October is packed with reasons to get together. Football season is in full swing, weekends are made for tailgates and bonfires, Halloween parties are right around the corner, and cooler evenings make it the perfect time to enjoy some of the season’s best drinks. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply looking for something new to enjoy this fall, having the right drinks on hand can make any October occasion a little more memorable. From easy canned cocktails to bourbon and seasonal wines, here are a few ideas for stocking up this month.
For the Tailgate: Keep It Easy and Crowd-Friendly
When you’re heading to a tailgate, convenience is key. Beer is always a classic choice, but today there are more grab-and-go options than ever. Hard seltzers, canned cocktails and ready-to-drink beverages make it easy to offer plenty of variety without bringing along a fully stocked bar.
Variety packs are especially useful when you’re serving a group because everyone can find something they like. Whiskey and bourbon are also great additions for cooler game days, whether enjoyed on their own or mixed into a simple cocktail.
Don’t forget the basics, either. A few bottles of vodka, tequila or rum combined with simple mixers can give your guests plenty of options without making things complicated.
For the Bonfire: Bring on the Fall Flavors
Cool nights around the fire call for drinks with a little warmth. Bourbon, whiskey, spiced rum and aged tequila are all great choices for this time of year.
Fall is also the perfect opportunity to incorporate seasonal flavors such as apple cider, maple, cinnamon, ginger and cranberry. An apple cider bourbon cocktail, spiced rum punch or classic Old Fashioned can fit right in with a crisp October evening.
For an easy seasonal twist on a classic, try a Maple Old Fashioned. The rich flavor of bourbon pairs perfectly with a touch of maple, making it an ideal cocktail for bonfires, football weekends or a relaxing fall evening. Check out the video below to see how to make one!
Wine lovers have plenty of options, too. Medium- to full-bodied reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir pair nicely with many of the hearty foods that start making their way back onto the menu during fall.
For Halloween: Have Some Fun With Your Cocktails
Halloween is one night when your drinks can be just as creative as your decorations. You don’t need complicated recipes to make a festive cocktail. Start with familiar spirits such as vodka, tequila, rum or whiskey and incorporate colorful juices, seasonal garnishes or fall flavors. Cranberry juice can provide a dramatic red color, while apple cider and cinnamon instantly give a drink an autumn feel.
For a larger Halloween party, consider making a batch cocktail or punch ahead of time. It makes serving easier and allows you to spend more time enjoying the party instead of mixing individual drinks all night. And for guests who aren’t drinking alcohol, offering a seasonal mocktail or other alcohol-free option is an easy way to make sure everyone has something festive to enjoy.
For Fall Dinners: Find the Right Wine for the Table
October is also a great month for dinner parties and relaxed meals with friends and family. Choosing a few versatile wines can make pairing with your menu much easier.
Pinot Noir works well with a variety of fall dishes, while Cabernet Sauvignon and other fuller-bodied reds are natural choices for beef and heartier meals. If you’re serving chicken, seafood or lighter dishes, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are reliable options.
For appetizers or celebrations, sparkling wine is always worth keeping chilled. You don’t need a special occasion to open a bottle, either. Sometimes the gathering itself is reason enough.
For Watching the Game at Home: Stock a Little of Everything
Not every football weekend requires a full tailgate. If you’re inviting friends over to watch the game, a simple mix of beer, wine, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails gives guests plenty of choices. Instead of trying to predict exactly what everyone will want, focus on variety. Pick up a few familiar favorites and add one or two new seasonal options for guests to try.
It’s also a great time to experiment with a signature game-day cocktail. Keep the recipe simple enough that you can prepare a batch before kickoff and enjoy the game with everyone else.
Stock Up for October at Tri-State Liquors
From football weekends and bonfires to Halloween parties and fall dinners, October has plenty of opportunities to get together. Before your next gathering, stop by Tri-State Liquors in Claymont, Delaware, to stock up on beer, wine, spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails and other seasonal favorites. With a huge selection, competitive prices and tax-free shopping in Delaware, you can find something for just about every taste and occasion. Conveniently located just off I-95, Tri-State Liquors makes it easy to stock the bar for your next October get-together. Celebrate the season, enjoy responsibly, and make the most of every fall gathering.