Some say the glass is half empty, some say the glass is half full, I say, are you going to drink that? - Lisa Claymen

As every football fan knows, there are always going to be "good" calls and "bad" calls for and against your team.  During the 2002 football season it was highly publicized that Penn State weathered its fair share of questionable cAs every football fan knows, there are always going to be "good" calls and "bad" calls for and against your team.  During the 2002 football season it was highly publicized that Penn State weathered its fair share of questionable calls.  Coach Paterno was right in the middle of the controversy with instances of official "shoving" and condemnation.  Some casual observers suggested that Coach Paterno had "lost it".  To longtime PSU football watchers, it wasn't really new to see Coach Paterno get hot at the officials; it was just more publicized.  But in recognition of the controversy, we started serving the following beverage at the tailgate.  I found the recipe on the Internet; the name was so perfect, we had to try it.

Psycho Joe

Ingredients:
3/4 oz kahlua
3/4 oz  Peppermint schnapps
coffee (brewed or instant)

1.   Put all ingredients in mixing glass
2.   Shake (careful, it's hot)
3.   Pour into coffee mug
4.   Add sugar and cream if necessary

We added whipped cream to the recipe and "screaming" to the name

The 2001 Tailgate witnessed the debut of Jon's Mochachino.  Jon originally made the beverage sans schnapps.  On my recommendation, we introduced the butterscotch schnapps at the next game.  It was a big hit.  Ensuing tailgates saw the introduction of other flavored schnapps which were also good.

Jon's Mochachino

Ingredients:
1 packet instant cocoa
1 heaping tsp. instant coffee
hot water
1 oz butterscotch schnapps
whipped cream

1. Put cocoa and instant coffee in heat resistant cup
2. Add hot water, while stirring
3. Add butterscotch schnapps

Top with whipped cream

Variations:  substitute the butterscotch schnapps with: raspberry schnapps; peppermint schnapps

Wine

Mixed Drinks

The Bloody Mary.  There are a million recipes for this drink.  No two mixers seem to mix the same concoction.  The reality is that the Bloody Mary is an art form, not a science.  To truly master the art of the Bloody one must study with a master and then, after trial and error develop one’s own style and technique.  Jon is the heir to the title Bloody Maker.  He had been trained by Mr. Hoover for several seasons and he practiced on his own off season.  The result of his efforts is that he now makes Bloodies that are appreciated by the most discerning of Bloody drinkers.  Jon has a certain method and system to his concoction.  And he says that he can only make “good ones” in multiples.  He uses the basic ingredients:  Tomato juice; vodka; horseradish; Worcestershire sauce and celery to garnish.  Jon says that the key is in the Worcestershire sauce.  The pour spout must be removed to accurately execute the “dash” of Worcestershire.  Lemon and Tabasco sauce are available for individual doctoring, but no one ever does.  I will note that Tyler has also contributed a fair amount of Mary Mixing which is enjoyed and appreciated by all.   I recommend that you get some friends together and practice developing your own Bloody Masterpiece.

The Bloody Mary is a traditional and ultimately essential element of tailgating.  It is an outdoor all season drink which is traditionally drank in the mid-morning.   So it’s perfect for the parking lot.

That said, I myself am not a Bloody drinker.  I have aspired, lamented and envied, but I just can’t consume the storied beverage, except for the celery garnish (which I love).  But because any truly respectable tailgate officially commences with the “first round” of Bloodies and a toast, I found myself each week sadly empty handed.  So I decided that I needed to find a morningesque beverage so that I could join on the toasting.  Here’s one that we enjoyed in 2002

1 oz Vodka
1 oz Triple Sec
½  orange juice
½ cranberry juice
ice
rocks

Pour into strainer over ice; quick shake or stir; strain into tall glass.

Another morning favorite is a simple Vodka and Grapefruit Soda.

The Jack Rose
2 1/2 ounces applejack
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce grenadine
1 lemon twist, for garnish

Pour all of the ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a well-chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.