I always wonder when the first official tailgate happened. My guess is it had something to do with beating traffic and the opportunity to eat and drink more. One person had some extra hot dogs, a second person picked up a 30 pack of Stroh’s and the third brought a Smokey Joe grill. This is probably how it went down. Today, those same three are still there and I’m pretty sure Stroh’s still sells 30 packs (has anyone ever bought less than a 30 pack of Stroh’s?), but the party around this group has evolved. No longer are basic meats and beer the only ingredients to a kick-ass tailgate, everyone is upping the ante, especially in the drink department.

This is not a public service announcement against beer; instead, a look at the other options you will find among the team fanatics, casual supporters and not to be left out, those looking to party. Several factors determine which alternative cocktails are best suited. We must consider temperature, no hot drinks in Miami for example. There is the all-important wake-up factor – tailgating often means waking up early, the ability to spike a “pick me up” helps, a lot. Regional preferences: more bourbon drinkers in the south, more Bloody Mary drinkers in the Midwest. Most important is the event. Shots of hard liquor outside Camden Yards in Baltimore will occur, but it definitely is not the norm and probably frowned upon. On the flip side, shots prior to an SEC football game, yeah, there are too many shots occurring before SEC football games.

So what didn’t make the list? I love Bartles and Jaymes and really wish they would bring back those commercials, the originals, and just replay them. However, I can’t sign off on wine coolers being acceptable for tailgating. There are too many other options, plus too much glass (Note: Same applies to specialty Jack Daniels “cooler” drinks.) Nothing on fire, so no flaming drinks – we are looking at you, Oakland, put out the fires! I know it's fun to put Bacardi 151 on top of everything and light it on fire, but it’s too dangerous with too many people around. There are enough moral concerns around all this drinking occurring around motor vehicles, no need to introduce fire as well. Also, no Cape Codder (vodka and cranberry); I don’t think we need to go into reasons why this is not acceptable.

10. Bourbon

Via sconemasters.com

The first rule of drinking straight bourbon out of a flask is that you shouldn’t talk about drinking straight bourbon out of a flask. You know the second rule. The point is no one needs to talk about this or make it a big production. My assumption is that anyone drinking bourbon this way NEEDS to drink bourbon or they will turn into a pumpkin, are New York Jets fans or something worse (Jaguar fans). Best to let it be. Always offer others a pull off the flask (especially if standing in a circle), it's good manners. Also, passing around the flask early on Sunday is a little bit like communion among friends.

9. Wine

Via chateaujulien.blogspot.com

This one is definitely region specific. Perfect for San Francisco Giant baseball tailgating; fans are already on boats, might as well go full-fancy and bring a few bottles of your favorite wine from the neighboring wine regions. Wine country is no longer specific to only Northern California. It’s always acceptable to bring local wines to a tailgate; in fact you will gain points because you will be supporting the team and region. You may also want to consider running for Mayor.