Wednesday, July 20, 2011

TAILGATING PART THREE: COOLING IT DOWN

In part one of our three-part tailgating blog series, we focused on games. Tossing a Frisbee at a beer can resting atop a ski pole, or hurling u-shaped pieces of metal at your friends make a tailgating experience so much more fun. At any given event, it is common to see more than 10 different games being played between the rows of parked cars, as you stroll towards the stadium to cheer for your favorite team.

In part two, we focused on the hotter side of tailgating. Tailgating and grilling go hand-in-hand, and whether you choose traditional fare or decide to be more creative, ample consideration must be given to the beverage side of the menu. Keeping your drinks icy cold is key and we would certainly be remiss if we didn’t address this important tailgating element.

Therefore, in the third and final part of our tailgating series, we focus on this crucial component: Keeping it cool. There is no greater feeling in the midst of a blistering hot parking lot than reaching into a cooler and pulling out an ice-cold beverage. There are many ways to keep your drinks cool while tailgating and GAP Promotions can assist you with all your temperature-reduction needs. From the small 6-pack day-tripper cooler to a 188-can touting behemoth, we’ve got your cans covered (literally).

Beer, cocktails, wine, soda, juice and even water have been spotted keeping tailgaters cool and refreshed during the hot summer months. Below is short list of drinks that make for great tailgating beverages.

Beer:

Coors Light: A tried and trusted tailgate classic. Plus, its “Super Cold.”

Miller Lite: Coors Light’s Midwest cousin that goes perfectly with baseball.

Red Stripe Jamaican Lager: Insert bobsled race tailgating joke here…

Guinness: With soccer gaining more and more interest on this side of the pond, no soccer hooligan tailgate is complete without it.

Spirits:

Captain Morgan: A tailgating favorite for years at sporting events and concerts alike. Let your pirate flag fly high!

Tanqueray Gin: Two letters G & T

Crown Royal: Even an event as classy as the Kentucky Derby demands its own tailgate. You too can keep it class while drinking with royalty.

Wine:

Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandels: Consider a Zinfandel or Zin blend from Rosenblum Cellars and consider submitting photos of your gathering on their Facebook Grilling Parties Page.

Hazlitt Red Cat: The wine that was meant to be drank at a tailgate. They even encourage you to drink it out of a Solo cup!

Please chill responsibly.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

TAILGATING PART TWO: HEATING IT UP

In the second part of our three-part series, we’re heating things up with trendy fire pits, innovative grills, and recipes that bring tailgating to a new level. 

No matter where you’re from, hot dogs and hamburgers are summertime tailgate staples. But why stop there? Spice things up with less traditional items such as chicken sandwiches, sausages, or even pizza. Tossing a pizza on the grill is a novel and delicious option in outdoor cuisine. For a healthier alternative, try grilling fruit, such as pineapples, cantaloupes, or bananas. Consider adding the fruit to a grilled chicken kabob.

Warm up your night-time tailgating experience by gathering with friends and family around a flickering fire pit. Enhance the experience with the Contents Under Pressure cocktail recipe below, featuring Captain Morgan and Grand Marnier.  And, don’t forget your designated driver – see the recipe for the Alpine Carnival, sure to wake up and fully satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. 

Of course, no fire is complete without a snack. Most everyone knows how to make s’mores, but have you tried a banana boat? Here’s how it’s done: Peel a banana down one side, cut the banana in half and fill it with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Then, pull the peel back up the banana, wrap it in foil and cook it in the fire for a few minutes and you have the perfect snack for all ages. Check out this great custom pit - sure to warm you up. 

GAP Promotions has a wide range of unique, customizable tailgating items, many of which have been tested, firsthand, by our very own team members.  Let us help you make your tailgating experiences truly stand out. 

Contents Under Pressure
1-1/2 parts Smirnoff Vodka
1/2 part Galliano
1/2 part Grand Marnier
1/2 part Captain Morgan
Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice
Strain into highball glass over fresh ice or a margarita glass without ice
Garnish with lemon twist 
(eculinary.info)

Alpine Carnival 
2 tb Instant coffee
1 tsp Vanilla
2 tb Brown sugar
1 ts Water
1 1/2 cup Boiling water
1/2 cup Whipping cream, whipped

Divide instant coffee and vanilla evenly between two Spanish coffee glasses
In a small heavy saucepan, dissolve sugar in the teaspoon of water
Over medium heat, stir dissolved sugar until it reaches a full boil
 Immediately remove from heat and stir in boiling water
Divide sugar mixture between coffee glasses and top with a dollop of whipped cream
Makes 2 x 6 oz servings
(intoxicologist.net)