January 27, 2020
If you or anyone in your family is a die-hard football fan, you’re likely already planning for the biggest game of the year.
When it comes to football fans, we know there are two types; first, the game-focused fans, and second, the folks for whom the game is secondary to the food, the fun, the drinks and the festivities that are happening around the sports part.
Throwing a party at home lets you gear the food and the events to you and your guests. Want a raucous traditional pig-out with all the best junk food and cold beer? You got it! But if you want to keep the food heathly-ish, you have control over that too.
Either way, you need beer on ice (Bud Light is the official beer of the NFL, if you want to keep things to a theme), and some other drinks or cocktail options too.
Check out our ideas for a football party at your place. We kept it easy to make, and with just quick prep work needed.
Set up your bar
When it comes to your beverages, it does make sense to keep a cooler in the house or just outside the door, filled with planty of pre-chilled beer, the aforementioned Budweiser, or perhaps one of the many local craft options you can find at Co-op Wine Spirits Beer, like Legend 7, Annex Ale, Eighty-Eight Brewing or Village Beer. You can even ask guests to each bring a different local six-pack so you can sample many different local options.
If you want to keep your festivities very low key and low work, consider some read- to-drink or premade cocktails, like Mott's Clamato Original or Extra Spicy, or Nude Gin Soda Lime or Nude Raspberry Lemon Vodka Soda. They cover a lot of popular beverage bases and opening them up requires just a flick of the wrist.
You could also opt for a punch, another simple serve-it-yourself drink. Pomegranate Beer Punch is a different twist on the typical beer; just blend in two cups of pomegranate juice with two 12 ounce bottles of beer, and about a cup of ginger ale or birch beer, and add a block of ice.
Football-friendly food ideas
Potato salad is a typical BBQ or party food. Need new ideas to serve a healthy and still yummy potato salad? Try using extra vegetables in your potato salad; plenty of finely chopped celery, water chestnuts for extra crunch, or even sprinkle in some sundried tomato. You can also take the typical mayo and half that amount, then top it up with a Greek yogurt and some tangy mustard, or even a few spoons of pesto.
Try Cheeseburger Bread
Should you fuss with burgers or sliders? Why not keep it easy by using a ready-made dough like Pillsbury from the grocer’s dairy department, stuff it with pre-sautéed ground beef and loads of cheese, and then fold or roll them up? Bake to a golden brown and serve with ketchup and mustard as dipping sauces.
Baked wings for the win!
Football and wings go hand in hand. Making chicken wings at home is easy and they’re healthier than the restaurant kind. While if you have a deep fryer at home you can certainly go the traditional route, oven-baked wings are easy.
Just toss a tray of chicken wings and/or drumettes in some vegetable oil. Bake them at 375 for about 20 minutes (test for doneness with a meat thermometer) then take them out, toss them in your favourite wing sauce, like teriyaki, Frank’s or sweet and sour, then pop them back in to the oven for another 5-10 minutes so the sauce gets baked in and caramelizes a bit. (Pro tip: a sheet of parchment paper makes post-party cleanup easier.)
Load up on freezer appies
No time to prep a variety of appies for your fanatics? Stop by the freezer section for all kinds of tasty ready-to-bake appies, like mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, mini quiches, baked dips and more. A shrimp ring is also an easy and popular touch to the party buffet.
Chips n’ Salsa, or baked nachos
Don’t forget to pick up some chips and salsa or guacamole (you can often find store-made salsa and guac in the produce department) or take it a step further and plan to bake up a tray of nachos. Get a roast chicken from the deli counter, pull the meat, and use it along with a variety of cheeses, jalepenos, and green onions for a quick hot appetizer. Serve it alongside salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Speaking of dips, don’t forget to load up on the favourites, and grab a loaf of fresh baked bread to dip. We love spinach and artichoke dips, hummus, and babaganoush.
Green Bean Casserole
If cheesy bread or burgers and wings are on the menu, be sure to add a wholesome, healthier dish too. A casserole is a perfect dish for any party since guests can serve themselves. A tuna casserole with buttery egg noodles is the comfort dish your guests will be craving, or for a healthy casserole, make one loaded with green beans and nuts. With the goodness of green beans and the crunch of sliced almonds, this classic casserole is a delicious, tried and true combination. You can find plenty of recipes online.
