It’s no secret that a fair amount of alcohol consumption tends to happen at sporting events. Beer flows freely at NFL and MLB stadiums nationwide, and nearly every sports team has an official drinks brand. So given the popularity of sipping bubbles and beer in stadium seats, it’s no wonder that a number of spirits brands and event venues have put forth cocktails to complement the events.
While many may think that the “official drinks” category extends only to the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep and the U.S. Open’s Honey Deuce, many tournaments and competitions actually have their own official — or unofficial — drink. Read on to discover eight cocktails associated with sporting events worldwide.
The Masters: The Azalea Cocktail
Widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious golf tournament, the Masters takes place each April in Augusta, Ga. On the course, a blanket of blooming flowers decorates the grass surrounding the 13th hole and serves as the inspiration behind the tournament’s unofficial cocktail: the Azalea Cocktail. Consisting of vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine, the Azalea takes on a bright pink color, similar to that of the blooms surrounding the green.
The Kentucky Derby: The Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has been practically synonymous with the Kentucky Derby since becoming the horse race’s official cocktail nearly 100 years ago. Traditionally made with Kentucky bourbon as its base, the Mint Julep combines the spirit with muddled mint and a splash of simple syrup for a lively summer sip.
