Tailgating is one of America's great traditions — and one of the most punishing drinking occasions if you don't approach it right. You're starting early, you're outside in all kinds of weather, you're standing and moving around more than you realize, and the event goes on for hours. Do it wrong and you're asleep in the parking lot by the third quarter. Do it right and it's one of the best days of the year.
Why Tailgates Are Uniquely Hard on Your Body
- Early start times: Morning drinking hits harder because your liver is less prepared and you've had less time to eat and hydrate
- Extended duration: 4-6 hours of drinking before the game even starts adds up fast
- Weather exposure: Heat in late summer/early fall or cold in late fall/winter — both are dehydrating in different ways
- Physical activity: Setting up, socializing while standing, playing cornhole — you're more active than you think
- Poor food timing: Food often comes in bursts rather than consistently throughout
The Best Tailgate Drinks
Batch Watermelon Margaritas
A cooler full of batch watermelon margaritas is the tailgate move that will make you the most popular person in the parking lot. The pink color is eye-catching, the flavor is universally appealing, and the electrolytes in OFTN's Watermelon Margarita mix mean you're actually staying hydrated while you sip.
Cooler batch recipe (serves 20): 20 packets of OFTN Watermelon Margarita, 30oz silver tequila, 5 liters of water, juice of 6 limes, poured over a large block of ice in a cooler. Takes about 5 minutes to make, lasts all tailgate long.
Yuzu Ginger Mule Cans
Pre-mix OFTN Yuzu Ginger Mule packets with vodka and sparkling water in cans or bottles the night before. The ginger element is particularly good at a tailgate — it helps settle stomachs that might be dealing with nerves or early-morning drinking.
The Mocktail Station
Not everyone wants to drink from 9am. Set up a simple mocktail station with OFTN packets, sparkling water, and ice so non-drinkers have something genuinely good to drink. Nobody wants to be the person holding a water bottle while everyone else has colorful cocktails.
What NOT to Drink at a Tailgate
Straight liquor shots: This is the number one tailgate mistake. Shots at 10am on a stomach that's had nothing but coffee is a recipe for being done by noon.
Sugary premixed drinks: Most premade cocktail mixes are loaded with sugar. They taste great initially but spike your blood sugar and lead to a crash that ruins the second half.
Tailgate Food Strategy
Arrival food: Have something substantial available immediately. Protein and fat slow alcohol absorption significantly.
Continuous snacking: Keep food available throughout. Don't wait for a big meal at noon.
The main event: Time your burgers or brats about 2 hours into the tailgate when people have had a few drinks and need a real meal to reset.
Tailgate Setup Checklist
- Coolers: Separate coolers for drinks and food. Block ice lasts longer than cubed ice.
- Water: Bring at least one water bottle per person per hour. Make it accessible, not buried at the bottom of a cooler.
- Trash: Bring extra bags. Tailgate areas get messy fast.
- Shade or warmth: A pop-up tent for hot days, extra blankets for cold days.
- Games: Cornhole, kan jam, ladder toss — games give people something to do besides drink.
The Hydration Plan
For every two drinks, drink one glass of water or electrolyte drink. Keep water visible and accessible at the drink station. Use OFTN mixes to turn water breaks into actual drink breaks — mix a packet with sparkling water and it's genuinely enjoyable, not just medicinal.
Read our guide on how much water to drink when you're drinking alcohol for the actual numbers behind this strategy.
How Many Drinks to Plan For
For a 4-hour tailgate, plan for roughly 8-12 drinks per person, though many people will drink less. Always buy more than you think you need. With OFTN packets, a 36-pack covers 3 people for a solid tailgate with room to spare. The Variety Pack is ideal because different people want different things and having three flavor options means everyone finds something they love.
The Day-After Plan
- Water with electrolytes before bed — OFTN mixed in water works perfectly here
- A solid meal if you haven't already eaten enough
- B vitamins — see our complete guide on B vitamins and alcohol
- Sleep — let yourself sleep in if you can
A tailgate done right is one of the best experiences the fall calendar has to offer. Stock the cooler well, eat consistently, stay hydrated, and you'll be talking about the game instead of regretting the day after it.
