Kickoff with Flavor: Top Moonshine Recipes to Elevate Your Game Day Tailgate
Written by 'Midnight Moon Moonshine' on Moonshine 101Shine Guide
As the crisp fall air ushers in football season, it’s time to embrace the beloved tradition of tailgating. Whether you’re shouting for your NFL heroes on Sundays or reliving college game days on Saturdays, tailgating is all about creating unforgettable moments with friends and family. Dive in to learn how to take your tailgate experience up a notch with delicious recipes, exciting cocktail ideas, and great company to ensure this football season is one to remember!
Tailgating: An American Tradition
Tailgating is more than just a pre-game party; it’s a cornerstone of American culture that dates back to the early 1900s. Back then, fans would gather outside stadiums with their Model Ts, picnic baskets, and barbecue grills. Over the years, simple meals have transformed into elaborate setups with gourmet food, themed decorations, and plenty of drinks to keep the festivities alive.
At the heart of tailgating lies community and camaraderie—values that resonate deeply with Midnight Moon. Within this spirit, strangers become friends, united by their love for the game. Born from a treasured family recipe, Midnight Moon captures that same essence of togetherness and celebration, adding a splash of joy to every game day gathering.
Taking Tailgating to New Heights
with Midnight Moon
Game day isn’t just about watching the game—it’s an opportunity to celebrate with friends, indulge in great food, and enjoy delicious moonshine cocktails. When tailgating, the right drink can set the mood and keep spirits high. Midnight Moon offers a variety of moonshine flavors that are perfect for game-day recipes. Tackle the tailgate with these tips and tricks.
Tips for Great Game Day Drinks
- ① Keep It Simple : For a stress-free tailgating experience, easy-to-make drinks are a must. When hosting a crowd, whip up a batch of Moonshine Party Punch. This crowd-pleaser is quick to prepare, letting you enjoy the game rather than standing over a drink shaker.
- ② Seasonal Sips : Match your beverages to the weather. Warm up with a Hot Apple Pie Moonshine Toddy or cool off with a Peach Moonshine Iced Tea. These seasonal delights are perfect for any game-day atmosphere.
- ③ Variety is Key : Midnight Moon’s range of flavored moonshines, like Apple Pie, Cherry, Dill Pickle, Peanut Butter, and Watermelon—ensures everyone’s taste buds are satisfied. Visit your local liquor store or order online to ensure you’re stocked up and ready to serve.
- ④ Score Points with Presentation : Elevate your drink game by serving cocktails in mason jars, garnished with cinnamon sticks, lemon slices, or brown sugar rims. Amp up the spirit with team-colored decorations for a truly festive vibe.
Tailgate Recipes to Match Every Kickoff Time
Each football game brings its own thrill, and every kickoff time deserves a cocktail crafted to match the moment. Whether you’re starting early or wrapping up late, there’s a moonshine drink to boost your tailgate.
Mid-Day Kickoff
Moonshine Screwdriver: Gear up for game time with this simple, refreshing cocktail. The crisp, clean taste of high-proof Midnight Moon moonshine and fresh orange juice is the perfect energizer for tailgating.
Late-Afternoon Kickoff
Lemonade Moonshine Iced Tea: Tailgating calls for a drink that’s both refreshing and energizing. Iced tea and Lemonade Moonshine creates the perfect blend for a spiked Arnold Palmer, offering a crisp and smooth sip that’s ideal for keeping cool during those long game-day grill sessions. A must-have for your tailgate lineup!
Late Night Kickoff
Apple Pie Hot Toddy: As the evening cools, this cozy cocktail will keep you warm and your spirits high. Apple Pie Moonshine’s spiced flavors mix with hot apple cider for a comforting drink perfect for crisp fall nights.
BONUS:
Peanut Butter Moonshine Jello Shots never fail to keep the energy high, no matter the kickoff time! They’re a game-day classic that promises fun and cheer. Share your game day cocktail creations using #ChooseTheMoon—we’d love to see how you shake up your tailgate!
Winning Tailgating Foods and Pairings
with Midnight Moon
A successful tailgate hinges on perfect food and drink pairings. No game day spread is complete without staples like wings, chips and dips, subs, burgers, and hot dogs. But why not kick it up a notch? Midnight Moon’s bold moonshine flavors can add an unforgettable twist to your favorite tailgate dishes.
