With the weather making a turn for the colder, it’s time we say goodbye to those lovely patio get-togethers and outdoor parties in favor of something that’s a bit more cozy and indoors. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to translate your favorite late spring/summer outdoor activities to something inside. That also includes the drinks and beverages that accompany you and your friends as well. So, don’t fear the dropping temps, but rather get creative and plan your next cold weather get-together with one of these ideas in mind.
Sports Watch Party
Baseball might be wrapping up for the year, but the NFL just entered its second month of games, and both the NBA and NHL are just about to start. An easy idea is to host an indoor tailgate party. With a bucket of Bud Light or Michelob Ultra in hand, turn your living room into a fan cave and supply both the drinks and eats while you and your friends cheer on your favorite team!
If it’s a noon NFL start, grab a 4 pack of Cutwater Bloody Mary or Nutrl Vodka Seltzer Orange for your pre-game brunch. We’ve heard some people say that the Nutrl Vodka Seltzer Orange is a great sub for a Mimosa. Just crack and go with these great home bar options!
Movie Night
We covered movie and beer pairings a few months ago, so check that out here for some specific ideas – but the concept still remains the same. In addition, spice it up with some themed ideas. Sports movie night, horror (Halloween is indeed coming up – pair some spooky movies with Elysium’s Night Owl, a delicious pumpkin beer or Ommegang’s All Hallow’s Treat, an imperial chocolate peanut butter stout). If it’s just you and a loved one, why not create a movie dinner night. Pair a Stella Artois with a multi course meal and top it off with a movie. Holidays are coming up, why not pair a beer with your favorite holiday movie. Here’s an easy one – Brewdog created a pecan and toffee stout based on the classic movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. It’s a fun way to spice up with typical movie watching. Drinks & Movies
A Night Out
Insist on leaving your house? Chicago has a near infinite amount of things to do indoors during colder months. Bars have sports watch parties, or restaurants have tastings or beer dinners. The key is keep your ear to the ground to find something that might interest you and your friends. An easy way to do this is to follow the Lakeshore Beverage Instagram to keep tabs on any fun and interesting indoor events happening this season.
Game Night
Ditch the screen altogether for some games with your friends and family. Tabletop games like Monopoly, Battleship, Uno, Trivial Pursuit, Jenga, or even Dungeons and Dragons. Or, don’t forget about active games like Charades or Twister – gather your friends and enjoy a night in with some beers and food. We recommend doing a selection of make ahead snacks so the host can equally enjoy the night with their guests. Grab some sessionable IPAs like Founders All Day, a twist on lagers like Stone Buenaveza, or something classic like Budweiser or Bud Light so you can play late into the evenings. Salty snacks are the perfect accompaniment for beers like these so grab your favorite chips or pretzels.
If you’re in for a long session of some tabletop role playing however, immerse yourself with some ales, stouts, or porters. There are so many to choose from but sharing a vintage Goose Island Bourbon County Stout with your companions is a great way to get loose. Founders Porter or Dirty Bastard is also a great choice. You’ll want something pretty hearty for drinks like these – get creative with a chili or stew to really feel like you’ve just made camp to rest.