Even those of us who are not morning people know that the early bird gets the best parking spot at the tailgate. If you’re heading out early, you’ll definitely want to pack some breakfast tailgate food to power you until the game. Whether you’re grilling up some breakfast sausage or flipping pancakes on the griddle nothing pairs better with breakfast tailgate food than a tasty cocktail. Here are our breakfast cocktails that are perfect for kicking off your early tailgate party.
Rev Your Engines With Coffee Cocktails
Some of us simply cannot function in the mornings until we have our coffee. That is why it is a classic ingredient for many of popular breakfast cocktails like Irish Coffee, White Russians, and Espresso Martinis. Mix it up with these coffee cocktails.
1. Prairie Buzz
Prairie Buzz
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Oz Rieger's Kansas City Whiskey
- 1/2 Oz Vino Chinato
- 1/4 Oz Amaretto Liqueur
- 1/2 Oz Cold-Brew Coffee
- 1/2 Oz Heavy Cream
- 1 Barspoon Cinnamon Syrup
- Garnish: Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine the Kansas City whiskey, vino chinato, amaretto liqueur, cold-brew coffee, heavy cream and cinnamon syrup into a shaker and dry-shake (without ice).
- Add ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Double-strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Notes
If you are looking for a drink to wake you up, this cocktail is not called the Prairie Buzz for nothing. Made with bourbon, rye, corn whiskey, sherry, and cold brew, this strong drink will start your engines and get your day started on the right foot. Like most of our coffee cocktails, you can batch this ahead of time and bring it to the game. They just serve over ice.
2. Oaxacan Tail Cocktail
Oaxacan Tail
Ingredients
- 1 Oz Foro Amaro
- 3/4 Oz Mezcal
- 1/4 Oz Tapatio Blanco Tequila
- 2 Oz Cold-Brew Coffee
- 15 Drops Chocolate Mole Bitters
Instructions
- Add the amaro, mezcal, tequila, coffee and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
Notes
Invented in Santa Monica at Esters Wine Shop & Bar, the Oaxacan Tail is a Mexican-inspired cocktail. Featuring tequila and mezcal, this agave-based cocktail also gets its rich flavor from amaro, cold-brew coffee, and mole bitters. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast.
3. Dark And Stormy Coffee
Dark & Stormy Coffee
Ingredients
- 25 ML Dark Rum
- 25 ML Tequila
- Ice
- Ginger Beer
- 2 Tbsp Freshly Brewed Espresso
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in the rum and tequila. Stir then top with ginger beer. Slowly pour in the espresso.
Notes
If you love Dark and Stormies, you’ll love this twist. Made with freshly brewed espresso, this version will pep you up. The best part is it tastes delicious!
4. Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail
Cold Brew Bourbon
Ingredients
- Maple Syrup
- Triple Sec
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Bourbon
- Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Once we had the cold brew ready, we mixed in nice smooth bourbon, which is a classic pairing.
- A splash of dark maple syrup adds a sweet note.
- Adding a bit of orange liqueur brightened the cocktail and added a nice orange perfume.
- Topping the drink with some heavy cream gives the drink a rich creaminess and a wonderful silky mouth feel.
Notes
Mixing flavors of maple, orange, and coffee, this cocktail is built for breakfast. Served on ice with a little heavy cream, it’s a wonderful companion to sweet desserts like pancakes and waffles. Here’s a step-by-step recipe if you’d like to make your cold brew from scratch.
5. Coffee Margarita
Coffee Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 Shot Patron Espresso Flavored Tequila
- 4 Oz Brewed Coffee
- Citrus Flavored Simple Syrup
- Coco Powder, Cinnamon, Sugar
- Orange Pool and Cinnamon Stick
Instructions
- First use a little citrus wedge and run it around the rim of your glass. Next dip the rim into a mixture of coco powder, cinnamon and sugar until it’s lined (think of margarita salt). Next fill the glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker add tequila, coffee, simple syrup and ice. Shake well and give it a taste… you’ll probably need a little more simple syrup to sweeten it up.
Notes
We know. Coffee in a margarita sounds a little suspicious. However, made with Patron espresso-flavored coffee, cold brew, and orange, this cocktail is surprisingly delicious. Sprinkle a little cocoa powder or cinnamon on top and you’ll be hooked.
If you aren’t in the mood to whip up a whole cocktail or some in your party don’t drink, you can also serve black coffee with some homemade Irish cream on the side.
