Guides
Cocktails & Snacks for Game Day
Cheer your team on with these tasty pairings!
Getting ready for the big game? Whether you’ll be watching the players intently or just looking out for the ads and halftime show, we can agree that all the finger foods and drinks make it an occasion that everyone can enjoy. If you’re having a watch party, we’ve come up with a list of our favourite snack and cocktail pairings to serve that will make you the MVP!
Jump to the pairings ahead!
Buffalo Wings & Fabiola by @servedbysoberon
Who doesn’t love watching the game while chowing down on wings and beers? Between the mouthwatering wings and cooling taste of the Fabiola; it’s an elevated, but still crushable take on a beloved pairing!
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- ⅓ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ⅓ oz Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Chocolate Bitters
- 1½ oz Belgian Witbier (White/Wheat Beer)
- Lemon Twist & Edible Flower, for garnish (optional)
Nachos & Empress in Red
Nothing gets the party started like a platter of nachos! The burst of fruitiness in the cocktail offers an amazing contrast to offset the heft of these loaded chips.
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
- 1 oz Pomegranate Juice
- 4 oz Grapefruit Soda
- Grapefruit Slice & Pomegranate Seeds, for garnish (optional)
Sliders & Indigo Daly
Taking inspiration from backyard cookouts, we’re pairing rich sliders with this mix of Empress 0.0, iced tea, and lemonade. Sliders tend to have bold flavours and textures, so the refreshment in the Indigo Daly balances things out perfectly.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo*
- 2 oz Iced Tea
- 2 oz Lemonade
- Lemon Slice & Mint Sprig, for garnish
Spinach Artichoke Dip & Cucumber Basil Smash by @sweettooth_foodtography
Dips in general are always a game day staple, but spinach artichoke remains a go-to for many. The vegetal notes from the cucumber and basil in the drink play off similar flavours in the dip while also offering much-needed brightness to cut through the creamy texture, making this pairing a no-brainer!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 3 Cucumber Slices
- 3 Fresh Basil Leaves
- Basil Leaves, Cucumber Ribbon, and Lemon Slice, to garnish
METHOD
Place cucumber slices and basil leaves in a shaker and muddle thoroughly. Add gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker, and shake well. Place a lemon wedge and fresh basil leaves at the bottom of a glass and fill with ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass, then garnish. Enjoy!
Jalapeño Poppers & Empress Mule
Fried, creamy, and irresistibly spicy; there’s a reason most everyone loves jalapeño poppers! The mule goes particularly well here by having an equally bold and punchy profile while also being fizzy to lighten up the eating experience.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin*
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Ginger Beer, to top
- Lime Wheel & Mint Leaves, for garnish
Watching the game is bound to be a blast with this fun feast! After all, spectating is incomplete without such a spread, so elevating it with delicious cocktails to match will make it touchdown-worthy.
For more cocktail inspiration, be sure to check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!
