Chef notes
This Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons will face off with the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Like most bipartisan fans, I’m mainly concerned with the party. As the official Entertaining Expert for the NFL’s Homegating program, I have my secret weapons for a stellar Super Bowl soiree including a baked potato bar, finger football face-off for the kids and of course a fan favorite halftime drink showdown.
Always aim to have lots of offerings for both food and drinks, including non-alcoholic options. Below, my two team- inspired cocktails can also be served as mocktails simply by skipping the alcohol. First up, we have the Falcons' Dirty Shirley cocktail. This is an adult version of the childhood favorite Shirley Temple. Since I typically steer clear of blue drinks, for the Pats, I’m serving up the all-American root beer float. Add some delicious American whiskey to it and you’ve got a touchdown adult drink.
Set up tasting portions of these team inspired cocktails for a drink showdown your guests can enjoy at halftime, and see which team wins the drink-off.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce cherry liquor
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- Club soda
- Maraschino cherries to garnish
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 2 ounces American whiskey
- Root beer, chilled
Preparation
For the Falcons' Dirty Shirley:
In a rocks glass filled with ice, add the vodka, cherry liquor and grenadine. Top with club soda. (You can use lemon-lime soda if you like a sweeter drink.) Garnish with a cherry or two.
For the Patriots' Spiked Root Beer Float:
In a rocks glass, place the scoop of ice cream. Top with the whiskey and finish off with root beer
