CFB Traditions Meet Cocktail Traditions: Truitt’s at the Saturday Tailgate

In Florida, Saturdays in the fall belong to football. College towns come alive hours before kickoff—parking lots fill with tents, grills, and music while fans gather to celebrate their team. Whether it’s the roar of the UCF Knights, the sea of orange and blue in Gainesville, or the garnet and gold of the Seminoles, each game day carries its own traditions.

Tailgating is more than food and football. It's a ritual. It’s the shared plates of BBQ, the team chants, the decades-old family recipes, and the drinks raised in unison before heading into the stadium.

The Tradition of the Old-Fashioned

Just as football has its rituals, cocktails have theirs. The Old-Fashioned is one of the oldest and most enduring drinks in American history. Built on bourbon, bitters, sugar, and citrus, it represents balance, patience, and craft. It has been poured for presidents, served at speakeasies, and toasted in home kitchens for more than 200 years.

At first glance, a tailgate and an Old-Fashioned may seem at odds—one loud and raucous, the other quiet and measured. But both traditions value something important: gathering people together. One creates a sense of pride and belonging on game day. The other delivers comfort and flavor in a glass.

Bringing the Two Together

A bottle of Truitt’s works just as well in a stadium parking lot as it does at a dinner table. Made with 5-year bourbon, Grade A maple syrup, Madagascar vanilla beans, and a touch of citrus, Truitt’s doesn’t compromise on quality.

For fans setting up tents outside the stadium, Truitt’s is a practical (and elevated) choice. There’s no need to pack mixing tools, remember syrups, or hope someone knows the recipe. Instead, you can pour straight from the bottle over ice. Add a garnish if you’d like, and get back to the grill or the pregame conversation.

Why Truitt’s Belongs at the Tailgate

Tailgating is about maximizing time with friends and family before kickoff. Truitt’s facilitates this by taking the guesswork and effort out of bartending. Unlike canned cocktails that often lean too sweet, Truitt’s respects the tradition of a spirit-forward drink while staying smooth and approachable. It’s rich enough to please bourbon fans, but balanced enough for newcomers who want something other than beer.

Another benefit? Truitt’s is shareable. One bottle serves 8–10 cocktails, making it easy to pass around the tailgate. Guests can help themselves, freeing the host to focus on the grill, the music, or the next round of cornhole.

A Florida Twist on Tradition

Each of Florida’s major college teams has its own unique spirit. UCF brings youthful energy and a growing national presence. UF carries the legacy of SEC football, with storied rivalries and traditions. FSU combines history with intensity, where game day feels like a statewide holiday.

Truitt’s mirrors that variety. Want something refined to mark a rivalry win? Pour it neat. Looking for a refreshing sip in the Florida heat? Serve it over ice with a citrus garnish. Hosting friends who don’t usually drink whiskey? Truitt’s balanced flavor makes it approachable.

Whether you’re cheering for the Knights, Gators, Seminoles, or Hurricanes this fall, consider adding a new ritual to your game day. Pack the grill, bring the cooler, and don’t forget a bottle of Soldier City Spirits’ award-winning Old-Fashioned. With Truitt’s, every Saturday feels like a win. 

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