Tailgating can be a simple affair with a couple of six packs and some pals to share them with before the game. Or tailgating can turn the back of your truck into a grand banquet hall fit for gridiron kings! (There’s probably a middle ground here as well, something above average, but not requiring pyrotechnics or FAA clearance.)
Turn your tailgate into a top shelf experience with these simple tips and ideas from your fun-loving friends at Spec’s!
Eat
Up your grub game with some high-quality party trays that’ll keep everyone fed and fueled for game time!
Wings & Drinks
Spec’s Wings feature multiple flavors to pair with anything you’re drinking.
Traditional Buffalo and Helles Lager: The spicy vinegar kick of this classic wing sauce can be tempered by the subtle sweetness and balance of a Helles lager.
Barbecue and Schwarzbier: Light in body yet dark in color, a Schwarzbier’s mild notes of chocolate and coffee are the perfect complement for a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.
Party Trays All Day
Spec’s Traditional Antipasto Party Tray is perfect for tailgates with pecorino and gruyere cheese, imported olives, roasted artichoke hearts, stuffed peppers, and pinot grigio and pinot noir salami.
Quesadillas
Enough for 10-15 people, Spec’s Quesadilla Party Tray has something for everyone with an assortment of bean and cheese, beef fajita, and chicken fajita quesadillas, served with pico de gallo and sour cream.
Gourmet Sliders
Sliders are a tailgating go-to with their ease of portability! Spec’s Gourmet Sliders platter features roast beef and cheddar, turkey and brie, ham and manchego, and grilled vegetables with feta and pesto. Served on mini kaiser rolls.
Jalapeno Poppers
The cheese does a good job of tempering some of the heat, but you’ll want a beer that can do the same while also complimenting the cheese. A brown ale like Newcastle is a great choice.
Drink
It’s perfectly fine if beer is your main beverage, but it shouldn’t be your only beverage. Check out these easy cocktails you can whip up beforehand or even during the tailgate.
Spicy Margarita
Ingredients:
½ can frozen limeade
6 oz. tequila
2 cups of ice
1 bottle Corona Extra
1 jalapeño, diced
½ cup sea salt (optional)
Directions:
Pour the limeade, tequila, ice, beer and jalapeño into a blender, pulsing until the ice has broken up and the drink has turned into a slushy-like mixture.
Wet the rim of four large mason jars (or other drinking glasses) and dip into a plate of sea salt. Pour the margaritas into the cups and serve immediately.
Grapefruit Beergarita
Ingredients:
2 c. ruby red grapefruit juice
½ c. tequila
¼ c. agave nectar
2 tsp. lime zest
¼ c. fresh lime juice
2 (12-oz. each) bottles pale lager beer
Fresh limes, wedged or zested, for garnish
Fresh grapefruits, wedged or zested, for garnish
Directions:
Combine grapefruit juice, tequila, agave nectar, and lime zest and juice in an airtight container. Store mixture in refrigerator or cooler until ready to serve.
To serve, pour mixture into a 2-quart pitcher. Add beer; stir until well combined. Serve in ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime and/or grapefruit, if desired.
Jack & Ginger
Ingredients:
2 oz. Jack Daniel’s whiskey
4 oz. ginger ale
1 splash fresh lime juice
Directions:
Fill an 8-oz. cocktail glass with ice. Pour Jack Daniel’s, ginger ale, and lime juice into the cocktail glass; stir to combine.
