Hockey + Booze = Puck Drop Party
Ok so we’re into the baseball postseason and the NFL regular season, which means what sports fans? Basketball and hockey — our indoor winter sports — are upon us! I’m not a huge drinker, in all honesty, but drinking is, for many, just as much a part of the fan experience as food can be. I’ve had my fair share of cold ones at summer baseball games and if a good cold one doesn’t quench your thirst, I don’t know what does (ahem…aside from water).
For hockey fans, it’s been a long summer of free agency, arbitrations, and waiting to see if some of our favorites will make it back to training camp after season-ending injuries. Whether you are an Original Six diehard, or just getting into the sport, let your buddies know there is no need to head to a bar for Game 1 — get them over to your place to celebrate another season of clappers*, hat tricks and (the oh-so-sexy Paul Bunyan) playoff beards.
*A clapper is a slapshot. It’s easier to yell than “slapshot” and originates from the actual sound that the puck makes when hitting the hockey stick at the high velocity used to hit this kind of shot.
Below you will find some team-inspired cocktails for your Game 1/puck drop parties. Enjoy and please drink responsibly!
Montreal Canadiens
“The Rocket”
An ode to former Punch line member, Maurice ‘The Rocket” Richard, this drink also applies to today’s roster of young players. With a variety of different personalities in the locker room, this team’s explosive potential could work for or against them.
Needed:
Smirnoff Ice
Grenadine
Blue Curacao
Ice
Pour chilled Smirnoff Ice over ice in cocktail glass. Slowly add an ounce or so of Grenadine by focusing the pour down the side of the glass (avoid splashing against the ice). Next add the Blue Curacao by following the same instructions and slowly pouring do the side of the glass to avoid the ice. Drink should look & taste like a rocket popsicle!
Toronto Maple Leafs
“Whisky Rye Blue Valentine”
Riding the roller coaster of a typical season for the blue & white leaves Leafs fans needing something a little stronger. This whisky-rye combo is a little bit sweet and also slightly bitter.
Needed:
Blue Curacao
Canadian Club Whisky (or your preferred rye)
Peach Schnapps
Lime juice
Sprite (or any other lemon-lime soda)
Ice
Into a large jug or bowl pour a third of the bottle of Blue Curacao, a third of the whisky, a quarter of Peach Schnapps. Stir well. Add in Sprite to top and ¾ cup of lime juice. Stir very well and serve over ice. (And please share, boys and girls, as this recipe yields quite a bit to drink).
Boston Bruins
“Black Magic”
Brawn has been a part of the Boston Bruins’ magic for the last several years. This caramel colored cocktail is a mix of strong yet smooth… much like the boys in Beantown.
Needed:
Coffee Liqueur (i.e. Kahlua)
Vodka
Lemon Juice
Ice
Over ice pour 1 part vodka, 1 part coffee liqueur. Add a splash of lemon juice.
Chicago Blackhawks
“Old Pal”
We know that the Windy City takes hockey seriously. A blend of high level skills and a “let’s get this done” attitude, team captain Jonathan Toews is the inspiration for this classy crimson red drink.
Needed:
Bourbon
Dry Vermouth
Camperi
Ice if desired
Mix 1 ounce of bourbon, ¾ ounces of dry vermouth, and 3/4 of an ounce of Campari in a shaker. Strain into cocktail glass, serve on the rocks or straight. Sip in small doses until your tongue gets used to the Campari.
Detroit Red Wings
“Detroit Red Wing”
This hockey team has made the playoffs 23 seasons in a row by doing two things: keeping it simple & focusing on the task at hand. Their self-titled cocktail does the very same!
Needed:
Cinnamon Schnapps
Ginger Ale (preferably natural ginger ale made without high fructose corn syrup)
Ice
Mint Leaves
Combine 1 ounce of Schnapps with 6 ounces of ginger ale over ice and garnish with mint leaves.
New York Rangers
“The Manhattan”
Classic, stylish, and (boy does this drink and this team) mean business. After missing their chance to hoist the cup this past spring, the Rangers are guaranteed to be ready to buckle down upon the return to their hometown Manhattan ice.
Needed:
Sweet Vermouth
Rye Whisky
Angostura Bitters
1 Maraschino Cherry
Ice
Place ice in a mixing glass. Pour in the glass half an ounce of vermouth, then top with 2 ounces of rye whiskey and stir. Strain into a cocktail glass. Add 3 dashes of bitters and garnish with the cherry.
