Cheers to Football's Best Signature Spirits
As college football season kicks into high gear, fans are gearing up not just for the thrill of the game but for the vibrant tailgating culture that surrounds it. Across campuses, spirited gatherings bring together communities of devoted supporters, all united by their love for the sport and their favorite teams. In recent years, a new trend has emerged that's elevating these pre-game festivities: partnerships between spirit brands and college football teams. These collaborations not only enhance the tailgating experience but also create unique opportunities for fans to showcase their team pride. From signature cocktails to exclusive merchandise, the fusion of football and spirits is making game day celebrations even more exciting and delicious. These dynamic partnerships are reshaping the tailgating landscape and bringing fans closer to the action, both on and off the field.
Teeling Irish Whiskey Notre Dame Small Batch
Back for its second year, this limited edition release unites one of the world's most popular Irish whiskeys with the storied traditions of the Fighting Irish! This year's batch not only holds Teeling's celebrated small batch liquid but also features a new look: a gleaming gold capsule inspired by Notre Dame's iconic football helmets, a label echoing the team's away uniform of white, gold, and blue, and an embossed ND emblem that makes it a true collector's piece.
Born from a multi-year partnership between Teeling Whiskey and Notre Dame Athletics, this series celebrates their shared Irish heritage, commitment to excellence, and passion for bringing fans together, whether in the stadium, at home, or around the bar.
Enjoy this whiskey neat or try the official cocktail of Fighting Irish fans, the Fighting Irish Highball.
Fighting Irish Highball
2 oz Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
2 oz Apple Juice
2 oz Ginger Ale
1 Lemon Wedge
1 Apple Slice
Add all ingredients except the ginger ale to a mixing glass and stir with cubed ice—strain into a highball glass over ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with an apple slice or a lemon wedge.
Eric LeGrand and Alcohol Professor founder, Adam Levy
In October 2010, Rutgers University football star Eric LeGrand sustained a spinal cord injury at his C3 and C4 vertebrae during a fourth-quarter play at MetLife Stadium. Our very own Alcohol Professor and the founder of the International Beverage Competitions, Adam Levy, a graduate of Rutgers and lifelong season holder, happened to be in the stands on this fateful day.
While the initial prognosis was grim, Eric demonstrated his titan strength by shattering all expectations for his recovery and rehabilitation. Eric hopes to dispel the misconception that those living with paralysis cannot enjoy life's finer pleasures—one of those being bourbon. Eric LeGrand launched the Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon to inspire and unite fans. As a young adult, he enjoyed Jack Daniel's and Maker's Mark, two iconic brands that inspired his passion for the craftsmanship of bourbon, and LeGrand felt a connection to the patience required to age bourbon, just as he did with his recovery from his injury. He chose bourbon to honor his No. 52 with a bold, smooth spirit that supports paralysis research through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. "Eric launching the bourbon made me proud on many levels to continue to see his entrepreneurial spirit after he already launched his coffee shop and still finds ways to give back to the community as well as raise funds for an amazing organization," says Levy.
Eric LeGrand 88 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
There are three expressions to enjoy: Eric LeGrand Single Barrel 7 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon, and the flagship 88 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which has become a gameday staple and continues to bring Rutgers and bourbon fans together through a groundbreaking partnership with Rutgers Athletics. Rutgers fans have warmly embraced Eric LeGrand Bourbon, a cherished symbol of school pride and resilience. Now that's a reason to raise a glass!
Try this bourbon with a purpose in a LeGrand Manhattan
LeGrand Manhattan
LeGrand Manhattan
2 oz Eric LeGrand Straight Bourbon
1 oz sweet vermouth
3 dashes aromatic bitters
2 cocktail cherries
Add all liquid ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with two cocktail cherries.
Ole Smoky & The University of Tennessee
Tailgating for University of Tennessee (UT) fans across the country now has another reason to celebrate, along with a moonshine that sets the stage for a celebration to remember. This year, Ole Smoky became the exclusive moonshine of the Tennessee Alumni, partnering with UT.