Take a cue from Chef Daniel Fabian at 1950 Originals, a New Jersey favorite known for its innovative comfort food. In July, Chef Fabian set out to create something “truly American” for the 4th of July, and Midnight Moon was his secret weapon.
“I asked myself what ingredient is unapologetically American, and people won’t expect it,” says Chef Fabian.
His answer? Midnight Moon Original 80 Proof Moonshine. The result was a moonshine BBQ sauce recipe with a sharpness that perfectly complements smoked meats and your favorite sides, showcased in his now-famous Patriot Dog and 1776 Fries, both smothered in Midnight Moon BBQ sauce. Here are some more ideas to get you started:
Grilled Favorites
Grilling and tailgating are a match made in heaven, and Midnight Moon adds that extra punch to your BBQ favorites. Drizzle Midnight Moon Moonshine BBQ sauce over your grilled meats, or take a page from Chef Daniel’s book and ‘fun-ify’ dishes to match your team’s region or colors.
For a unique twist, marinate your chicken wings in our rich peanut butter moonshine marinade or coat them with a sweet honey glaze infused with the same bold flavor. And remember, no tailgate is complete without the perfect drink to match. Wash down those delectable wings with a refreshing spiked soda made with Cherry Moonshine for an unforgettable flavor combo that will have everyone cheering.
Appetizers & Dips
Upgrade your game-day dips with a moonshine twist. Make your own french onion or ranch dip using Midnight Moon Original 80 Proof Moonshine. The bold flavor of the moonshine adds an unexpected depth to these classic dips, making each bite better than the last. Perfect for pairing with chips, veggies, or wings, these moonshine-infused dips will take your tailgate snacks to the next level.
Seafood Boils & More
For seafood lovers, Dill Pickle Moonshine is a natural choice. Its zesty bite enhances the richness of shrimp, crab, and sausages, providing a unique twist to your seafood boil. If shrimp skewers are on the grill, pair them with a peach moonshine cocktail for that unmistakable touch of Southern charm.
Pregame with Moonshakes:
A Sweet Start to Game Day
Start with a game day brunch and Midnight Moon Moonshakes. Make your coffee stand out with Moonshine Cream Coffee Ice Cubes. Whether you choose Apple Pie, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Brownie, or Peanut Butter Cup, these creamy, indulgent treats are sure to please.
Apple Pie Moonshake
The caramelized apple flavors of Apple Pie Moonshine blended with creamy vanilla make this a warm, nostalgic drink—perfect for fall tailgates. Enjoy with pancakes, bacon, and eggs for a game-day brunch that’s a touchdown.
Peanut Butter Cup Moonshake
The velvety base of a Peanut Butter Cup Moonshake, combined with creamy peanut butter and chocolate richness, takes brunch to new heights. Serve with pastries or a peanut butter and banana sandwich for a satisfying pregame snack.
Enhancing the Gameday Experience,
Wherever You Are
Tailgating isn’t just for the parking lot. Whether you’re front porch grillin’, hosting a watch party at your favorite bar, or cheering from your living room, Midnight Moon brings the spirit of the tailgate to you. Remember always to drink responsibly and ensure you have a designated driver.
At the Stadium:
For those lucky enough to be tailgating in person, preparation is key. Bring a cooler filled with moonshine party punch, foldable chairs, and team-colored solo cups for easy serving.
At a Bar or Restaurant:
No tickets? No problem. Toast every touchdown with a Moonshine Bloody Mary at your local bar or restaurant. Check out our store locator to find locations near you that serve the best moonshine made in North Carolina.
Celebrating at Home
Moonshine at home? Say less. Set up a DIY moonshine drink station for your guests to mix their game day recipes. Add fun decorations and activities like halftime trivia to keep the energy up throughout the game.
Make Gameday the Best Day with Midnight Moon
Midnight Moon takes gameday to the next level, no matter how you choose to tailgate. Craft the perfect game day drink and pair flavored moonshines with your favorite tailgate foods—every moment gets better with Midnight Moon in hand.
For even more game day cocktail recipes, check out the Beverage Playbook: The Best Moonshine Recipes for Fall and Football, where you’ll find a complete list of authentic moonshine recipes to keep the party going all season long.
