Sporked’s Guide to the Best Game Day Drinks

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.

Best Hard Seltzer

best hard seltzer
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart / Target / Total Wine / Walmart

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

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

best gluten free beer
Credit: Liv Averett / Total Wine

Rejoice! For a few breweries have figured out how to make perfectly delicious gluten-free and reduced-gluten brews. 

Best Light Beer

best light beers
Credit: Liv Averett / Target / Total Wine / Walmart

Want to buy the best tasting light beer for reals? We did the work. (“Light work,” you could call it.) 

Best Hard Cider

best hard cider
Credit: Merc / Vons / Total Wine / Trader Joe’s

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

best canned cocktails
Credit: Liv Averett / Golden Rule Spirits / Target / Total Wine

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

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.

Best Non-Alcoholic Beer

Best Non-Alcoholic Beer
Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon / Sierra Nevada / Total Wine

Trust us: You will be genuinely shocked by how yummy these non-alcoholic beers are. 

Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks We’ve Tasted

non-alcoholic drinks
Credit: Liv Averett / Drizly / For Bitter For Worse / Instacart / Total Wine

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

Header: Best Sparkling Water
Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon / Instacart / Target / Walmart / Whole Foods

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

olipop flavors
Credit: Liv Averett / Olipop

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

best kombucha
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart / Target / Walmart

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

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!


About the Author

Ariana Losch

Ariana Losch is a Sporked contributor, webcomic writer, java junkie, and bad TV enthusiast. She only ever feels at peace laying out on a beach like a kebab, roasting in the sun; sadly, she can never move back to Florida, her home state, because there simply isn’t enough good Mediterranean food. You can find her overstaying her welcome at just about every LA coffee shop, working on a screenplay and avoiding all eye contact. (She is embarrassed to be there, please leave her alone.)

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