I love beer and I love cocktails. And ever since I had an A+ beer cocktail at The Alembic in San Francisco, I’ve been searching for a way to make this boozy combination my own. I figured that the looming Big Game this Sunday was the perfect excuse to try out a few new recipes. I knew I wanted to combine tequila and some Anchor Steam—to honor the home of Superbowl 50—and I decided to add a bit of fruitiness in the form of blood orange juice, because they’re beautifully in season right now and they add gorgeous color to any drink. A few dashes of celery bitters at the end adds a really nice herby note to the drink, ensuring it’s not too sweet despite the necessary addition of a little simple syrup.
Once the blood orange juice, tequila and softly bitter beer mingle, you’re left with a drink that’s boozier than a beer, more sessionable than a cocktail and tastes like a lightweight, fizzy approximation of the negroni. Basically, it’s a great choice if you want to celebrate a big first down or mourn an interception without reaching for the boring beer that’s become de rigueur at viewing parties the country over. And lest you forget you’re watching a very important sports game, these DIY football drink stirrers are there to keep things festive. I whipped them up in under an hour from some Sculpey clay and thin copper bars I found at the art supply store. Cheers!
Tequila, Blood Orange & Beer Cocktail
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. blood orange juice, strained
• 1/2 oz. super simple syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)
• Anchor Steam beer
• celery bitters
• celery leaves, for garnish
Directions:
1. Combine tequila, blood orange juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake.
2. Pour over ice in a Super Bowl party-friendly glass of your choice. Top with an ounce or two of Anchor Steam to taste.
3. Finish with a few dashes of celery bitters and garnish with a sprig of celery leaves and some charming football drink stirrers.
