Top Tailgating Tips for Game Day + The Best Vodka & Whiskey to Bring

There’s nothing quite like tailgating on game day—grills fired up, music playing, and drinks in hand as everyone rallies around their favorite team. Whether you're parked outside the stadium or throwing a backyard watch party, a little planning goes a long way toward making your tailgate unforgettable.

Here are our top tailgating tips, plus the best vodka and whiskey to bring along—Red Rocks Vodka and Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey, proudly crafted in Colorado and ready for any pregame celebration.

1. Plan Ahead, Pack Smart

Preparation is key. Create a checklist the night before so you don’t forget essentials like:

• Chairs and folding tables

• Coolers with plenty of ice

• Portable grill or camp stove

• Reusable cups and utensils

• Trash bags for easy cleanup

• A Bluetooth speaker for good vibes

• Blankets or pop-up tents (shade and comfort go a long way!)

Pro tip: Don’t forget your drink lineup—and make sure it includes Red Rocks Vodka and Cut Cask Whiskey for premium cocktails that are easy to mix, even in a parking lot.

2. Bring Crowd-Pleasing Drinks

Beer is a tailgate classic, but nothing beats a signature cocktail station. Set up a simple bar area with a few mixers, garnishes, and your go-to spirits.

Easy Vodka Tailgate Cocktails:

• Bloody Mary Bar – Pre-mix Red Rocks Vodka with your favorite bloody mix and set out toppings like celery, pickles, olives, and bacon.

• Vodka Lemonade – Refreshing, simple, and easy to batch in a jug or dispenser.

• Moscow Mules – Bring ginger beer, limes, and a copper mug or two for the full effect.

Whiskey Tailgate Favorites:

• Whiskey & Cola – Keep it classic with Cut Cask Whiskey and your favorite cola.

• Maple Old Fashioned – Pre-batch a few and serve over ice with an orange twist.

• Hot Toddy – Perfect for chilly games. Bring hot water in a thermos, honey, lemon, and a flask of Cut Cask.

  
  

3. Keep It Cold (or Hot)

Insulated coolers are a must—but don’t forget to separate food from drinks. Use one cooler for your meats, sides, and snacks, and another for beverages. Want to go next-level? Freeze some bottled water the night before and use those as ice packs that double as hydration.

Bonus tip: If you’re serving hot cocktails like spiked cider or toddies, store them in a vacuum-sealed thermos so they stay warm until kickoff.

4. Easy-to-Eat Food Is Best

You’re working with limited space and likely standing up—so keep food simple and handheld. Great options include:

• Sliders or pulled pork sandwiches

• Chicken skewers

• Chips, dips, and finger foods

• Pre-made breakfast burritos (if you're tailgating early)

Just like your drink choices, food should be shareable, satisfying, and simple.

5. Don’t Forget the Games (and the Team Spirit)

Bring lawn games like cornhole, ladder toss, or a football to toss around. Fly a team flag, blast your fight song, and wear your team colors with pride.

Nothing boosts the energy like a pre-kickoff toast with your crew—especially if you’re raising a glass of Red Rocks Spirits.

6. Clean Up Like a Pro

Tailgating is all about community, so leave your spot better than you found it. Bring:

• Extra trash and recycling bags

• Wipes or paper towels

• A small broom and dustpan if needed

And don’t forget: Red Rocks Vodka 50ml plastic bottles are perfect for tailgates—they’re lightweight, portable, and easy to pack out after the party.

Slam it. Smash it. Stash it. Pack it.

Why Red Rocks Vodka & Cut Cask Whiskey Are Tailgate MVPs

At Red Rocks Spirits, we know a thing or two about crafting the perfect game-day drink. Whether you're mixing cocktails in a stadium parking lot or cheers-ing from your backyard, our Colorado-made spirits are made to be shared.

• Red Rocks Vodka – Crisp, neutral, and ultra-smooth. Perfect for bloody marys, vodka sodas, or straight-up sipping.

• Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey – Aged using a unique sustainable process that brings bold flavor and a smooth finish—ideal for Old Fashioneds, simple whiskey-and-cola combos, or on the rocks.

Both are versatile, affordable, and crowd-approved—making them your go-to bottles for any tailgate.

Let the Good Times Roll

Tailgating is more than pre-game—it’s a tradition. With the right setup, a few simple cocktails, and your favorite crew, you can turn any tailgate into an epic celebration.

Just don’t forget the Red Rocks Spirits.

Shop Red Rocks Vodka & Whiskey for Game Day

Find Red Rocks Vodka and Red Rocks Cut Cask Whiskey at your local liquor store, or visit redrocksspirits.com to learn more.

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