Post-game nibbles
Want to have theme-appropriate dessert? Simply dip store brought cookies in melted chocolate and then dust with sprinkles in each team’s colours. You can also add food color to melted white chocolate to enjoy themed cookies, or look for candy melts to dip the cookies in beforehand, which are easy to melt, tasty and come in a rainbow of colours.
Try these quick and easy food ideas for your football party. Whether your team is victorious or not, you’re sure to win the day with a party everyone will be talking about.
Easter celebrations may look a little different this year, but whether you’re putting together an Easter dinner for immediate family or looping in friends via...
It seems every few years there’s a drink that’s so on trend it starts showing up everywhere.
The Irish know how to celebrate! While Canadians do pour a few drinks on Canada Day, our national occasion pales in comparison to the worldwide...
It was back in 2002 that Mill Street Brewery opened in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, an aging but rebounding neighbourhood that used to house all...
It’s hard to please everyone, but when it comes to beer, it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Though it may not be as well-known globally as the Bordeaux region of France or Tuscany in Italy, British Columbia has a dynamic, diverse, and...
If you pass by the shelf, it’s a bottle that immediately catches your eye among all the dark glass standing sentinel among the rows.
For some folks, Valentine’s Day is considered an old fashioned and possibly outdated celebration.
As those holiday bills start rolling in, many of us are feeling like a thrifty January is a smart way to go.
Light beer has a bad reputation. For many years it was known as a watery, largely tasteless pseudo-beverage, for those worried about their weight.
Sometimes even the warmest sweater layered under a cozy coat isn’t enough to ward off that chill you get from being outdoors.
When we think vodka, we often think ‘martini’, and for good reason.The martini is easily one of the classiest, sexiest cocktails you can enjoy.
The holidays, or other times of celebration, are usually when we turn our eyes to Champagne.
We’ve probably all heard of fondue, but how many of us have actually tried to make it, or even wondered where it came from? The...
The holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. Between gift buying, trip planning, gift wrapping and holiday gatherings, there is barely any time to breathe.
Let’s admit it—for many of us, one of the exciting things about the holidays is the opportunity to share fun and festive drinks with friends.
As you’re working away at your holiday shopping list, there’s always a few folks who are hard to buy for.
When you’re planning a special meal, you want everything to be just right.
There is something so festive and satisfying about enjoying cheese and wine at parties.
Hosting an at-home wine tasting is a great way to gather your friends over the holidays and do something fun and memorable.
If you’re tasked with making a dish for a holiday potluck, you might be wondering if you should bring the same old tired spinach dip.
You have to admit there’s something especially festive about the idea of baking cookies around the holidays.
Are you the planner in your family or at the office? If you’re just not up for being the host or the organizer again this...
The holidays are just around the corner and in today’s globetrotting society, so many of us live far away from our families and friends.
If you’re the type of person who throws awesome holiday parties you’ll want to make sure your supplies are in order.
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift idea that keeps giving year round? Consider gifting your special someone or valued employee a Vin Bin at Co-op Wine...
Looking for a little something different? Want a beverage that feels a little festive this holiday season? Fallentimber Meadery has some extra special offerings that...
Harvest is that time of year when we reap the rewards of what we’ve sown over the past season.
Our sommeliers are thrilled to share that The Social Collection wines, a Co-op Wine Spirits Beer exclusive, have recently made headlines for their award winning taste.
It’s one of the flavours of fall: fresh-off-the-vine, sun-ripened pumpkin, baked into pies, stirred into soups, added to lattes and yes, even brewed into beer.
If you’ve ever seen the wine flick Sideways, you’ll know there are two wines that are pitted against each other; Pinot Noir and Merlot.
The colour blue has had a long and fascinating history. While blue is one of the primary colours, and the top ‘favourite’ colour of people...
While many of us might have that dream of running away and buying a winery, it actually takes a tonne of work and many years...
