What to Drink on Super Bowl Sunday

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

If you're anything like us, you've spent the last few days (or weeks) plotting out your Super Bowl spread: your nachos, your queso, your chili, your wings. But, just in case you haven't tackled the beverage side of the menu, we wanted to offer a few suggestions.

Beer, Obviously

[Photograph: Liz Clayman]

This part isn't hard. You need enough beer to quench the thirst of all your guests, from the opening kickoff to the final touchdown. And then probably some extra, just to be safe. If your friends all love amber ale, maybe that's the way to go. If everyone's a Bud Light drinker, don't force 'em to drink stout. But if you're looking for beer that'll go particularly well with Super Bowl snacks, let us offer a few tips.

We like to have an assortment of bottles (and cans) on hand: bracingly bitter American pale ales and citrusy IPAs, plus crisp pilsners, all of which work well with bold and tangy hot wings and lime-spritzed guacamole. If your crowd's a little adventurous, seek out a smoky rauchbier, which is made with a large portion of malt that's been smoked over a beechwood-fueled fire. They're particularly good with savory, meaty foods, like sausages, chili, and barbecue.

Bloody Marys

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

If you're starting the party early, the tomato-based brunch drink may feel like the most appropriate option, but you don't have to stop drinking Bloody Marys just because evening arrives. Try Kenji's fine-tuned version of the fully loaded classic, or go with this gazpacho-inspired Bloody Mary that's garnished with pickled shrimp. Like it smoky and spicy? This delicious mezcal-spiked version gets a spicy kick from roasted jalapeños. Really looking for something different? Try our tangy, sweet-and-salty Thai-inspired Bloody Mary or a Shochu Bloody Mary With Wasabi and Pickled Ginger.

Margaritas

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Many of the best Super Bowl snacks—your nachos, your wings, your salsas and jalapeño poppers—tend toward the spicy side. An icy-cold margarita balances all that heat, but we recommend that you step away from the aisle of glow-in-the-dark mixes and whip up your own with fresh ingredients. Whether you like your margs on the rocks or frozen, we've got recipes for you. (The frozen version is especially easy for entertaining, since you batch up the mix and stash it in the freezer overnight.) But it doesn't end there. How about this juicy recipe with fresh cantaloupe? Or try our watermelon, pineapple, or strawberry-rhubarb version.

Still Thirsty?

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Head over to our Game Day Drinks page for more cocktail recipes, beer advice, and even wines that pair well with Super Bowl snacks.