Kick Off The Party With Champagne Cocktails
Something about drinking bubbly first thing in the morning that really peps you up. Champagne and sparkling wine have long been featured on breakfast cocktail menus. If you love mimosas, champagne cocktails, and bellinis, try one of these champagne cocktails.
6. Pomegranate Mimosa
Pomegranate Mimosa
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle Pomegranate Juice
- 1 Bottle Champagne, Chilled
- 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Pour 2 parts chilled champagne into a flute.
- Once the fizz settles, add 1 part pomegranate juice.
- Use a lemon curler to peel the lemon, then place the garnish along the rim of the flute.
Notes
This simple cocktail packs a lot of fruity flavor. Made with just champagne, pomegranate juice, and a twist of lemon, it’s easy to serve at your tailgate. It’s also a perfect way to start the day.
7. Cranberry Orange Bellini
Cranberry Orange Bellini
Ingredients
For One Cocktail
- 2 Oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 Oz Orange Juice
- Champagne or Prosecco
For A Pitcher
- 2 Cups Cranberry Juice
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 1 Bottle Champagne or Prosecco
Instructions
- To make single cocktails: add juices to champagne flute, then top off with sparkling wine. Finish with a cranberry and orange slice.
- To make a pitcher: add juices to a pitcher, then add the bottle of sparkling wine. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices.
Notes
Right in time for Fall Football, this breakfast bellini features autumnal flavors. Made with three simple ingredients, you can easily make this at the stadium. It’s refreshing without being overly sweet.
8. Rosemary Champagne Cocktail
Rosemary Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 Small Bunch Fresh Rosemary, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
Champagne Fizz
- 3 Oz Gin
- 3 Oz Fresh Squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
- Champagne or Prosecco
Instructions
- For the rosemary simple syrup: Add the sugar, 1/2 cup water and the rosemary to a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- For the champagne fizz: Combine a tablespoon of rosemary simple syrup (more if you like it sweeter), the gin and grapefruit juice and stir. Pour into two cocktail glasses. Top each with champagne and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!
Notes
Whipping up some steak and eggs as your breakfast tailgate food? This rosemary cocktail is the perfect accompaniment. Made with gin and champagne, this tasty cocktail is also stronger than expected.
9. Blackberry Champagne Mule
Blackberry Champagne Mule
Ingredients
- 3/4 Cup Blackberries
- 1/2 Cup Mint Sprigs
- 3/4 Cup Lemon Juice
- 1 Cup Vodka
- 1 Cup Club Soda
- 1 Bottle Champagne
- Ice
Instructions
- In a shaker muddle the blackberries, mint sprigs and lemon juice. Add the vodka and stir to combine.
- Strain over glasses filled with ice until half full.Top with soda and finish up with a splash of champagne.
Notes
We’ve always thought a Moscow Mule made a great breakfast cocktail. This version is definitely made for breakfast. Made with blackberries, mint, and a little vodka, it’s a refreshingly sweet way to start your day.
Mix It Up With Something New
In our experience, tailgaters are pretty adventurous foodies. So if you’re looking to serve something a little different, these are the cocktail recipes for you.
10. Mango Mary
Mango Mary
Ingredients
- 1 Mango, peeled and chopped
- 50 G Yellow Tomatoes
- 1/3 Cup Vodka
- 2 Juice of Limes
- Pinch of Celery Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Tabasco, plus extra to serve (optional)
- 3 Ice Cubes, plus extra to serve
- Yellow Pickled Chillies
- Celery Stalks, to serve
- Pinch of Aniseed Seeds
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients with 1/3 cup (80ml) chilled water and a pinch of salt flakes in a blender and whiz until smooth. Divide extra ice among tall glasses and pour over cocktail. Thread pickled chillies onto a skewer and place on top of cocktail. Add a celery stalk, drizzle with extra Tabasco, if using, and scatter with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
Bloody Mary’s sweeter sister the Mango Mary uses mango juice as the key ingredient. The cocktail is mixed with the same flavors and spices as a Bloody Mary. It’s a surprising yet delicious way to enjoy a Bloody Mary.
11. Michelada
Michelada
Ingredients
- 12 Oz Mexican Larger Beer
- 1 1/2 Oz Lime Juice
- 1/2 Oz Salsa Juice or Tomato Juice
- 1 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tsp Hot Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay (for rim)
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder (for rim)
- 1 Tsp Celery Salt (for rim)
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- On a plate, mix the Old Bay, chili powder and celery salt and spread it into an even layer. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of seasonings.
