The Benchwarmer: The Ultimate Spicy Super Bowl Cocktail
It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday, and we’re all glued to the playoffs, hoping our teams make it to the big day. But for me, it’s not just about the game—it’s about what I’ll be eating and drinking while I watch. Every year, I shake up the menu a bit. While Bloody Marys and beers are staples in my house, this year I’m introducing a game-changer: The Benchwarmer.
This cocktail is inspired by the classic Wisconsin Bloody Beers (a mix of tomato juice and beer) but takes it to a whole new level with tequila, spicy Bloody Mary mix, jalapeños, and beer. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to score big points at your Super Bowl party.
So, without further ado, here’s how you can make this spicy, delicious cocktail and wow your guests!

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What Makes The Benchwarmer Special?
If you’re a fan of Bloody Marys, you’ll love how The Benchwarmer combines the bold, savory flavors of a classic Bloody Mary with the refreshing fizz of beer and the smoky kick of tequila.
While a full Bloody Mary bar is always a crowd-pleaser, this cocktail simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor, letting you enjoy the spicy goodness in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect way to bring the essence of a Bloody Mary to your Super Bowl party with a fun and unexpected twist!
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Tequila Twist: Muddled jalapeño slices with tequila give the drink a spicy, smoky edge.
- Bloody Mary Mix: A spicy version is key to creating the bold flavor profile.
- Beer: Your favorite beer ties everything together for a smooth and fizzy finish.
- Tahin Rim: A salty, spicy rim not only looks fantastic but enhances the overall flavor.

How to Customize Your Benchwarmer
If you love spice, consider using jalapeño tequila instead of muddling fresh jalapeños. It’s a time-saver and packs an extra punch. You can also experiment with garnishes like:
- Jalapeño-stuffed olives
- A slice of cucumber for a refreshing crunch
- Hot salami bites or chunks of cheese for an indulgent touch
The possibilities are endless, making this drink as fun to make as it is to drink!



Tips for Serving the Perfect Benchwarmer
- Use a Cold Glass: Chill your glass ahead of time to keep your cocktail refreshing.
- Pick the Right Beer: Light beers like lagers or pilsners work best, but feel free to experiment.
- Add a Touch of Flair: Rim your glass with lime and dip it in Tahin for a spicy, salty accent.

Appetizers That Pair Perfectly with The Benchwarmer
No Super Bowl party is complete without mouthwatering game day appetizers to enjoy alongside your drinks, and The Benchwarmer pairs beautifully with bold, savory bites. Here are three game-day favorites that will keep your guests coming back for more:
- Jumbo Jalapeño Poppers: The spicy kick of these cheesy, jalapeño-stuffed poppers is a natural match for the heat in The Benchwarmer. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for snacking. Try the recipe here.
- Hanky Pankies: These savory, cheesy sausage bites are a classic appetizer that’s hearty enough to stand up to the bold flavors of your cocktail. Plus, they’re easy to prep and serve. Check them out here.
- Potato Chip Chicken Bites: For a crispy, crunchy treat, these chicken bites coated in potato chips are a fantastic option. The salty crunch perfectly complements the spicy, tangy notes of The Benchwarmer. Get the recipe here.

Serve these alongside The Benchwarmer for an unforgettable lineup that will have your guests cheering, no matter what’s happening on the field!
Conclusion
The Benchwarmer is the perfect cocktail for Super Bowl Sunday, bringing together the best of Bloody Marys, beer, and tequila in one unforgettable drink.
It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether your team wins or loses, this drink will make your Super Bowl party a total success.
Cheers to touchdowns and tasty cocktails!

Benchwarmer
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Muddler If using regular Tequila
Ingredients
- 1 Oz Jalapeno Tequila Or regular tequila muddled with Jalapeno slices
- 3 Oz Spicy Bloody Mary Mix Use Spicy as you need the heat
- 1 12 oz Beer of your choice
Garnish
- 1 Lime To Rim the Glass
- 1 TB Tahin To dip the lime rimmed glass in
- 2 Jalapeno Stuffed Olives or Long Cucumber Spear Or both!
- 3 Slices Jalapenos to float on top
Instructions
- If you're not using Jalapeno Tequila you will need to muddle 3-4 slices of Jalapeno peppers with 1 Oz of Tequila in the bottom of your glass which has been rimmed with Tahin
- If you have purchased Jalapeno Tequila skip the above step and add Tequila, Spicy Bloody Mary Mix and one Beer in a prepared glass – stir
- Garnish with olives or a large spear of English cucumber which is cut to extend out of the glass- Enjoy!
Wow! Do I have to wait for the Super Bowl??? It’s 3:30 on a Thursday afternoon, by the time i finish making this it will be Happy Hour! Bottoms up!