Ole Smoky, which has deep roots and an authentic connection to East Tennessee's culture, is located in the heart of Big Orange Country. Joe Baker, one of Ole Smoky's founders, is a UT alumnus and lifelong Vols fan. The company was founded less than 40 miles from Knoxville in Gatlinburg, TN – a location the company still calls home.
"The partnership combines Ole Smoky's mutual commitment to promoting local culture and values with the passion and dynamic energy of college sports. Partnering with UT is an authentic way for the brand to connect with Vol fans as they enjoy the fun and excitement of college sports throughout the year.
Ole Smoky's investment in the partnership also helps strengthen the University, which is such a vital part of the local community. The reaction has been great, and collaboration with the University has been terrific!" says Baker.
If you're lucky enough to be local, Ole Smoky is currently offering a variety of Vol-themed cocktails throughout UT's athletic venues. Featured moonshine cocktails, including Orange Crush and Blackberry Lemonade, are presented in premium sports venues throughout the University. If you're unable to make it to the game, celebrate the Vols with this delicious cocktail.
Orange Crush
1.5 oz Orange Moonshine
3 oz Lemon Lime Soda
Add moonshine over ice and top with lemon-lime soda, then stir.
Buckeye Vodka and Ohio Against the World
It doesn't get any more Ohio than Buckeye Vodka, so if whiskey isn't your spirit of choice, grab a bottle of Buckeye Vodka. Distilled and bottled in Dayton, Ohio, Buckeye Vodka is a family-owned brand built with pride in the Buckeye State. To share this pride, Buckeye Vodka has teamed up with Ohio State Football to create a vibrant partnership that showcases the enduring spirit of Buckeye Nation. As a homegrown brand born in the heart of Ohio, Buckeye Vodka resonates deeply with the fervor and enthusiasm of dedicated fans who fill the stands every game day. This collaboration elevates the gameday experience by featuring special events that celebrate team pride, including tailgates and fan meet-and-greets where supporters can enjoy refreshing cocktails made with Buckeye Vodka.
"The relationship with The Ohio State University Athletics just makes sense for us; the brands align very well. We are thrilled to bring two winning traditions together in this way and share the story of Buckeye Vodka with Buckeye Nation," says Jim Finke, Co-Founder of Buckeye Vodka.
Additionally, limited-edition Ohio State-themed bottles have been released, adorned with iconic symbols like the Block O and the famous Buckeye leaf, allowing every sip to evoke a sense of camaraderie. You might even catch former Buckeye, Braxton Miller, pouring Buckeye Vodka and stirring up cocktails in the Buckeye suite. By blending top-quality craftsmanship with the rich tradition of Ohio State football, Buckeye Vodka not only supports local communities but also offers fans a unique way to revel in their love for the game, creating unforgettable memories on and off the field. This partnership is a testament to the pride and passion that define Ohio State athletics, making every victory even sweeter for fans and players alike. Celebrate Buckeye pride with a Classic Mule.
Classic Mule
1.5 oz Buckeye Vodka
Chilled Ginger Beer
Lime wedge
Add vodka over ice in a mule cup and top with chilled ginger beer. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
As the college football season unfolds, the synergy between fan culture and spirit brands not only amplifies the excitement of game day but also fosters a sense of community and school pride. Whether it's savoring a Fighting Irish Highball while cheering for Notre Dame, raising a glass of Eric LeGrand Bourbon in solidarity with Rutgers, or indulging in Ole Smoky's moonshine at a Tennessee tailgate, these unique collaborations are enhancing the way fans engage with their teams. As we gather in stadiums and backyards alike, these spirited partnerships remind us that football is more than just a game—it's about camaraderie, support, and celebrating the vibrant traditions that connect us all. So, let's hoist our glasses and embrace the season with enthusiasm, knowing that every sip is a toast to our shared love of football and the community it creates.