Folks, we’re back! Sorry for the absence on my end, I’ll try to never have it happen again! The regular season has come to a close and we’re staring down the most exciting four days in the sports world. Full disclosure, I’m not going to be able to give you a lot of insight and breakdown on anything like matchups and locations. With the way basketball was squandered in the state of Iowa this year, my interest was pretty low in everything else going on around the country. Don’t get me wrong, I watched plenty of basketball but I just wasn’t in on the storylines, unless the FBI was involved. Anyway, let’s get down to the good stuff!
Hurricane
The first weekend of the tournament coincides with the week of spring break yet again, and this is a great spring break beverage. It’s best on a beach but still great anywhere you happen to be. This also came to mind for me because I took the mighty Miami Hurricanes probably further than anyone should when I drank a couple beers and filled out my bracket. Go ‘Canes!
What You Need: Light rum, Dark rum, Passion fruit juice, Orange juice, Simple syrup, Grenadine
Take your tourney cup and fill it with ice. Add equal parts of light rum and dark rum. Add in a splash of simple syrup and fill the rest with 2 parts passion fruit and 1 part orange juices. Finish off with a dash of grenadine, stir and enjoy. Feel free to garnish as you see fit. Limes, Maraschino cherries, pineapple or an orange all work great.
Jameson and Ginger
Look, we can’t just ignore the fact that the first Saturday of the tournament is St. Patrick’s Day. Irish whiskey is a staple of the holiday so we’ll throw in a nice, smooth drink that can treat you right all weekend long. It’s always refreshing and, honestly, always sounds delightful to me. As we kick into the round of 32, kick your feet up and pour yourself a tasty treat.
What You’ll Need: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Ginger ale
As I mentioned, this is super simple. As most of the time, first fill up a glass with ice. Pour in equal parts whiskey and ginger ale, garnish with a lime and enjoy! (Obviously this is up to your particular taste or how many games you want to remember when it comes to your actual mixture.)
Watermelon Baller
Can’t survive and advance without a Baller on your squad! (Trust me, I hate myself more for this pun than you do) This is something fruity and fairly simple to whip up at all your get togethers and also will fit in great with the warmer weather coming up the next few weeks!
What You’ll Need: Watermelon vodka, Lemon juice, Grenadine, Rosé, Bitters
In a shaker, combine a shot of watermelon vodka, half a shot of grenadine, half a shot of lemon juice and 2 dashes of bitters. Shake and then pour into a glass (low ball is preferred) and top off with rosé. Garnish with cherries, a lime wedge wouldn’t be awful, and heck, even some watermelon if you have some!
Beer of the Tournament!!!
This is fresh to the market, and honestly as of posting time I’m not positive is actually on shelves quite yet. It’s, umm, interesting. It’s not phenomenal, but it isn’t necessarily awful. I will say, if you’re big into craft beers and heavy flavors, skip it. However, for a night on the patio with the games fired up, it’s not bad to sip on. The issue I had was it’s a very strong orange flavor and very little “beer” flavor. But, I also met people who enjoyed the taste, so I say screw it. Go grab a sixer and give it a try!
Sorry for the lack of insight on the actual games this time around, I promise I’ll try harder for you in the coming weeks, months, years and events! Until next time, I hope you nail a perfect bracket, win all your pools and your favorite team wins the Natty!
