Best Drinks for Summer Tailgating in Minnesota

FAQs About Summer Tailgating Drinks

What are the best drinks for summer tailgating?  The best summer tailgating drinks include beer, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, wine, water, sports drinks, and non-alcoholic beer.

 What beer should I bring to a Minnesota tailgate? Bring light lagers, local craft beer, wheat beer, Mexican-style lagers, IPAs, and non-alcoholic beer.

Are canned cocktails good for tailgating? Yes. Canned cocktails are easy to chill, pack, serve, and clean up after the event.

What non-alcoholic drinks should I bring? Pack bottled water, sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, soda, sports drinks, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beer.

How do I keep tailgating drinks cold? Use separate coolers, pack extra ice, freeze water bottles, and keep drinks shaded whenever possible.

Should I shop before heading to the tailgate? Yes. Shopping early helps you avoid limited selection, long lines, and last-minute game-day stress.

Best Drinks for Summer Tailgating in Minnesota

Summer tailgating in Minnesota can mean many things. It may happen before a game, concert, lake event, tournament, or neighborhood gathering. The best drink setup stays simple and easy to manage. Guests want cold choices, quick refills, and drinks that match the food. Hosts want less mess, fewer supplies, and no complicated mixing station.

Before shopping, check the latest G-Will Liquors specials. Specials can help with larger game-day lists.

Build a Simple Summer Tailgating Drinks List

A good tailgate cooler should cover several types of guests.  Some people want beer. Others prefer canned cocktails, wine, or alcohol-free drinks.Start with practical categories instead of random bottles.

Tailgate Drink Categories to Cover

• Beer for easy cooler service
• Ready-to-drink cocktails for convenience
• Wine for casual sipping
• Water for heat and hydration
• Non-alcoholic drinks for drivers and families
• Mixers, ice, cups, and citrus

This approach keeps shopping easier and helps avoid overbuying.

Choose Beer That Works for Warm Weather

Beer remains one of the easiest tailgating drinks. It packs well, chills quickly, and pairs with classic grilled food. For summer events, choose refreshing styles that work in the heat.

Best Beer Options for Tailgating

• Light lager: Easy for long afternoons and casual sipping.
• Mexican-style lager: Great with tacos, chips, salsa, and lime.
• Wheat beer: Smooth, bright, and refreshing in warm weather.
• Local craft beer: Adds Minnesota flavor to the cooler.
• IPA: A good pick for bold beer fans.
• Non-alcoholic beer: Helpful for drivers and daytime guests.

Use one cooler for beer and another for water and alcohol-free options.

Ready-to-Drink Options Keep Tailgating Easy

Ready-to-drink options are ideal for summer tailgating. They reduce mixing, measuring, glassware, and cleanup.They also help guests serve themselves without slowing down the host.

RTD Drinks to Consider

• Hard seltzers
• Canned margaritas
• Canned vodka sodas
• Canned spritzers
• Canned mojitos
• Flavor variety packs

Cans also work well when space is limited.

They stack neatly in coolers, totes, and game-day bins.

Add Wine Without Making It Complicated

Wine can fit tailgating when you choose easy styles. Bring wines that pair with snacks, grilled food, and warm weather.

Wine Picks for Summer Tailgates

• Rosé: Great with chips, fruit, chicken, and pasta salad.
• Pinot Grigio: Light, crisp, and simple to share.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Refreshing with vegetables and lighter foods.
• Sparkling wine: Festive for celebrations and group toasts.
• Pinot Noir: A lighter red for burgers and grilled foods.

ClubCard members can look for weekday discounts and exclusive shelf-tag savings.

Learn more on the G-Will Liquors Club Card page.

Pack Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Everyone

Every tailgate should include strong non-alcoholic choices. Guests may drive, bring kids, avoid alcohol, or take a break. Make these drinks easy to see and easy to grab.

Alcohol-Free Tailgating Options

• Bottled water
• Sparkling water
• Lemonade
• Iced tea
• Craft soda
• Sports drinks
• Mocktail cans
• Non-alcoholic beer

Place water near the food table.

Guests drink more water when it stays visible.

Think About Minnesota Weather

Summer weather can change quickly in Minnesota. Warm afternoons require more ice, shade, and water. Cool evenings may call for richer beers, red wine, or whiskey mixers. Wind can also affect cups, napkins, and lightweight supplies. Pack a small tote with extra cups, towels, wipes, and trash bags.

Use This Tailgating Shopping List

A clear list keeps shopping fast and focused.

Drinks

• Light lager or local beer
• Hard seltzers
• Canned cocktails
• Rosé or white wine
• Non-alcoholic beer
• Water and sparkling water
• Lemonade, iced tea, or soda

Supplies

• Ice
• Cups
• Napkins
• Bottle opener
• Corkscrew
• Coolers or drink tubs
• Trash and recycling bags
• Lemons, limes, and oranges

Find your nearest store on the G-Will Liquors locations page.

Shop Early Before the Event Starts

Tailgating feels easier when drinks are ready first. Shop early, chill everything overnight, and pack the cooler before leaving. If available, curbside pickup can also save time before busy events. G-Will’s curbside pickup page notes that customers must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.

For more hosting ideas, visit the G-Will Liquors blog.

Pick Up Summer Tailgating Drinks at G-Will Liquors

A great tailgate starts with a cooler that works for everyone. Choose beer, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails, water, and non-alcoholic options. Then add ice, mixers, cups, and simple supplies before heading out.

G-Will Liquors serves customers through multiple Minnesota locations, including Andover, Becker, Blaine, Champlin, Cottage Grove, Lino Lakes, Oak Grove, Ramsey, and Royalton.

Before your next summer event, check current specials, review ClubCard savings, and find your nearest G-Will Liquors location.

Ready to stock the cooler? Stop by G-Will Liquors before your next Minnesota tailgate. For questions, visit the G-Will Liquors contact page.