Many of us enjoy a cold beer now and again. But if pressed, do you think you could name a handful of beers in a...
You'd think a winery with a name like Red Rooster might have a feathery mascot on site, ready to crow the arrival of visitors.
Canmore's Grizzly Paw Brewing Company is one of the original breweries that sprung up in the heart of Alberta.
Everyone assumes the bright lights and allure of Hollywood would be a major draw and an enticing career.
You’ve got to respect a person who’s not afraid to air their own dirty laundry.
It’s not unusual for home brewing to become a gateway into owning and operating a brewery.
Sword fighting isn’t usually a trait you’d associate with a wine entrepreneur. But Joseph Luckhurst is different from a lot of wine guys.
What's a dandy, exactly? If you looked it up in the dictionary, you'd see this:
When he was born, Graham Nordin's father bought a case of port that bore the same name he'd just bestowed upon his son.
A caravel is a sailing ship common in the 15th to 17th centuries in Europe.
You know you’re in for something different when the conversation turns from beer to something called a ‘reverse mullet’.
You may think naming a winery after the process of oxidizing decay is a bad idea.
If you were in Calgary in 1988, you’ll no doubt remember the spirit of the Olympics and how it brought the city together.
Red wine drinkers need some refreshment too!Let’s face it, the vast majority of Albertans love the big, bold, full throttle reds most of the year...
Whether you consider yourself a collector, connoisseur, or just someone who wants to learn more about wine, Co-op Wine Spirits Beer's new World of Wine...
For some people, just the mention of the word gin is enough to elicit groans, shudders and memories of the drink that earned the nicknames,...
Rosé wine seems less pretentious than white or red wine. You rarely hear anyone—even wine professionals—alienate others by going on and on about how pink...
It’s the image many Canadians have when it comes to imagining the Rockies; tall, snow-capped peaks, lush, steep-sided valleys, and icy streams trickling the freshest...
If the last rosé you had was called white zinfandel, it’s time to get re-acquainted.
You’ve likely heard about the folks who dreamed of one day owning a winery, and end up buying one on a whim, with little to...
When your day to day job involves working in one of the world’s most dangerous countries, dodging bullets and insurgents while riding around in armoured...
A beer label is a lot like a book cover; you can’t prejudge what’s inside, but a great front can definitely entice you to pick...
Like many folks in Calgary’s burgeoning brewing and distilling industry, Ross Alger started out making his own libations at home.
There's probably many a beer lover that has dreamed of having their own brewery.
For some toddlers, learning how to say ‘butterfly’, or ‘banana’ might be a feat. But Dave Carson taught his three-year-old son some decidedly more complex words.
Some folks make Sunday dinner. For Adam Nachbaur, his weekend tradition has been making Sunday beer.
There’s not that many times in the year when you can enjoy a bright green cocktail without turning some heads, but St.
Justin Hall knows the wine business from the ground up. As Winemaker for Nk’Mip Cellars in B.C., he’s had his fair share of experiences in...
It’s kind of hard to imagine today, with a computer in every pocket, but back when Canada was still a baby, the railroad was Canada’s lifeline.
Have you ever hidden something away, saving it for just the right moment? Whether it’s a birthday present purchased in anticipation of a milestone age,...
You already know Co-op Wine Spirits Beer as the place you can pick up everything from a great Wednesday wine, to a special celebratory bottle.
Whether you’re whipping up a few drinks for you and your date after a Valentine’s Day dinner, hosting a single ladies night in, or you’re...
When Uncommon Cider set out to make an Alberta-centric cider they knew they wanted to be unique, and keep their focus on western Canadian ingredients.
There’s a scene in the cartoon food film Ratatouille where the protagonist rat is tasting flavours; strawberries and cheese.
The TV is tuned, the snacks are set out and those Superbowl commercials are just about to hit their stride.
On January 25th, Scots around the world will celebrate the 260th birthday of legendary poet Robert “Robbie” Burns.
Calgary’s economy has created some unique challenges over the last few years.
B.C. has some of Canada’s best wine growing territory. Summerhill Estate Winery has been growing grapes and producing wines in British Columbia since 1991.
