Then, add all of your desired fixings, except salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and any other sauce-type ingredients. Repeat until you have a delicious mound of nachos, cook, and then complete the pass with your preferred toppings. The perfect cocktail to pair with your nachos is the refreshing Tiki Rum Mai Tai can by Cutwater! This pre-mixed cocktail combines Cutwater Barrel Aged Rum and Bali Hai Tiki Gold Rum to create a unique citrus mix. The pineapple and coconut flavors make it the most well-rounded and bright cocktail to enjoy with your nachos supreme.

Big Game Bite: Nachos Supreme

Drink Pairing: Tiki Rum Mai Tai



IN CLOSING

On average, a professional football game takes three hours and 44 minutes. You know what that means? Plenty of time to enjoy delicious snacks and refreshing cocktails in between plays, timeouts, and hilarious commercials. We’re confident you’ll be the number one pick for host or guest for the following the Big Game with any of these pairings!