Whether you're headed into Chattanooga for a UTC game or hosting your own watch party at home in Trenton, a good tailgate comes down to a few simple things done right. Here's the checklist.
Stock the Cooler First
Beer is the backbone of most tailgates, and the classics earn that spot for a reason - easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing, and built for a long afternoon. If you want a little more variety, mix in a few craft options for the beer drinkers who like to switch it up as the day goes on.
A Simple Batch Cocktail Setup
A single pre-mixed batch cocktail - made ahead and poured straight from a jug or dispenser - keeps things moving without anyone playing bartender between plays. Keep the recipe simple and easy to scale up if the crowd grows.
Don't Forget the Non-Drinkers
Between designated drivers and guests who just aren't drinking that day, it's worth having a couple of solid non-alcoholic options on hand - cold water, soda, or a non-alcoholic beer. It's a small thing that makes everyone feel included in the spread.
Ice, Ice, and More Ice
Almost every tailgate runs out of ice before it runs out of drinks. Buy more than feels necessary - between the cooler and any drinks on ice individually, it disappears faster than people expect, especially on a warm afternoon.
Timing Your Stock-Up Run
Game day mornings get busy fast, both on the road and in the store. Doing your shopping the day before, rather than on the way to kickoff, means you're not competing with everyone else making the same last-minute run.
Stock Up Before Kickoff
Stop by our Trenton store to build out your cooler before the next game - beer, spirits for a batch cocktail, and everything else on the list, all in one stop.
