Can’t make it to the MCG to catch the NFL? We’ve got your day sorted with an all-American line-up.
We might be getting to the pointy end of the AFL and NRL seasons, but that’s not the end of the footy. Not by a long shot. If you haven’t heard, two of America’s biggest NFL teams – the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams – are headed to the MCG on September 11. The history-making match is the first regular season NFL match played here in Australia and, if that wasn’t enough, the Jonas Brothers are playing at half time.
Whether or not you’ll be in Melbourne for the game, we reckon the big match is going to be worth celebrating just like they do in the US. We’re talking tailgate parties (we’re hosting our own at Melbourne Park from September 10 to 12, if you’re in town), cook-outs in the backyard, the best game-day snacks and, of course, top-value American drinks.
Ready to make game-day a touchdown? Here are some of our favourite bevs to theme it right.
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Beer
1. Coors Lager
Light-bodied American lagers like Coors are game-day staples over in the US, and there’s a big reason: they’re massive crowd-pleasers. This beer is fresh, easy-drinking, bubbly and a little malty. Coors isn’t a crafty flavour bomb, but that’s not the point – just whip up a batch of that liquidy nacho cheese, grab your favourite chips and you’ll see why Coors is the real match winner.
2. Budweiser
With its iconic red label, Budweiser is another truly American beer. The brand has long used a helping of rice in the malt bill, which basically just makes the beer crisp, light and dry – kind of like those Japanese lagers we’ve harped on about lately. In that spirit, we’d pair our Budweiser with some proper Japanese-American fusion – a hot dog topped with Terimay (that’s a teriyaki sauce and Kewpie mayo mix). Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.
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3. Pabst Blue Ribbon
Known as PBR to its friends, Pabst Blue Ribbon is a beer that’s almost as much about the design as the beer inside. Fortunately for us, though, behind the retro-cool label is a light-bodied lager with just enough malty oomph to keep things interesting, and a subtle hoppy bitterness to bring it all together. If you’re calling in a takeaway at half time (don’t miss the Jonas Brothers!), it has to be a classic cheeseburger and fries with your PBR.
Spirits
4. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
No spirit is more American than bourbon whiskey, and few do it better than Buffalo Trace – especially at this price. Here, you’re getting a full, rich bourbon with plenty of sweet vanilla and butterscotch flavours, and a subtle woodiness from those new American oak barrels. A Whiskey Sour is the obvious cocktail here, with the sweet bourbon offset by the zingy lemon juice of the Sour. If you’re game, complete it with a slice of New York-style baked cheesecake that’s guaranteed to get your home crowd cheering.
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5. Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey
Okay, so there might actually be one spirit that’s more American than bourbon, and that’s Jack Daniel’s. Technically, a Tennessee Whiskey is its own spirit, with a unique charcoal filtering step that brings serious smoothness to whiskies like the Old No. 7. Normally, we’d recommend using the rich, charry flavours of Jack in something a little more ambitious (like, say, a Mint Julep) but the Jack and Coke is a classic for a reason – especially alongside some smoky pulled pork sliders.
6. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
When it comes to American vodka, Tito’s is a hot favourite. Yes, Tito’s is gluten-free (being distilled from 100% corn) and kosher, but those points wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t bloody delicious. Tito’s is velvety smooth, super clean and makes every vodka cocktail better. If you’re looking for a drink to sip during the big game, let Tito’s shine in a Vodka Martini – ideally alongside your favourite American potato chips.
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7. Aviation American Gin
Yes, this is Ryan Reynolds’ gin, but let’s forget Aviation’s celebrity ownership for a second and focus on the fact that it’s a really, really good gin. Australia’s craft gin scene is so packed with quality that we rarely look beyond our borders, but this American gin is well worth having on your shelf. The rye-based spirit is pillowy and soft, and botanicals like French lavender, cardamom and sarsaparilla give it a unique, floral flavour profile. If you’re in the mood for mixing up a cocktail for the game, we’d go full Italian-American with a White Negroni and a few slices of NY-style cheese pizza.
8. Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey Liqueur
We love a sweet treat around these parts, and this luscious whiskey liqueur makes a pretty indulgent sipper for the game. It’s a peanut butter-flavoured drop from Sheep Dog, and it’s about as American as a sweet-tooth could hope for, with plenty of that Reese’s-style sweet peanut butter flavour alongside subtle whiskey notes. Honestly, sip this on ice alongside your favourite US chocolate like Snickers or Hershey’s for a DIY peanut butter cup.
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9. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Maker’s Mark is one of the biggest names in American whiskey (and yes, they go against the norm and spell it without the ‘e’) and we think we know why: it’s just so soft and approachable. A big part of that is the winter wheat used in the mash bill, which gives Maker’s a smooth, silky quality that is perfect for cocktails. Speaking of which, we think long cocktails are a good bet during the game, and the Bourbon Peach Tea could be the one. Pair those Southern sweet-tea flavours with some fried chicken tenders, ranch and pickles, and you’re set.
Premixes
10. White Claw Seltzer Mango Cans
When White Claw Seltzers hit Aussie shores a few years back, we were instantly in love. And while there are plenty of flavours to choose from in these alcoholic sparkling waters, we’re particularly fond of the tropical, fruity styling of the Mango. It’s crisp, it’s fresh and it’ll take the edge off our favourite US-style party snack: jalapeño poppers.
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11. Jim Beam White Label Bourbon & Cola
Sure, you could buy a bottle of Jim Beam bourbon whiskey and mix it with cola, but game days aren’t for messing around – they’re for kicking back and enjoying the show. You know what you’re getting here: the woody, vanilla flavours of Jim Beam and the caramel sweetness of cola. Put it next to some cola-braised spare ribs or mushrooms and your half-time feast will be remembered more than the game.
Wine
12. Robert Mondavi Private Selection Buttery California Chardonnay
Americans love a buttery chardonnay, even after Australian producers switched to a crisper style. This one from Robert Mondavi is everything we look for in a big, rich style of chardonnay, bringing plenty of stone fruit flavours from its time under the hot California sun, and a creamy, buttery texture. These styles of chardy go super well with lean poultry like America’s favourite, turkey, so we reckon a platter of turkey club sandwiches will do the job nicely.
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13. Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir
Kendall Jackson has a very popular, buttery style of chardonnay, but we think the pinot noir deserves some love. While plenty of California bakes in the hot sun, the coast is cool and breezy, which is perfect for a cold-weather loving grape like pinot. This wine is a little spicy, with juicy cherry notes and a crisp, light body, making it ideal alongside some Cali-style fish tacos.