Do you take sugar in your coffee? How many? One? Maybe two or three? Would you drink your coffee with six, or even ten sugars...
There are dedicated craft beer types who speak in hops, and judge their beer in IBUs.
We love cocktails that give people unexpected, but pleasant surprises. Using champagne, sparkling wine or prosecco is a perfect way to set a festive tone...
Hockey fans know Mario Lemieux for many reasons. The hockey great’s best game was also one that was voted one of the greatest hockey moments...
The holidays are for dressing up – how about dressing up our drinks for the festive season too?
On the side of a brewery, you fully expect to see the word ‘brewers’, but entering Calgary’s Legend 7 Brewing, you can tell it’s going...
Sure, wine is great by itself, but did you know you can also use it to create delicious cocktails that you and all of your...
Sometimes there's too much choice. If you're popping into Co-op Wine Spirits Beer on your way home, maybe it happens that you want to try...
When we think of cognac, brandy and port, sometimes we think these are outdated libations, served in the 60’s and 70’s at lavish retro cocktail...
Need a bottle of wine to bring to a holiday celebration, dinner or the office holiday wine pool? Don't just pick up something cheap, or familiar.
Tucked away in a nondescript industrial zone in Calgary’s Bonnybrook-Alyth area in the city’s southeast is the largest distiller in Alberta.
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, and celebrations usually include some great mixed drinks.
They may be best known for their 11 brewpub restaurants across Alberta, but Brewsters is also a longstanding brewery, turning out numerous local craft beers.
It’s cup season and what goes better with football, than beer? If you’re gathering friends for the game, why not take advantage of the power...
There’s something about brown liquor that makes you feel all warm inside.
When it comes to the international wine industry, you might assume that wine makers from all over thew world are aching to move to France...
It may seem odd for a family to take on a business where the workers could kill you.
As the weather gets crisper and the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to prepare gratifying seasonal drinks that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Since we skipped fall and went straight to winter, nesting has become a priority for many of us.
You’ve probably never really noticed them dotting landscapes, hugging fence lines, or edging yards and parks before.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get together with family and friends, and while there’s always lots of catching up to do, once that’s over,...
There are two kinds of vodka people: the purists who seek out the finest, clearest, crispest, near-flavourless vodka for making the perfect chilled martini, and...
So many wine drinkers dream of running away from their dull daily lives and starting a winery.
When some products write ‘harvested by hand’ or ‘family owned and operated’ on their labels, they’re reaching.
Alberta’s burgeoning spirits industry is an amazing thing. Thanks to changes in liquor laws a few years ago, more and more Albertans have been able...
We all know how refreshing a cold cocktail can be on a hot summer’s day.
It might seem unusual to draw parallels between working a drilling rig in Alberta’s oil patch and distilling liquor, but as it turns out, they’re...
It's no secret Calgary's craft brewing scene is growing. New breweries and distilleries are opening all the time, and in the quest for better beer,...
There’s no doubt about it – it’s hot! Typical piña coladas and shaken margaritas are always a great way to quench that summer thirst, but...
Summer is in full swing and patios, terraces, and backyards are the entertainment venue of choice.
When you come across a beer called Hijacked IPA, you might assume it gets its name from market research, or the future ability to craft...
The Calgary Stampede is many things; officially it's a chance to take in the rodeo and celebrate community spirit through shows, rides, events, and pancake breakfasts.
You don't have to remember Bob and Doug Mackenzie to know that beer is Canada's drink.
Mark MacDonald was working as a mechanical engineer in Alberta's oil patch when he and his brother rather randomly decided to get each other home...
If you're struggling with what to get your dad as a Father's Day gift this year because he's one of those dads who has everything...
In a nondescript industrial area in southwest Calgary is a brewery you could call experimental.
Everyone dreams of quitting their job and doing their dream gig, but few people actually have the gumption to pull it off once, let alone twice.
There are beers, and then there are summer beers. You know them; a bit lighter, crisper, cooler and more refreshing than average.
Now that the mercury seems like it’s finally climbed over the freezing mark for the season (famous last words) it’s time to start thinking about...
