Just because the game’s over doesn’t mean the good times have to stop. Apart from celebrating a victory (or licking your wounds), now’s the perfect time to compare calendars and set up the next screening. Why not stock up now on those staples – spirits, a case or two, some levelled-up mixers – so that next time the whistle sounds, you’ll be primed to keep your eyes on the prize. No dropped balls, no fumbles, just Ws for days.
- Big Moments
When you’re the guest on game day, take these top drinks
What drinks do you bring for watching sport at a mate’s place? We’ve sorted some fan favourites so you can be the perfect game day guest, day or night.
Footy season is upon us, the Grand Prix is in top gear, and your mates have put the call out to come and catch the action. But what to bring? Whether it’s pre-game drinks before a trip to the stadium, or a screening for a game under lights, planning is everything. Sure, your host may be doing the duties, but sharing is caring, so we’ve compiled a definitive guide to what to stock up on and what to bring. Because when the siren goes or the whistle sounds – be it an afternoon kick-off, a night game, or post-game celebrations – you won’t want to miss a minute.
Match your drink to the sport
The Formula 1 rolls into town in April, so with screeching tyres, revving engines and the chequered flag set to fly, why not surprise your mates with something a little more mellow that suits the afternoon Sunday session? Heineken is the Global Beer Partner for Formula 1, so add a slab of Heineken 0.0 – that way, though you may not be at the event, you’ll be drinking the same thing as everyone there. And with zero alcohol, it’s a sure-fire way to stay focused, maybe while turning a few snags or tossing the coleslaw along the way. There’s never been a better way to drink to the drivers.
Play it safe with lager crowd-pleasers
The Sherrin is pumped, the volume’s up and the crowd is primed. This is not a time to overthink it, it’s time for something fresh and easy to drink. Something you can roll up with, pack under ice (don’t forget to grab a bag, BTW) and reach for as the goals stack up.
For these purposes, a case of Hahn Super Dry will always do the trick. A refreshing lager that’s light on hops and low on carbs, it’s a sure bet to please a crowd. For something with a more international flavour, but just as refreshing, why not stock up on something from a little further afield? Add a case of Asahi Super Dry – rich and complex up front with a dry, crisp finish – and know that whatever your host is doing on the food front, they’ll be covered.
Bring spirits, mixers and garnishes for pre and post game celebrations
Your host has beers on ice, another mate has the wines covered, so go for the win with some spirits – a perfect choice for a long night of barracking or for pre or post game festivities. Make sure you take a few well paired mixers with you, so you don’t have to count on the host to have the right soft drinks for you to make something a little more refreshing for the second half of match viewing.
First, pick your base. Fan of sipping on on spiced rum? Get one geared for flavour with a Caribbean kick like The Kraken Spiced Rum. Team white spirits? Stay more classic like aromatic Grey Goose Vodka. Whatever your flavour, it pays to go a little extra with mixers. Load up on Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water for vodka tonics – why mix premium vodka with sub-par tonic, after all – then add some Sodasmith Tasmanian Lime Soda to give a homegrown fingerlime twist to a vodka-soda or bring extra zest to the spiced rum.
Whatever your flavour, a sneaky packet of Stranglelove Tipple Topper salted dried lime wheels will help you cap off your drinks in style, turning them from zero to hero in an instant.
Score points with all-action premixed classics
Don’t want to be the person busy mixing a drink when your team takes a mark inside 50, or a drop-goal flies over to level the score with 10 to go? Cover all bases with a couple of premix favourites that make things easy for whoever’s playing host. Grab a pack of Jim Beam Double Serve Bourbon and Colas for you and a friend to share, or crack a can of Billson’s Fruit Tangle for a fruity seltzer-style refresher with a vodka backbone. Whatever your team – light or dark – it’s wins all round. Don’t forget to load up on salty snacks to match and you’re set to keep your eyes on the prize for those final crucial minutes.
Take some award-winners for the seasoned pros
Whether it’s a gathering of diehards for the local derby, or you and your best mate’s team facing off, take things in another direction with some quietly riotous award winners sure to please a smaller crowd after the sun goes down.
Look towards two homegrown heroes riding high in GABS Hottest 100, Australia’s biggest beer celebration. At #2 is Queensland stayer Balter XPA (founded by champion surfer Mick Fanning, no less), a streamlined pale ale packing tropical fruit and floral notes. At once easy drinking and full of flavour, it’s a wild ride, sure to sustain you through the ups and downs of any match. Want a little more kick? It has to be the #3 beer, ACT-brewed Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA, which packs a little extra at 5.8% with citrus and pine notes to back it up. With these great beers, you can drink safe in the knowledge that even if your team doesn’t get up, you’ve still backed a winner.
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