The first step in figuring out your tailgate bar is to think about who is going to be tailgating with you. What do they like? What do they demand? Are there any brand snobs? Or is the only word they care about on the label "beer"? Once you've answered those questions you'll know if you need to bring only can coolers, or wine glasses, a blender, garnishes, and a bar caddie. More on those in a bit.
No matter how elaborate your bar is you need to make sure you have three things: a table (you need a flat surface other than the buffet or the ground), coolers (dedicated for the bar), and ice (lots, and lots, and lots of ice).
For the tables, make sure you bring ones that are big enough to both hold your bar items and provide enough room to make and pour your drinks. And be sure your tables have a locking mechanism on the legs - asphalt doesn't add to the flavor of a martini.
As for coolers, get the biggest ones you can easily transport. Coolers are kind of like closets, no matter how big they are you'll fill them up. Hopefully, you're filling them up with ice. Lots of ice. You really can't bring too much, and if you run out you can't get more, unless you've made very good friends with the folks in the parking spot next to you.
What you add to these three basic components of the tailgate bar is determined by your answers to those previous questions. Here's a list of items that make up the ultimate tailgate bar; you can pick and choose what's going to take care of your tailgating pals.
- Knife and cutting board (These need to be dedicated to the bar. Sharing with the cook can lead to cross contamination, and sick friends aren't going to praise your tailgate party.)
- Trash can (Also dedicated to the bar.)
- Bottle opener
- Cork screw
- Jigger/shot glass
- Mixed drink guide (You don't want to disappoint a guest by not knowing how to mix a Quantum Theory.)
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Swizzle sticks/stirrers
- Napkins
- Wine glasses, cups, tumblers, etc. (Plastic ones are fine for tailgating and make for much easier clean-up and less broken glass.)
- Bar caddie (These handy gadgets let you prep garnishes and such at home and easily bring them with you; plus you'll really look like you know how to mix a Quantum Theory.)
- Bar/drink mat
- Blender or ice crusher (The former if you have a generator, the latter if you don't - but keep in mind ice crushers do just that, they won't blend drinks.)
- Bar towels
- Wine cooler (I'm talking about the bucket for white wine, not the drink; although you can probably leave this one at home in Green Bay in December.)
Next: The Tailgate Party Set-up
Stephen Linn is the author of The Ultimate Tailgater's Handbook and The Ultimate Tailgater's Travel Guide: More Than 20 Great Road Trips which are the ultimate how-to resources for the tailgater who wants to do it all, have it all, and host the best party in the parking lot. Learn more and watch his how-to tailgating videos at www.theultimatetailgater.com.