With some movies coming out this season, you might have superheroes on the mind.
Baseball season is officially underway, having just transitioned from spring training to the regular season.
There's something so summery about Rosé. This wine which ranges from blush to raspberry-hued evokes the colour of garden blooms, dusky summer sunsets and fresh...
Do you find wine enjoyable, but intimidating? With wine regions spanning the globe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
Easter is when families spend time together and often share a big meal.
For many Canadians, St Patrick’s Day is an excuse to wear green, while kids cut shamrocks from paper and fashion cardboard leprechaun hats.
Co-op Wine Spirits Beer is more than just a store. It’s an experience. Shop here and you’ll get education, assistance, and great customer service.
The Academy Awards or the Oscars are known as the biggest night in Hollywood.
February may seem like the dead of winter, but it's actually a month of wonderful celebrations.
It's the sporting event that outdoes all other sporting events — with the possible exception of the World Cup of soccer, some might say.
It's resolution time! And if yours is to make smarter choices and maybe cut back on some vices, we've got some ideas when it comes...
The food is picked out, your place is all set up, you even have a sweet playlist ready.
With so much activity going on in the house, so many people to entertain, and so many timers and buzzers and pots to watch, the...
Pinot Noir is said to be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding grapes to grow.
‘Tis the season of seasonal beer! Traditionally, winter brings with it darker, more bitter, and a bit sweeter beers, similar to the rich foods we...
You don’t need to be a pro bartender to make a show-stealing cocktail this holiday season.
Many visitors to our stores are unaware of the world of champagne alternatives for every taste and budget, because champagne has become a catch-all term...
What does a gift card, a rare bottle of scotch, and a taster pack of beer all have in common? They all make great gifts,...
Handling all the drinks for your holiday party can be daunting.
It’s a local brewery that has brought international attention to Alberta’s craft beer market.
Pumpkin, apples and cinnamon is what comes to mind when I think of Fall drinks.
There is nothing better to sip on during the cold festive season than a warm glass of mulled wine.
Blindman Brewing was born out of a shared vision to brew the best beer in Alberta, while at the same time, introducing local beer drinkers...
Serendipity. That’s how Village Brewery’s co-founder, Jim Button describes how the local craft brewery came to be.
Hard apple ciders aren’t just for the British anymore, they’re steadily gaining popularity right here in Canada.
As the nights get a little cooler and you begin to reach for a sweater for the first time in a while, you may notice...
Oktoberfest or the “Volksfest” is a beer festival that dates back to 1810 and starts around mid-September through the first weekend in October and draws...
Whether it’s their award-winning Syrah or a unique blend from their small lots program, Sandhill Estate Vineyard does not disappoint.
Prosecco is one of my all-time favourite beverages to sip on in the summer, or anytime of the year for that matter.
There’s nothing better to sip on in the sun than a crisp, cold glass of Rosé wine.
For the fifth year in a row, Co-op Wine Spirits Beer is hosting their World of Whisky Festival that brings together top international whiskies, industry...
It’s been about a year since Half Hitch Brewing Company sold its very first batch of beer.
We all know that certain types of wine complement certain types of food – but what about beer?
There are many ways to serve whisky: neat, on the rocks, or in a fancy cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.
Alberta Whisky Canadian laws state that whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years.
This week, Canadians will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our dominion formation, when the country established its confederation in 1867.
As the end of our journey exploring Canada’s bounty of alcoholic beverages draws near, we want to go out with a splash.
It's known as Canada's left coast and if you've spent any time out there you'll know B.C. has a whole different vibe.
Canadians will be celebrating our great nation’s sesquicentennial as we mark 150 years of Confederation.
As we explore all the different ways to toast Canada’s 150th, the wines of BC loom large, and for very good reasons.
From gin, to vodka and even that favourite of the tropics, rum, Alberta is producing an amazing variety of spirits.
It’s been 150 years since Canada’s Confederation, and a notable reason to celebrate our great country.
We’ve got the rolling prairies, the towering Rockies and a reputation for being the friendliest province in the country.
150 years ago Canada had about 150 breweries, which meant Canada’s 3.5 million people had lots of options to celebrate the birth of our nation.
