The title of this article should make it pretty obvious as to where I’m going with this article.

Let me give you a little back-story. I’m plodding through a semi-hangover this morning as a result of a sporting event I watched last night. Or rather, as a result of the libations I consumed during said sporting event.

What was it you ask? Well, I had a rough time at my night job, so I reverted to watching some pro wrestling DVDs, eating a pizza and knocking a respectable chunk out of my whiskey bottle.

But that’s beside the point. What I’m getting at is this: There are certain alcoholic drinks that just blend well with certain types of athletic contests. I’m going to give you a rundown of not only the best beverages to go with your favorite sports, but the best ways in which to enjoy them.

I’m sure you’ll notice that beer, as far as I’m concerned, is always a good choice. But pay careful attention, as the proper pairing varies from sport to sport.

Here you go, my WannaBe Bretheren.

Football: Jack Daniels and Coke or a good red lager

I’m a huge whiskey fan, but I’m not the biggest Jack Daniels person. To my taste buds, it feels as though you’re paying a $5 premium just for the name. I can get award-winning whiskeys for $2 more than Mr. Daniels (Eagle Rare – Ten year old, single barrel Kentucky bourbon). But nothing, and I mean nothing, mixes like Jack and Coke. There’s just something about those two flavors that sit well together. It’s something that, believe it or not, goes great with a football game.

Also, nothing quite beats a good red beer. Wherever you are in the country, you probably live within distribution range of an excellent microbrewery. And if you’re not, grab some Killian’s Irish Red. It’s always a great addition to any sporting event.

Baseball: Lite Beer or Wine

Sounds silly, doesn’t it? Enjoying wine with baseball. But let me tell you, it’s a very relaxing drink for a very relaxing game. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it down the playoff stretch, but it makes for a great early-to-mid season drink on a nice summer night. A little chilled white or a nice light red (chianti classico, perhaps) will make an excellent complement to an evening filled with baseball goodness. And while we’re on the subject of sipping, consider a nice lite beer. I’m a Miller fan, myself, but you can’t go wrong with something like Grain Belt, Schlitz (new formula) or Old Style in bottles.

Pro Wrestling: Gin and Tonic, Lite Beer, or Straight Whiskey

All of these come highly recommended. Gin and Tonic is a good volume drink, as the clear liquor will usually keep you hangover free, even if you consume a few more than you should. Lite beer is a perfect complement to the pizza you should be eating, and a little whiskey heat will bring out the sweat to amplify your soap-opera enjoyment. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying you should drink all of these at the same time. But any one on its own will make an excellent compliment to the brainbusters and bodyslams.

And now, a few more in brief.

Basketball: Malibu and Powerade

Seriously. It’ll taste like a super-awesome sports drink, and you’ll remain hydrated and quick on your feet.

Hockey: Canadian Mist and Labatt Blue

What? You were expecting Red Stripe?

Soccer: Absinthe and Tidy-Bowl (The cocktail, not the toilet cleaner!)

You’re going to need something hallucinogenic to make this game interesting.

- Taylor Maxwell

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Tags | drinking, drinking and watching sports, Sports