It’s that time of year when football season is in full swing. While the main focus is the pigskin competition on the field, we cannot deny that an integral part of game day is the pre and post game activities, including (but not limited to) painting faces, playing cornhole, waxing nostalgic and tailgating. Whether you do it in a stadium parking lot with a makeshift bar or sidled up to a blaring television in your favorite watering hole, cocktails are always a win.
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I started my pre-game Thursday at Southbound SRP Park, an ideal setting for spectators who are partial to air-conditioning and bar service. Across from me were two of my behind-the-bar faves, Logan and Kaelen, who presented me with THE BORDER BASH. It’s a fruity-licious adults-only slushie crafted from rum, black raspberry liqueur and strawberry puree. (We’ll call the color red/garnet as to not offend anyone on either side of the state line.)
They gave me a sneak peek on this special offering because it makes its actual premier at the 27th annual Border Bash at SRP Park on Sept. 17. Also making its debut is the Kickin’ Chicken fried chicken taco.
If, like me, you choose to watch Saturday’s gridiron action from a barstool while sipping cocktails, Southbound has 11 televisions inside as well as a projector in the beergarden. The Bulldogs face off against the Gamecocks in Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 18. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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Here’s the bottom line: in Saturday’s contentious rivalry, someone will win, and someone will lose. Game day cocktails help keep spirits high even when your home team’s scores are less than favorable. In the end, your consolation is a tasty victory for your mouth. Either way, it’s a W. (Can I get a cheers to that?)
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean
