Tailgate Food & Drink Recipes

Get game-day ready with 10 tailgate-tested food and drink recipes. With year-round sunshine and sports teams aplenty, tailgating is a regular weekend affair for many Texans. In our Texas Issue (March/April 2013), we feature the necessary accessories for a proper Texas-style tailgate, but equally important as the cooler and the cups is what you’ll put inside—here are 10 food and drink recipes that’ll have you game day-ready, wherever your tailgate takes you.

Grapefruit Margaritas

A batch of Margaritas is just the thing to kick off any parking-lot party, and this pitcherful brightens things up with a splash of grapefruit juice.

Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca

Keep hydrated and refreshed with this mint-spiked melon cooler.

Beer Pretzels

Beer and pretzels are the ultimate game-day combo, especially when the fused into one delicious snack.

Pimento Cheese

Whether you use it as a chip dip or a spread for bread, this tangy pimento cheese is a must.

DIY Bottled Americanos

Beer isn’t the only bottled beverage you can enjoy come game day—these pre-batched bottled cocktails are a cinch to make with the right tools and offer a refreshing fizz to boot.

Tequila Marinade

Chicken and veggie skewers on the menu? Marinate them in this mix of tequila, citrus and cilantro for some great game-day grilling.

Bee Sting Cocktails

If you can’t beat the heat, join it! This tequila- and jalapeño-spiked cocktail can easily be multiplied into a batch big enough for your entire game-day crew.

Chipotle- and Beer-Braised Tacos

Tacos + tailgating—a perfect pair! This beer-braised beef practically cooks itself—simply fill tortillas and serve.

Blonde Ale Burger

One bite of these beer-spiked burgers and you’ll never go back to a plain old patty.

Mocha Brownies

In need of a sweet treat before the final play? Bite down on these coffee icing-capped brownies.