Skidmore isn’t exactly a football school, but that doesn’t stop us from taking a Sunday off from homework to watch the big game. This weekend, host a get together with your friends to watch the New England Patriots take on the New York Giants, and don’t forget all the essential Super Bowl party items below!
Decorations: Whether your guests are Giants fans or Patriots fans you can deck out your house in red, white, and blue. Using streamers or balloons will make your party setting look extra festive. If your guest list includes people that are cheering for different teams you can put a line down the middle of the room with masking tape and put Giants décor on one side and Patriots décor on the other.
Drinks: No one is going to want to miss the game or any of the commercials to get up and get a drink. Have an inflatable cooler near the TV for your guests’ convenience. Football and beer go hand in hand, so make sure to stock up and don’t forget to refill the cooler during half time! For some variety, try making a cocktail or two for guests like the ones below.
Themed Cocktails for Giants fans:
• New York Cocktail – This is a sour whiskey drink that is sweetened with grenadine. Ingredients: 2 oz blended whiskey, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 tsp superfine sugar, 1/2 tsp grenadine, lemon twist for garnish.
• Bronx – This drink is a variation of a martini with a little orange juice. Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz gin, 1/4 oz dry vermouth, 1/4 oz sweet vermouth, 1 oz orange juice, orange slice for garnish.
• Long Island Iced Tea – This is a classic, favorite drink. It’s a delicious combination of five spirits. Ingredients: 1/2 oz triple sec, 1/2 oz light rum, 1/2 oz gin, 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz tequila, 1 oz sour mix, cola, lemon wedge for garnish.
• Big Apple Manhattan – Similar to the classic Manhattan but without the vermouth, the Big Apple Manhattan is a tasty, fun drink. Ingredients: 1/2 oz Wild Turkey bourbon, 1/4 oz Amaretto Di Saronno, 1/4 oz apple pucker liqueur, 1 oz cranberry juice, cherry garnish
Themed Cocktails for Patriots fans:
• Boston Cocktail– If you have a bit of a sweet tooth this is the perfect cocktail for you. Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounce London dry gin, 1 1/2 ounce apricot brandy, 1/4 ounce grenadine, juice of 1/2 a lemon.
• Boston Sidecar– A mix between a classic Sidecar and a Daiquiri, the Boston Sidecar is a fun drink to serve. Ingredients: 1 oz light rum, 1/2 oz brandy, 1/2 oz triple sec, 1/2 oz lime juice.
• Cape Cod– This is an easy to make, popular drink in New England. Ingredients: 3 oz cranberry juice, 2 oz vodka, lime wedge for garnish.
• Medford Rum Punch – This is a drink goes back to the 1800s when Medford, Massachusetts was home to some of the best rum distilleries. Ingredients: 2 ounces Medford rum (full-body substitute), 1 ounce Jamaican rum (medium-body substitute), juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 orange slice cut in quarters.
Food: Next to the game, food is the most important essential thing during the super bowl. It’s never a bad idea to throw a potluck party and have everyone bring a dish so you don’t need to prepare as much food. Your guests will probably have a drink in one hand and be wildly gesturing at the TV with the other. To compensate for this you should set out easy snacks like chips and dip, wings, pizza, or mini sandwiches that will sit well at room temperature. For the creative collegiette™, turn your chip dips (like guacamole) into a football stadium with cherry tomatoes and sour cream.
Little Reminders: Make sure you have room for everyone to sit; no one is going to want to be standing around the entire game. Also use paper plates and plastic utensils; it will make cleaning up a lot easier! And don’t forget to have paper towels handy in case if there are any messes created during exciting plays.