- In the glass, stir together the lime juice, salsa juice (use a fine-mesh strainer to strain out salsa juice from a few spoonfuls of salsa), Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Fill the glass with ice. Top with the beer and stir gently.
Notes
One of the most popular beer cocktails in Mexico, Micheladas are often served for breakfast. This is a great option if you are serving breakfast burritos. Made with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce, if you like Bloody Marys you will love Micheladas.
12. Guava Basil Daiquiri
Guava Basil Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 5 Leaves Basil
- 1 1/2 Oz Clear Rum
- 1 1/2 Cups Guaca Nectar
- Ice
Instructions
- Place basil in the palm of your hand and slap a few times with your other hand. This will wake up the essential oils in the basil leaves without bruising them the way you would if you muddled them into the drink.
- Layer the basil leaves into a rocks glass with ice.
- Mix the guava nectar and rum in a shaker with ice. Shake really well and strain over ice into the glass with the basil.
Notes
Daiquiris are always a great drink to serve at any tailgate. Rather than using traditional flavors like lime and strawberry, this uses a beautiful blend of guava and basil. Not sure where to get guava nectar? Jumex makes one that is available at most grocery stores.
13. Habanero-Hibiscus Sour
Habanero-Hibiscus Sour
Ingredients
Syrup
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 3 Habanero Chiles
- 1/4 Cup Dried Hibiscus Flowers
Cocktail
- 6 Oz Pisco, chilled
- 2 Oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 Large Egg Whites
- Peychaud's or Angostura bitters, for serving
Instructions
Syrup
- Combine sugar, 2 habaneros, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Halve remaining habanero lengthwise, and stir into syrup along with flowers. Let steep 10 minutes. Strain into a Ball jar or other heatproof container with a lid; let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until cold. Syrup can be refrigerated up to 1 month. (Makes 1/2 cup.)
Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add pisco, syrup, and lime juice. Shake vigorously 10 seconds; strain evenly into 2 chilled coupe glasses. Add egg whites to shaker. Shake vigorously until very frothy, about 20 seconds; strain evenly into glasses. Top each with a few dashes of bitters; serve immediately.
Notes
This fun takes on a Pisco Sour is sweet and spicy. Made with a habanero-hibiscus simple syrup, this cocktail will be sure to wake you up. It’s a bit complicated to make, so you might want to save it for homegating but it’s worth all the effort.
14. Breakfast Tonic Recipe
Breakfast Tonic
Ingredients
- 2 Oz Edinburgh's Christmas Gin
- 1 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Rishi Earl Grey Tea Bag
- 6 Oz Tonic Water
Instructions
- Place tea bag in a Collins glass and fill with ice
- Combine gin and lemon juice, and stir gently
- Strain into Collins glass
- Top with tonic water, and garnish with lemon
Notes
Need a little hair from the dog to get you back on your feet? The breakfast tonic is a hangover-friendly cocktail that is gentle on the tummy. It also tastes amazing, so it’s ideal to serve anytime.
16. Trix Cereal Ice Cream Cocktail
Trix Cereal Ice Cream Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Vanilla Ice Cream
- 2 Tbsp Crème de Cacao Liqueur
- 2 Tbsp Crème de Noyaux Liqueur
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla Vodka
- 1/2 Cup Trix Cereal, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In blender, place all ingredients except cereal. Cover; blend until smooth. Add cereal; cover and blend until smooth.
- Pour into 2 glasses. If desired, top with additional cereal. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ready to bring out your inner child? Your favorite childhood cereal is now an adult cocktail. Made with ice cream, vanilla vodka, and Trix, this cocktail is definitely not for kids.
Bonus Idea: Build A Bloody Mary Bar
Don’t worry Bloody Mary lovers we did not leave you out! Rather than making our favorite Bloody Mary cocktails, we love to set up a bar. That way everyone (even the kids if you keep the vodkas out of reach) can make one to their taste. It’s pretty simple to make. You just collect and prepare the ingredient and lay it out at the tailgate. Here’s a great guide for some out-of-the-box Blood Mary bar ideas like adding bacon-wrapped asparagus and smoked fish as topping options.
If you’re a team of early bird tailgaters, you don’t have to wait for everyone else to arrive to start turning up. Make some breakfast tailgate food and whip up one of these tasty cocktails.
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We have tons of great ideas, tricks, and recipes for game day!
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