Plan a Themed Tailgating Menu For Milk’s Got Game
The classic football tailgate needs a spread featuring loaded nachos, BBQ or sliders, and an irresistible dip. Once you have the mainstays, keep the creativity going. Tailgating is all about good food and great company, so why not elevate the experience with a themed menu? For drinks, craft signature cocktails that matches your team colors or their local culture. Once your themed menu is planned, don’t forget to decorate your tailgate with themed banners and team gear to create the perfect atmosphere for every fan!
These milk-based appetizers and cocktails are must-haves for your next tailgate party.
Themed Milk-Based Tailgating Cocktails
The Georgia Bulldog
Tailgating is all about good vibes, great food, and drinks that keep the party going. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing drink with a creamy twist, the Colorado Bulldog is your perfect choice. This cocktail is a delicious blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, soda, and real milk, perfect for those cooler game days.
A Colorado Bulldog is a vodka cocktail made with coffee liqueur, cola, and a splash of cool cream. As for the differences between the Colorado Bulldog and the White Russian drinks, it’s all about ingredients and their ratios. Topping a Colorado Bulldog with cola is the main difference between these two popular bar drinks. The Colorado Bulldog also uses equal amounts of vodka and coffee liqueur, while the White Russian prefers a 2:1 ratio.
This take on the cocktail substitutes milk for the cream to make a lighter but still oh-so-tasty cocktail. The Georgia Bulldog combines 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of coffee liqueur, 2 ounces of milk or half and half, and 1 ounce of cola. Top with a cherry and serve.
Kentucky Bourbon Milk Punch
This milk punch is the perfect blend of creamy goodness and rich bourbon, just in time for your next tailgate or fall gathering! Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or cozying up with friends, this drink is a game-changer.
Milk punch is a Southern favorite. Similar to eggnog, just without the egg, this spiced cocktail brings a smooth texture and sweet flavors to your bourbon drink.
Bourbon is forever linked to Kentucky, where it originated in the late 18th century. The availability of limestone-filtered water and corn was ideal for distilling the oaky whiskey. Today, Kentucky remains the heart of bourbon production and tourism.
To make this milk punch, add ice to a rock glass. Pour 1.5 ounces of Kentucky bourbon, 4 ounces of milk and half and half combined, and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup. Mix and top with nutmeg.
Mississippi Mudslide
A Mississippi Mudslide is a cocktail for those with a sweet tooth. It is a boozy milkshake made with chocolate and coffee ice cream, milk, bourbon, and whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. The drink is rich and creamy.
The Mississippi Mudslide originated in the 1970s when a bartender substituted Irish cream liqueur for the typical fresh cream in a White Russian. The Mississippi Mudslide’s name will also have many Southerners thinking of a Mississippi mud pie, which is made with layers of rich chocolate, whipped cream (with or without alcohol), and ganache.
For this alcoholic milkshake, you will need a blender. Add 2 cups of chocolate ice cream and 2 cups of coffee ice cream. Add 1 cup of milk, adding more if a thinner base is desired. Add ½ cup of bourbon or whiskey of choice. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Tennessee Mountain S’mores
East Tennessee is home to some amazing camping spots, and with it comes one necessary snack—s’mores! While there are plenty of s’more cocktails made with Tennessee whiskey for you to try, this take on the classic snack provides a smoother finish so you can focus on the creamy chocolate milk.
This s’mores cocktail is a fall must. Add chocolate sauce to the inner walls of the glasses that will hold the cocktail. Add ice cubes and 4 ounces of chocolate milk. Add 1 ounce of s’mores or marshmallow-flavored liqueur and 1 ½ ounces of vodka. Stir, then top with roasted marshmallows from the grill.
Game Day Ready Foods and Snacks
Of course, you need tasty eats to pair with your team-themed drinks. In addition to great tailgating appetizers already featured this football season, try these easy-to-make sides to complement your carefully planned cocktails.
Feta Dip
Try this easy feta dip! Blend 8 oz feta, 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 or 3 garlic cloves, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with crushed pistachios, parsley, and a drizzle of hot honey.
Cottage Cheese Queso
At 14 grams of protein per half-cup serving, cottage cheese is a rich source of high-quality protein! It’s also great for those seeking the benefits of dairy with less lactose. To make this cottage cheese queso, blend 1 1/2 cups of cottage cheese and 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning until smooth and pour into a microwave-safe dish. Top with cheese and microwave for 60 seconds. Add 1/4 cup of tomatoes and chiles if desired, and top with additional cheese. Microwave if not melting, then serve with chips.
These appetizers are perfect for those cheering on this season’s Milk’s Got Game roster! Looking for more dairy delicious appetizers, or perhaps some non-alcoholic drink options? Explore our recipe section for easy and delicious recipes.
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