Super Bowl XLVIII: A beverage for every fan

Super Bowl Sunday means snacks, cold brews, inspired commercials, the halftime show and, of course, the excitement of the game itself, as the NFL’s showcase event always delivers a good time.

So, whether you’re hosting a party, joining a friend’s shindig or settling in at your favorite sports bar for the game, we have a few suggestions for game day libations.

This year’s game between Denver and Seattle is particularly exciting for Cherokee Distributing and our friends here in East Tennessee, as we send five former UT Volunteers to the big event in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Broncos showcase the talents of quarterback Peyton Manning, punter Britton Colquitt and defensive linemen Robert Ayers and Malik Jackson, and the Seahawks bring defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, this reunion is guaranteed to get Tennessee fans’ orange blood pumping.

If your allegiance is to UT alums and not a particular pro team playing for the title, show off your school spirit by serving Leinenkugel’s Orange Shandy. This refreshing twist on a traditional shandy brew features natural orange flavor, and it’s zesty, citrus notes pair well with a football party staple: barbecue.

Most partygoers will pick a side Sunday, and for fans of the AFC and NFC champions, we’ve got some festive beverages picked out for them as well.

As far as football and beverages, Seattle, Washington, has a lot to promote. In addition to sending the Seahawks to the Super Bowl for the second time, Seattle is home to Mike’s Hard Lemonade headquarters. Founded in 1999, Mike’s has developed innovative products to suit every taste, making Seattle representation and Super Bowl party-planning a cinch.

Our favorites include the sweet, tart flavor of the original Mike’s Hard Lemonade and the delicious combinations of lemonade with black cherry, strawberry and cranberry found in Mike’s Hard Black Cherry, Hard Strawberry and Lite Hard Cranberry Lemonade.

If your crew is cheering for the Broncos, you’ll want to sip on some tasty beverages brewed by Colorado native Flying Dog Brewery. Founded in Aspen in 1990, Flying Dog is known for its uniquely artistic packaging and traditional approach to creating delicious and complex flavors. The smooth and subtly sweet Old Scratch Amber Lager and crisp citrus flavors of Doggie Style Pale Ale are sure to please thirsty Broncos fans.

Finally, for those looking to commemorate Super Bowl XLVIII’s commute to the chilly Northeast, MillerCoors and its commitment to ensuring every sip of Coors Light is as deliciously cold as possible is a great way to salute the two teams playing in frosty New Jersey. We recommend serving up some big brews for the big game, so grab the Coors Light 16-ounce Silver Bullet Aluminum Pints. Of course, Coors Light is also a Colorado classic; when the cold-activated silver Rocky Mountains on the aluminum bottle turn blue, you know your ice-cold beer is good to go.

Fans looking for a fun place to meet friends for Super Bowl Sunday should check out the specials at local restaurants and pubs. We’ve got some great suggestions here on where the game-time food and beer specials are flowing. If you plan to go out to watch the game, please designate a driver and live responsibly.

Cherokee Distributing has the drinks to ensure this year’s Super Bowl is a festive one for Seattle’s “12th man,” Denver diehards or any and all fans of pro football and the brews to go with it.

Go Seahawks! Go Broncos! Have fun, and, as always, drink responsibly.

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