Football season in Buffalo means gathering with friends and family, putting out plenty of food, and settling in for the game. Whether you're hosting a few people at home or planning a larger Sunday watch party, having the right drinks on hand can make entertaining easier.
The good news is that you don't need an elaborate bar setup. A thoughtful mix of wine, spirits, mixers and nonalcoholic choices can cover most guests without overcomplicating things.
If you're getting ready for a Buffalo football watch party, On The Rox Liquors is conveniently located at 4382 Bailey Avenue in Amherst, NY.
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Start With What You're Serving
One of the easiest ways to choose drinks for a football gathering is to start with the food.
Buffalo football parties often mean wings, pizza, subs, dips, nachos and other bold, salty or spicy foods. Instead of trying to find one drink that works with everything, offer a few different choices.
For spicy foods such as Buffalo wings, refreshing wines with good acidity can work particularly well. Crisp white wines and sparkling wines can help balance richer or hotter foods.
Pizza and heartier dishes open up additional options, including medium-bodied reds. If you're serving several different foods, having both a red and a white wine available gives guests an easy choice.
Wine Choices for a Football Watch Party
You don't have to be a wine expert to put together a good selection.
For white wine, consider versatile choices such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Riesling. Chardonnay can also be a good option, particularly with richer foods.
For reds, Pinot Noir is generally versatile enough for a mixed menu, while Cabernet Sauvignon or other fuller-bodied reds can complement heartier foods.
Sparkling wine is another option that can sometimes get overlooked for casual gatherings. The acidity and bubbles can work nicely with salty and fried foods, and sparkling wine doesn't have to be reserved for formal celebrations.
The goal isn't to have dozens of choices. A couple of thoughtfully selected wines can usually provide enough variety for a typical watch party.
Whiskey and Bourbon Fit Right Into Fall
As temperatures begin cooling down in Western New York, whiskey and bourbon naturally become popular choices for fall gatherings.
They can be served neat, over ice or incorporated into simple mixed drinks. Keeping the setup uncomplicated also makes hosting easier.
Ginger ale, cola and club soda are versatile mixers to keep available. Add ice and a few basic garnishes, and guests can prepare straightforward drinks without requiring a fully stocked cocktail bar.
Fall is also a good time to explore a bottle you haven't tried before. If you're unsure what to choose, asking for suggestions within your preferred price range can make narrowing down the options much easier.
Tequila, Vodka and Rum Give Guests More Choices
Not everyone is a whiskey drinker.
Keeping one or two other base spirits available can provide considerably more flexibility without requiring a huge selection.
Vodka works with many common mixers. Tequila can be used for simple mixed drinks or margaritas, while rum pairs easily with cola and several fruit-based mixers.
Think about what your guests typically enjoy before buying too many different bottles. A smaller selection that people will actually drink is usually more useful than trying to stock every possible spirit.
Don't Forget the Mixers
It's easy to concentrate on wine and spirits and forget everything else that goes into serving them.
Before game day, check whether you have:
Ice
Club soda or sparkling water
Cola and other soft drinks
Ginger ale or ginger beer
Juice or other cocktail mixers
Lemons and limes
Cups or glassware
Nonalcoholic drink choices
Having these basics ready before guests arrive can save a last-minute trip to the store.
How Much Should You Buy for a Watch Party?
This is one of the most common questions when hosting any gathering.
There isn't one perfect formula because drinking habits vary considerably from one group to another. The length of the gathering also matters.
Start by considering how many adults are attending, how long you expect people to stay and whether you're serving wine, spirits or a combination of both.
It's generally better to provide a reasonable variety rather than simply buying large quantities of one thing.
And remember that some guests may not drink alcohol at all. Water, soft drinks and other nonalcoholic choices should always be readily available.
Set Up a Simple Self-Serve Drink Area
One way to make hosting easier is to create a designated drink station away from the food preparation area.
Place cups or glasses, ice, mixers, garnishes and napkins together. Wine can be kept nearby or chilled as appropriate.
This allows guests to help themselves while you're watching the game, preparing food or spending time with everyone else.
For spirits, putting out a smaller selection rather than your entire collection can also keep the setup simple.
Planning Ahead Makes Game Day Easier
The best time to shop for a football gathering isn't necessarily an hour before kickoff.
Planning ahead gives you time to think about the food you're serving, what your guests enjoy and anything you already have at home.
Make a quick list before shopping. Separate it into wine, spirits, mixers and nonalcoholic beverages. That can help prevent forgetting something while also avoiding unnecessary purchases.
If you're comparing stores or aren't sure what to consider when shopping locally, read our guide to choosing a liquor store in Amherst, NY.
Make Responsible Hosting Part of the Plan
A good watch party should also include a plan for getting everyone home safely.
Make water and nonalcoholic beverages easy to find, serve plenty of food and never pressure anyone to drink.
Guests who have been drinking should have a safe ride home through a designated driver, rideshare, taxi or another transportation option.
A little planning before the party lets everyone concentrate on enjoying the game.
Getting Ready for a Buffalo Football Watch Party?
Football season gives friends and family plenty of reasons to get together throughout the fall in Western New York.
Whether you're looking for wine to pair with wings and pizza, whiskey or bourbon for a cool fall afternoon, or versatile spirits for simple mixed drinks, planning your selections ahead of time can make hosting much easier.
Visit On The Rox Liquors, 4382 Bailey Avenue in Amherst, NY, when you're preparing for your next Buffalo football gathering.
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