As two NFL teams drive to earn the final victory of the season, football fans want to cheer every scoring play and drown their sorrows if their team suffers a defeat. These winning whiskeys are a great choice for a big game party.
Whether guests debate every third-down conversion or prefer to parse facts on barrel aging, a great whiskey can bring both groups together. These options represent bottles that can be drunk on their own or mixed into a cocktail. That versatility is vital when choosing a whiskey for a group.
Crown Royal
A longtime NFL brand partner, blended Canadian whiskey is always a smart choice. Whether served with a simple mixer or transformed into a complex cocktail, the smooth, approachable flavor is always a crowd pleaser.
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Personally, I am serving the Golden Gate Mule. It is one of the signature cocktails from Levy Restaurants, the hospitality partner for Levi’s Stadium, where Super Bowl LX will be played. This cocktail combines Crown Royal Whiskey, ginger beer, and lime juice mixed with passion fruit liqueur.
This cocktail shows that whiskey, spice, and citrus make for a bright, refreshing libation. Plus, that warm, yet sweet/tart flavor cuts through all the rich foods on my big game menu. From chicken wings to sliders, this cocktail pairs well with all of them.
Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
While some celebrity-backed whiskeys are more fluff than substance, Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made by Green River Whiskey. The well-known and respected brand created a liquor that is as winning as the NFL legend’s storied career.
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READ THE STORYTerry Bradshaw, the Pittsburgh Steelers hall of fame quarterback, is a legendary bourbon fan. His offerings have earned high marks from Wine Enthusiast, yet still appeal to the entry-level whiskey drinker.
Over the years, Bradshaw has expanded his line to include cask strength releases. The brand understands that craft and passion create a spirit worthy of celebration.
Since Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a Kentucky bourbon whiskey, it tends to have a sweeter flavor that lends itself to cocktails. Never cloying, the roundness plays well with the nutty notes.
As seen in Bradshaw’s cookbook, his bourbon whiskey pairs well with barbecue. Personally, I like serving his take on a whiskey sour, The Blond Bomber, with pulled pork sandwiches. The brightness in the lemon-forward cocktail cuts through rich, smoky barbecue flavors. Since big game spreads feature heavier foods, a refreshing cocktail offers a needed contrast.
Gold Bar Whiskey
Although the San Francisco 49ers are not competing for the Lombardi Trophy, the big game is played at the team’s home field, Levi’s Stadium. As the Official Whiskey of the San Francisco 49ers, Gold Bar Whiskey is a great spirit to serve at a football party.
Known for its double-casked wine barrel finished whiskies, Gold Bar Whiskey has always been associated with celebrations. The smooth finish and nuanced flavor profiles make it a wonderful spirit for a special occasion.
Additionally, Levi’s Stadium once served a specialty Gold Bar Whiskey cocktail for the 49ers playoff run. The Blood Orange Old Fashioned combined fresh blood orange juice, honey, rosemary syrup, and Gold Bar Whiskey.
The Blood Orange Old Fashioned has been one of my favorite creative interpretations of the classic cocktail. From the slightly herbal, earthy rosemary notes to the sweet honey, the well-balanced cocktail deserves a comeback.
Jameson
After being part of the special NFL Ireland game this season, Jameson understands that whiskey and football are a winning combination. While I love being a bartender, a batch cocktail ensures that I do not miss the key play, or that epic commercial.
With a group coming over, I will be serving Jameson’s Tailgater’s Punch. Although we will be couch surfing versus milling around outside, this batch, larger cocktail is great for a group.
Plus, Jameson is an approachable whiskey for most palates. Even if there is some liquor left in the bottle, it can be served over ice, too.
Tailgater’s Punch combines Jameson, orange juice, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and bitters. It is finished with some sparkling wine. It is simple, vibrant and an easy drinking cocktail that goes with any food spread.
Knob Creek
Earlier this season, Knob Creek released Eli Manning’s Bold Pick, the 2026 Batch, a limited-edition single barrel that is a great choice to toast the victorious team. Meant to be a slow sipper, this bourbon deserves to be part of a sophisticated celebration.
Personally, I like serving this bourbon because it invites people to slow down, enjoy the moment, and savor the experience. The warm spices add some coziness, while the toasted oak feels slightly intriguing. The action on the field is hurried, but this long finish bourbon is meant to be slowly enjoyed.
As I solidified my plans for a memorable big game party, one thing is certain. The bar is stocked with plenty of winning whiskeys. No matter who hoists the trophy, my beverage list wins with all my guests.
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