Our Super Bowl Round Up
Elevate your party game.
By Erin Henderson
Serious question: what’s more important the Super Bowl game, or the Super Bowl party?
Tough call, that one. Even the most ardent football fan dives into the revelry of the sociality of the day. It’s rare to hear of a sports’ fan sitting alone, in the dark, analyzing the plays of the day in straight, somber, and sober mind.
Even me; a decidedly indifferent Game Day participant has been a guest at a Superbowl party or two.
While the football game is not my priority, the football fete is where I shine: crowd pleasing drinks and indulgent snacks, that's my touchdown.
With the Super Bowl XIV? VX? WKRP? (I don’t know the number – throw a bunch of letters at it, and no one will know the difference; at least after a few margs.) Coming up, I’ve assembled a list of our best party bites, pitcher drinks, and DIY bars to wow your guests.
The Drinks
How to Set Up a Beer Cocktail Bar: elevate your offering from a few bottles in a cooler or a rented keg. Setting up a sleek and useful beer cocktail bar is as impressively generous as it is practical. Guests can make the cocktail of their choice, or simply stick with a straight brew, and you don’t have to miss a moment of the game getting stuck taking drink orders all night.
Our Best Pitcher Margaritas: You know what we always say: measure once, drink all (game) day.
The Spicy Honey Penicillin: When things get tense and you need something stronger to see you through, this has both the spicy kick and the soothing honey to calm and fortify the nerves.
The Food
This is not your common offerings of wings and nachos. But here’s the best part about this football buffet. Nearly everything can be made ahead of time, is just as good at room temperature, and everyone loves it.
Antojitos: Crispy, cheesy, and spicy, these are easy to make in advance and easy to devour.
Ham + Cheese Pinwheels: Make the rolls in advance and keep uncooked in the fridge. Bake off as needed.
Sweet and Spicy Nuts: Make lots. People grab these by the handful.
Thai Coconut Shrimp: Deliciously addictive, they do have to be made a la minute to be best. But the game is long and this is a nice break from the crowd.
Party Dip Board: About as close to traditional game day fare as we get around here. An artful selection of chickpea spread, pickle dip, and guacamole with a crisp and crunchy selection of vegetables and chips.
Shrimp + Chorizo: Buttery, spicy, garlicky… these are so good.
Meatballs: The recipe is for a casual dinner, but make them smaller, skip the polenta, and serve on a platter spread with marinara, and watch them disappear.
Fried pickles: Need we say anymore?
