Thirsty Thursday: 4 Super Bowl-Inspired Cocktails

By: Roberto Ferdman
Super Bowl Cocktail recipes

It’s more than just alliteration; it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too.

Last week we shared a recipe for a A Beer and a Ball; this week we're teaming up with Wine Director Anjoleena Griffin-Holst of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to get you ready for the Super Bowl with not one, two or three... but four new drink recipes inspired by Sunday's showdown.

Starting with a variation on the classic Manhattan cocktail, a blueberry garnish and splash of vermouth help round off The Big Blue, an ode to the Giants franchise and their decorated history. Or opt for The Manning Special instead, inspired by the Giant's quarterback and his cool, calm and collected demeanor. If you're rooting for the Patriots, try The Brady Bomb, an explosive and game-changing cocktail made with cherry vodka, Red Bull energy drink and grenadine syrup, or go for The Gronk, named after their prolific tight end and towering with tequila, white creme de cacao, blue curacao and cream.

So make your picks and pour your drinks. It'll be hard to go wrong with these tasty sips — especially if you give in and go for all four. Bottoms up, folks.

Big Blue  (NY Giants-inspired cocktail)

Courtesy of Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, Wine Director at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Ingredients:
2 oz rye whiskey
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes bitters
Fresh blueberries for garnish

Directions:

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with blueberries

Manning Special  (NY Giants-inspired cocktail)

Courtesy of Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, Wine Director at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1 small lime wedge
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 oz grenadine
Ice
2 oz chilled club soda

Directions:

Muddle 15 blueberries with the lime wedge and sugar. Add the gin and ice and shake well. Strain into a highball glass half-filled with ice, top with the club soda and grenadine, and garnish with the remaining blueberries.

Brady Bomb  (NE Patriots-inspired cocktail)

Courtesy of Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, Wine Director at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Ingredients:
1 oz cherry vodka
3 oz Red Bull energy drink
1 splash grenadine syrup

Directions:

Pour vodka and Red Bull energy drink into a small glass. Add grenadine slowly so it sinks to the bottom without mixing for a layered effect.

The Gronk   (NE Patriots-inspired cocktail)

Courtesy of Anjoleena Griffin-Holst, Wine Director at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz white crème de cacao
1/2oz blue curaçao
1/2 oz cream
maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or in an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Grub Ideas For Your Game Day Party:
More Thirsty Thursday Cocktails:

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