Yes, it's NBA Playoffs time! 16 teams from across the league have qualified for basketball's version of the Thunderdome and get to compete against each other in a series of elimination rounds that showcase teams from all over the country!
Only one team can emerge victorious and claim the title of NBA Champion, etching their name into the annals of basketball history!
In terms of viewership, millions tune in to watch the games each year on TV, streaming services, and in person. Many others engage in bracket competitions with friends, coworkers, or other peer groups. Additionally, there is an estimated loss of billions of dollars in productivity each year as employees take time off work to enjoy the playoff games.
Whether you're watching the game at home or at work, it's safe to say it's better to enjoy with a drink in hand!
Here are some great drink recipes for you to savor while cheering on your favorite team, whether they're the underdog or a perennial contender, or simply hoping your bet pays off.
-
Slam Dunk Punch
Ingredients
- 1 part vodka
- 2 parts blue sports drink (such as Gatorade or Powerade)
- 1 part lemon-lime soda
- Sliced citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange) for garnish
Instructions
- Mix vodka, blue sports drink, and lemon-lime soda in a punch bowl or large pitcher.
- Add ice and stir well.
- Garnish with sliced citrus fruits.
- Serve in cups or glasses over ice.
-
Three-Point Shooter Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
- 2 cups orange juice
- Sliced oranges, lemons, and limes
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Club soda (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice.
- Add sliced oranges, lemons, limes, and mixed berries to the pitcher.
- Stir well to combine, then refrigerate for at least an hour
- to let the flavors meld.
- Serve the sangria over ice, and top with a splash of club soda if desired.
-
Full Court Press Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 parts tequila
- 1 part lime juice
- 1/2 part triple sec
- Splash of orange juice
- Salt or sugar (for rimming the glasses)
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Rim glasses with salt or sugar, if desired.
- Fill a shaker with ice, then add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and orange juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the margarita into the prepared glasses over ice.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
For good measure here are some great drinking games to play during March madness as well!
Free Throw Frenzy
Designate a specific action for each type of free throw outcome: a made free throw means everyone else drinks, a missed free throw requires the person who chose that team to take a drink, and an "and-one" situation results in a waterfall where everyone starts drinking and can only stop when the person to their right stops. With the frequent occurrence of free throws in basketball, this game guarantees a steady flow of drinks and excitement.
Coach's Challenge
Select a player from each team before the game begins. Every time your chosen player scores, everyone else takes a sip. But if your player commits a foul, misses a shot, or turns the ball over, you're the one reaching for your drink. Choose wisely you might end up celebrating or commiserating with each play!
Shot Clock Showdown
Set a timer for each game, corresponding to the length of a shot clock possession (usually around 24 seconds). Every time a team scores within the allotted time, everyone else drinks. If a team fails to score within the shot clock, those who picked that team take a drink. With fast-paced action and the pressure of the shot clock looming, this game keeps everyone on their toes.
With these recipes and drinking games, I'm sure you and your friends will have a slam dunk of a time!
Please drink responsibly and cheer your team on!
© 2023, Good Spirits. All rights reserved.