As your game day watch party plans start to take shape (we’ve already covered the best game day snacks), it’s time to tackle a critical question: What beverages will you serve to keep your guests from turning into human pretzels on the couch? Fear not, for we’ve got the ultimate guide to game day drinks that’ll make your party the MVP of the season. Whether you’re gearing up for a touchdown or counting how many turns Stephen Nedoroscik can do on a pommel horse, we’ve got the sips that’ll score gold.
Boozy Bevs
Best Hard Seltzer
We tried many, many, many cans (over 60) of hard seltzer, and these are the best seven to buy—both single flavors and mixed cases.
Best IPA Beer
This is the definitive (for now) ranking of the best IPA beers you can *hop* right over and buy at the supermarket. Haha. Get it. No *bitter* regrets here! Okay, I’ll stop.
Best Gluten-Free Beer
Rejoice! For a few breweries have figured out how to make perfectly delicious gluten-free and reduced-gluten brews.
Best Light Beer
Want to buy the best tasting light beer for reals? We did the work. (“Light work,” you could call it.)
Best Hard Cider
The best hard apple cider is more than just a stand-in for beer for people who think beer is too bitter. Here are our top picks.
Best Canned Cocktails
Look, not all of your bros and homies want to drink beer on game day. Some want a fruity little marg and a cute umbrella to go with it.
Best Hard Kombucha
Watching pro athletes take their shirts off while you rot on the couch with a Bud Lite might give you a little cognitive dissonance now and then. But kicking it back with some booch? You might as well be at the gym doing reps, you health nut, you.
Booze-Free Bevs
Best Non-Alcoholic Beer
Trust us: You will be genuinely shocked by how yummy these non-alcoholic beers are.
Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks We’ve Tasted
Okay, okay, let’s not beat around the beverage bush: Here’s our complete list of the best alcohol-free drinks we’ve tried across different taste tests, including wines, whiskey, mocktails, and more.
Best Seltzers & Sparkling Waters
There’s more to life than La Croix. I mean, definitely stock some La Croix for ya bois, but don’t miss out on all the other sip-worthy seltzers, too.
Best Olipop Flavors
Yes, it tastes good, but Olipop is also on trend right now, and you want your game day party to be trendy, don’t you? Stay *in season* for the sports season, you feel me?
Best Kombucha
Kombucha is a surprising and thoughtful alternative for any guests (or DD’s) who want a fun, unique beverage, minus the buzz. (Friendly reminder, party planners: Kombucha isn’t for some people who are strictly sober, because it might have a little alcohol.)
Best Bottled Water
Yeah, I’m serious. We’re putting bottled water on this list, because frankly, we’re afraid you’ll forget it. Your one measly brita filter isn’t gonna cut it. The rowdier the guests, the more they should hydrate!
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!