From Kickoff to S’mores:  Georgia Football Evenings by the Fire Pit

This month we are heading to Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.  Whether you are joining the crowds, celebrating from your backyard or warming up by the fire pit after the game, we are bringing the traditions, flavors and gatherings that make college football season so special to you.

Before the game, Athens is humming with anticipation.  As fans arrive for the weekend they head downtown to Creature Comforts Brewery to enjoy a craft beer with friends and soak up the ambiance of a Bulldog Football weekend.

After a beer there is no better way to start the weekend than around the fire pit with friends.  The warm glow sets the mood for a weekend kickoff party.  We suggest grilling some appetizers and toasting the Dawgs under the Georgia stars-the perfect connection before kick-off.

Saturday morning, Athens transforms into a sea of tents, fans, flags and tailgates.  Georgia fans go all out with gourmet spreads and coolers stocked for the day.

Before heading toward Sanford Stadium, many fans stop by The Pine in Five Points for Saturday brunch – think shrimp & grits, omelets and a round of mimosas-the perfect pregame bite.

Later in the afternoon, Bar Bruno is a favorite stop for an elegant yet relaxed vibe, it’s known for its excellent wines and refreshing Aperol Spritzes.  It is ideal for sipping while catching up with friends before the Dawgs take the field.

Georgia’s Game Day Cocktail:  The Georgia Peach Gin Fizz

Inspired by Georgia’s signature fruit, the peach.

Ingredients:

2 oz gin

1 oz peach puree

½ oz fresh lemon juice

½ oz simple syrup

2 oz sparkling water

Garnish: fresh peach slice and mint sprig

In a shaker with ice, combine gin, peach nectar, lemon juice and simple syrup.  Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice.  Then top with club soda and garnish with a peach slice and mint.

Georgia Game Day Appetizer:  Pimento Cheese Slider

Ingredients:

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

½ cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

½ cup mayonnaise

4 oz diced pimentos, drained

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Hawaiian Slider Buns

Combine cheeses, mayonnaise, pimentos and paprika in a bowl until creamy then spread mixture on slider buns.  Warm briefly over grill wrapped in foil until goey and golden.

After the game, fans return to their home, light their Seasons Fire Pit, relive the highlights, pass around the s’mores and toast to another Georgia win.