What’s a round with friends and business colleagues without a cocktail or two? While not everyone partakes during a round, (particularly if it’s a serious game where you’re trying to post a score) but when the train goes off the rails on the 8th hole, sometimes you say screw it and hit the bottle. This week we talk about a few course classics you may enjoy next time out - hopefully your bar or beverage cart is well stocked. My personal favorite is the Transfusion (Tito’s Vodka, Ginger Ale, and grape juice), so call it six options for you. And don’t let them talk you into those cheap pre-made mixer thingies….have them make the real drink!

Fore a Refreshing Round: Top 5 Cocktails to Tee Off Your Golf Game!

Ah, the rolling greens, the satisfying thwack of a well-struck ball, and the subtle clink of ice cubes in a highball glass. Yes, we're diving into the delightful world of golf and the libations that make those rounds even more enjoyable. Here are the top 5 cocktails that have become the unofficial scorekeepers of the golfing world, each with its own swing of flavors:

1. The Classic Gin and Tonic

Why it’s a Fairway Favorite: As classic as a well-tailored polo shirt, the Gin and Tonic is a timeless choice for the golf course. Its crisp, refreshing taste keeps you cool under the sun while the gin’s juniper whispers a tale of sophistication.

Origins: Originating from British officers in colonial India, where they combined quinine-rich tonic water with gin to mask the bitterness.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Gin

• 4-6 oz Tonic Water

• Lime Wedge

• Ice

How to Make: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the gin, top it off with tonic water, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.

2. The Tee Time Margarita

Why it’s a Hole-in-One: The Margarita brings a fiesta to the fairway! Its zesty flavors of lime and tequila offer a burst of energy that can turn a rough round into a celebratory victory lap.

Origins: Some claim it was invented in Mexico, others in the United States. Wherever it hails from, it’s beloved worldwide.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Tequila

• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 0.75 oz Triple Sec

• Salt (for rim)

• Ice

How to Make: Rim a glass with salt, fill it with ice, pour in the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake well, then strain into the glass over ice. Of Note - while this is a pretty standard version, I prefer to substitute Reposado for the Tequila, Cointreau for Triple Sec, and Tajin for salt on the rim….makes for a much smokier tasting margarita and is my absolute go-to.

3. The Arnold Palmer (Half-and-Half)

Why it’s Par-Fect: This non-alcoholic beverage combines the best of both worlds—iced tea and lemonade. It’s a refreshing, hydrating choice for those aiming for a lighter round.

Origins: Named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who reportedly requested this mixture at a restaurant in the 1960s.

Recipe:

• 1 part Iced Tea

• 1 part Lemonade

• Lemon Wedge

• Ice

How to Make: Fill a glass with ice, pour in equal parts of iced tea and lemonade, give it a quick stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

4. The Clubhouse Bloody Mary

Why it’s a Mulligan Must-Have: A round of golf might leave you feeling like you need a pick-me-up, and the Bloody Mary steps up to the plate with its bold flavors and rejuvenating kick.

Origins: Its precise origin is murky, but it’s believed to have been created in the early 20th century, with varying tales of its birthplace.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz Vodka

• 3 oz Tomato Juice

• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice

• Dash of Worcestershire Sauce

• Dash of Hot Sauce

• Pinch of Salt and Pepper

• Celery Stalk (for garnish)

• Ice

How to Make: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and garnish with a celery stalk. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw a splash of A1 steak sauce in there as well. And if we’re being honest, I almost NEVER make my own base - instead subbing in any of the pre-made Bloody Mary mixes like Major Peters, Bloody Revolution, Zing Zang, Mr. & Mrs. T…..they are all pretty good and save a lot of work.

5. The 19th Hole Whiskey Sour

Why it’s an Ace: A smooth Whiskey Sour adds a touch of sophistication to the 19th hole. Its balance of sweet, sour, and whiskey warmth feels like a congratulatory toast for completing the round.

Origins: Dating back to the mid-19th century, this cocktail’s precise origins are debated, but it has stood the test of time.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Whiskey

• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup

• Lemon Wheel (for garnish)

• Ice

How to Make: Fill a shaker with ice, pour in the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

So, whether you're chasing birdies or bogeys on the golf course, these top 5 cocktails will be sure to elevate your game and your enjoyment. Remember, drink responsibly and never drink and drive—especially golf carts! Cheers to a round well played!

Some of our favorite Slo Mo Swings

Totally digging this Super Slo Mo. I know we’ve referenced it before, but Taylor Made is really ahead of the curve on the content game and sharing close-up info with their players.