How about something a little out of the ordinary to toast Canada’s 150th – wine from Alberta.
When it comes to beating the heat of the summer we can rely on some tried, tested and trusted wine styles to keep our palates...
For whisky drinkers, there is a distinguished history that is truly Canadian.
A good cocktail is the perfect way to celebrate any holiday and with our nations 150th birthday upon us, I've combed the country for some...
When we think of the Prairies, we think rolling hills, miles upon miles of wheat, soybeans or corn blowing in the wind and a horizon...
It’s a story of determination, camaraderie, and a serious love of brewing beer.
There’s more than just scotch at the new World of Whisky store in downtown Calgary.
In this year of celebrating 150 years of our great nation, we will pause and reflect on many things that make our nation great. Like hockey.
Ontario is home to dozens of successful, unique, and award-winning distilleries.
For some, it's the de facto centre of the universe for Canada, but others cast a more wary eye on Ontario, which can often be...
The perfect way to celebrate Canada’s birthday? With reds and whites of course.
It's fair to say that the craft beer industry in North America has exploded over the past decade.
Canadians have a great reputation both at home and abroad, as a peaceful nation, with a polite population (“sorry” for everything), hockey crazy, and beer loving.
Quebec plays a starring role in Canada’s history (some of Canada’s earliest settlements were Quebec City in 1608, and Montreal in 1642).
Some of the most famous 'Canadian' foods have their origins in La Belle Province.
As we get ready to celebrate 150 years of Confederation, there are great beverages that have marked good times over the years, including the Pop Shoppe.
This unique, artisanal micro-distillery has earned a reputation as a ‘must see’ for tourists and locals alike! Located in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest district, Cirka distillery is...
In 1867, Canada became a country with four provinces; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.
When the world’s largest ice cubes float past your door each day, you might have a different outlook on life, and cocktails.
There is a long-standing tradition on Canada's East Coast. When there's a celebration to be had, Maritimers throw a kitchen party or ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee).
Canada’s Maritime provinces aren’t just known for their amazing seafood, but also their love of spirits.
On July 1st Canada marks the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, where the British Colonies, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia joined in one Dominion.
Calgary Co-op's World of Whisky store sells some of the rarest and most expensive bottles of scotch in the world.
There’s no denying that craft beer has exploded in popularity over the past five years.
PUNCH ROMAINE As served in First Class on the RMS Titanic1egg white1 ounce white rum1 ounce white wine1/2 ounce simple syrup1/2 ounce lemon juice1 ounce...
Did you know that brewing beer was at one time a woman’s job, not a mans? In fact, in ancient Egypt beer was traditionally brewed...
It's time to break out the bubbly at Co-op. Mike Roberts, Co-op's Sommelier Manager was the overall winner at the city's annual Iron Sommelier Competition,...
Cinco de Mayo - or the fifth of May – is a celebration to commemorate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory during the Franco-Mexican War.
Syrah or Shiraz great for the Grilling Season.
Calgary is now home to one of the most unique whisky retailers in North America.
Just like your mother always told you, “There are some words that are simply inappropriate to use.”
It’s the first of its kind on Canada and was nearly three years in the making.
Pairing with tricky food styles doesn't have to put a halt to a great food and wine experience.
Are you feeling confused and mystified by all the "rules" of food and wine pairing? Let us help with our hints and tips.
Gluten free has typically meant that beer was no longer an option.
Confused about all the different types of beer? This is an easy guide to a couple of the common types.
Learn a little bit more about how to cook and pair different foods with beer.
Rum has long been known as the spirit of the Caribbean Islands and Latin America and is one of the most enjoyed and loved spirits...
Sipping on a warm coffee cocktail at the end of your day, or after a great meal is one of life's decadent pleasures.
Wine and chocolate can be paired together to create a perfect harmony in your mouth, but when pairing it is important to keep in mind...
We love to raise your spirits.There are endless possibilities for enjoying the offerings of the world.
Mixologist and bartenders the world over have been making some of our most beloved cocktails with this juniper infused spirit since the original cocktail era...
Comments