Football Mixology

Football season is here, even if we have plenty of summer left. But alongside the Pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers, your football spread (at home or tailgating) gets better with Joe Canal's. Try these recipes in the pre-season, so they'll be perfect once the games count!

Sherry Cobbler

An old-school choice that's still delicious..

1/4 oz Simple syrup (buy pre-made, or one part sugar, one part water)
3 oz Lustau Dry amontillado sherry
2 Orange half-wheel (1 for the drink, 1 for garnish)

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake brutally (this will muddle the orange) and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Pierce another orange wheel with a straw and insert both into the drink. (Note: If using a sweeter sherry, use less sugar in the simple syrup.)

Vodka Grape Sparkler

A Bobby Flay recipe.

2 pounds fresh red seedless grapes, plus 1 cup sliced
1/2 cup clover honey
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup Tito's vodka, very cold
1 bottle Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Rose sparkling wine, very cold

Blend the whole grapes, honey and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Blend in batches, if necessary. Drain the grape mixture into a pitcher. Add the vodka and sliced grapes. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour.

Add the rose to the mixture just before serving and serve in red wine goblets.

Passing Game Punch

1 1/2 cups Tequila Avión Silver
6 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1 to 2 cups fresh fruit, sliced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup agave nectar

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well. Serve in a tumbler with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.