I have always been a Denver Bronco's fan despite the good, the bad and the really bad. Over the years though, with the wife's enthusiasm encouraging me on, I found myself watching more college football. Most of you out there know that the LSU Tigers are our favorite team and that we are strictly a SEC household. That being said, it should come as no surprise that we started paying attention to the Bengals when Joe Burrow was drafted. No, I'm not a trader. I still pulled for the Bronco's but seeing as they had no chance of making it to the playoff's, what was the harm in pulling for LSU's old QB that helped us win the championship back in 2019?!.....Geaux Tigers!
Trust me, we were just as shocked as everyone else when the Bengals pulled off a win in OT. Shortly after the wife suggested that I should do a His & Hers highlighting the unofficial state cocktail for the two teams that make it to the Super Bowl. After a little research, I located the cocktails and have to admit these may be some of the more classier drinks being served for the occasion.
Starting off in Ohio, we have the Buckeye Martini. A typical gin martini for most (don't get me started on the vermouth ratio or shaken vs stirred), but accompanied by a black olive instead of green.
California was a different story. Though they have wonderful cocktail bars/programs in the state, they don't really have an unofficial or official cocktail. Instead, the libation of choice is Napa Valley wine. After all, that's what they're really know for. That's why I'm posting this in advance of Super Bowl. If you don't happen to have a bottle laying around, you can easily find one at your local wine or grocery store. If you want to splurge or just make your life easier, you can always order online from reputable companies like WineAccess, Wine.com or TimelessWines. If you're throwing a Super Bowl party and want to be extravagant (or perhaps have some on hand for those who don't watch football) may I suggest a tasting and viewing party in one? You can purchase several bottles from different vineyards and compare the difference in taste, texture, tannins, color etc based on location (Napa vs Coombsville, Diamond vs Howell Mountains, etc or even different vineyards located in the same area).
Now, who are you pulling for and what are you drinking?
His Cocktail - Buckeye Martini
3 oz gin
1/2 oz dry Vermouth
Black olive garnish
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice either stir or shake (I'll leave that up to you) the ingredients until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a black olive.
Her Cocktail - Napa Valley Red Wine
Open the bottle. If it's a young vintage and tight, perhaps decant for an hour or so. Pour into a red wine glass.
Happy drinking!
**This post was not sponsored. But we do have an account with Wine Access. If you use this link on your first $150.00 purchase of wine, we both get a $50.00 credit.