At-Home Tailgating Tips with Dr Pepper

These tailgating tips are brought to you in collaboration with Dr Pepper. Thank you for supporting the brands that sponsor Finding Beautiful Truth.

Tailgating tips . . .

We’re big fans of football season, and there’s no better way to watch the game than with a big spread of food. From savory appetizers to smoked meats and extra sweet treats, I’ve rounded up a few tailgating tips to make sure your party goes off without a hitch. There’s even a fun DIY to get your guests involved and keep the kids entertained.

Know your Football Audience

Be it a family affair or a game watching party just for the guys, it’s important to plan your tailgate with your audience in mind. This usually means sticking to football season favorites–why not ask your guests when they RSVP? Including favorite dishes, flavors or treats is the easiest way to personalize your menu. Plus, it’ll score you major points in the host/hostess department.

Mix up the Tailgating Menu

The first thing I think about is prep + presentation, and the easier the better. Think crockpot recipes, store bought sides and semi-homemade treats. They please a crowd with minimal effort, and cleanup is always a cinch. I like to include at least one main course/meat dish like BBQ pulled pork made in the crockpot. It goes well with store bought sides like chips + guacamole, salty snack mix and a slew of fresh veggies. Finish off the spread with a plate of boxed brownies (your semi-homemade addition), and your menu is set.

Add a Creative Element

Build-your-own bars, like our DIY Dr. Pepper drink station, are a fun way to get your guests in on the action. I like to offer a few different options, like Diet Dr Pepper + regular Dr Pepper on it’s own or the soda served with mix-ins. I purchased our football themed Dr Pepper 12 packs from Dollar General. You can find them on the soft drink aisle in a festive football display.

Here are our go-to drink combinations:

Dr Pepper with Lime

• Dr Pepper in Frosty Glass
• Lime Juice or Lime Simple Syrup (recipe below!)
• Fresh Lime Garnish

Diet Dr Pepper with Cherry + Lime

• Diet Dr Pepper in Frosty Glass
• Lime Simple Syrup
• Cherry Syrup (from jar of cherries)
• Fresh Lime + Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Keep Game Day Simple

You don’t need a slew of dishes to make your tailgate successful. Instead, keep your menu simple so you can focus your efforts on creating an environment everyone will enjoy. Include their favorite dishes, minimize prep-work and add an element of fun.

PIN IT FOR LATER

Are you a football fan? Have your own tailgating tips or grub go-to?

Homemade Lime Simple Syrup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This simple syrup is your secret weapon. Add it to drinks or drizzle it over dessert–it’s the perfect pop of flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 c. water
• 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• juice from two limes
• zest from 2 limes

---

Instructions

1. Zest the limes with a microplane zester, removing only the green from the peel. (The white part of the peel can be bitter.) Set the zest aside to add later.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a simmer. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon–you don’t want the sugar to burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat.
3. Add the juice from both limes, stir in the lime zest and let the syrup cool completely before serving. Store the simple syrup in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to one week.

---