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Get Ready for Game Day with Maker’s Mark®
5 Classic Football Snacks Matched with Bourbon Cocktails That Score Big
Football season is officially underway, and whether you're tailgating outside the stadium or setting the spread at home, food and drink are (at least) half the fun. This fall, elevate your playbook with classic game day bites, perfectly paired with Maker’s Mark cocktails. We’ve even included a few tips to help you batch drinks for tailgates or whip them up fresh for your watch party.
Buffalo Wings + Bourbon Sour
SPICY MEETS SMOOTH.
Buffalo wings bring the heat – and Americans bring their appetites. Over 1.4 billion wings are eaten during football season alone, making them the undisputed champs of game day snacks.
The bright citrus and mellow sweetness of a Bourbon Sour are a natural counter to the spicy, tangy punch of buffalo sauce. This pairing cools your palate while keeping the flavor party going.
Hosting tip: Batch your Bourbon Sour ahead of time and serve it over ice when the crew arrives. Just select your batch size on our recipe page.
Chili + Kentucky Bubbly
HEARTY MEETS FIZZY.
A steaming bowl of chili is a fall staple, and cities like Cincinnati have even made it their own signature dish. The deep, savory flavors of chili need something light and lively to balance them out.
Enter the Kentucky Bubbly, a refreshing mix of Maker’s Mark and sparkling apple cider. It’s the perfect way to cut through richness and add a crisp, seasonal twist to your spread.
Nachos + Sour Highball
ZESTY, FIZZY, SNACK-WORTHY.
Cheesy, crunchy, and made for sharing, nachos are a game day classic. On football Sundays, Americans consume over 8 million pounds of tortilla chips, most likely covered in a glorious blanket of cheese and jalapeños.
Balance the salt and spice with the Sour Highball, made with bourbon, lemon, and soda. It’s bubbly, citrusy, and just the thing to keep each bite tasting fresh.
Sliders + Bourbon Bloody
BIG FLAVOR, BOLD SIP.
Whether mini burgers, pulled pork, or veggie patties, sliders deliver big flavor in small packages. The Bourbon Bloody brings smoky depth, spice, and savory balance that works with whatever you’re stacking on those buns.
Pulled pork on the menu? Don’t forget the Maker’s Mark BBQ Sauce – an MVP in its own right.
Tailgate tip: This one’s great for batching. Use our dynamic recipe tool to size up your batch and prep ahead of time.
Potato Skins + Bourbon Spritz
RICH MEETS REFRESHING.
Salty, cheesy, and always gone too soon, potato skins are a top 10 game day snack, especially when loaded with bacon and sour cream. The Bourbon Spritz offers a fresh and fruity lift that complements all that salty, crispy richness.
While this one’s not ideal for tailgates, it’s a winning choice for your local sports bar or home viewing party. Just be sure to ask for Maker’s by name.
Whether you're repping your hometown team or just here for the halftime snacks, these cocktail + food pairings bring the flavor – and the fun – to football season. From make-ahead drinks to game-time bites, Maker’s Mark is here to help you sip and snack like a pro.
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