I know what you're thinking. Where's the BBQ?! I was really going to make this recipe a BBQ one but I already have a great one: my Pork Rind BBQ Nachos. Definitely give them a try - they're a Memphis staple with a healthy twist! BBQ will always be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Memphis (next to Elvis, of course), but any local Memphian will tell you we are also known for our local brews! Ghost River, High Cotton, Wiseacre, Memphis Made - these are all some of the best beers I've ever had in life, and Im not just saying that because I'm a local. I wanted to represent a Memphis tailgate in the best way, so I decided to go with something you're sure to see there - local beers everywhere! Of course, I had to throw my own little spin on these brews and turn them into cocktails! If you're not from Memphis and can't get these beers, never fret... I've given examples of what types of beer to use with each recipe!
Pumpkin Spice Shandy
Grocery List:
1 bottle Ghost River Golden Ale (or any golden ale or golden beer)
6 oz Pumpkin Spice sparkling soda or sparkling water (found at Fresh Market)
Directions:
Pour the golden ale into a large beer mug. Top it off with 6 oz of the soda or enough to fill the glass. Garnish with a straw.
Blonde Hibiscus
Grocery list:
1 tbsp hibiscus syrup (found in international markets or specialty stores)
High Cotton Hefeweizen or ESB (or any kind of blonde, hefeweizen, or ESB beer)
Hibiscus flower, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Add hibiscus syrup to a champagne flute. Top it off with blonde beer, hefeweizen, or ESB. Garnish with a hibiscus flower.
The Beers Knees
Grocery list:
2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water boiled and cooled)
1 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
Memphis Made Kolsch (or any pale, golden, or German ale)
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake together the honey syrup, gin, and lemon juice. Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice and top with the ale. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Stout Russian
Grocery list:
1 oz Khalua or coffee liquor
1 can Wiseacre Gotta Get Up To Get Down (or any coffee stout, coffee beer, or stout)
2 oz half and half
Directions:
Pour coffee liquor in a lowball glass filled with ice cubes. Slowly pour in the coffee stout. Top with half and half. Stir together to drink.
CHEERS TO FOOTBALL SEASON!!!