The Pickletini & The Trashcan
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Team Spirits: Tailgate Toasts from Tiger Town to Five Points

Story by Bailey Gilliam

In South Carolina, tailgating is practically a sport of its own. And just like the football teams we rally behind, our game day drinks are bold, loud and fiercely loyal. Whether you bleed orange for the Tigers or rock with the Gamecocks, there’s a signature cocktail that pairs perfectly with your team spirit.


Clemson Tigers: The Pickletini

Let’s not overthink it. The Pickletini is exactly what it sounds like: vodka, pickle juice and a pickle on top. It’s salty. It’s simple. And somehow, it works. It’s been a fan favorite at Tiger Town Tavern for years where it’s served straight up in a martini glass with all the confidence of a two-score lead. Whether you’re a longtime Tigers fan or just tagging along for the tailgate, this is the shot-glass dare that turns into a tradition.

Clemson Tigers: The Pickletini

Ingredients 

2.5 ounces vodka

1 ounce pickle juice

Pickle spear, for garnish

Directions 

[1] Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka and pickle juice.

[2] Shake until it’s nice and cold, then strain into a martini glass.

[3] Garnish with a pickle spear. Bonus points if you raise it like a victory flag.


South Carolina Gamecocks: The Trashcan

This one’s not for sipping. It’s for starting the night strong and possibly forgetting the second half. The Trashcan has been a rite of passage in Columbia for decades, known for its chaotic mix of booze, bright blue color and the Red Bull can sticking out of the top as a warning. Served at Breakers (the bar formerly known as Dr. Rocco’s), this frozen monster doesn’t play around. Drink at your own risk. 

South Carolina Gamecocks - The Trashcan

Ingredients 

1 ounce vodka

1 ounce gin

1 ounce rum

1 ounce triple sec

1 ounce blue curacao

1/2 ounce peach schnapps

1 can Red Bull

Directions 

[1] Start with blue curacao in the bottom of a tall glass and pack it with ice.

[2] Add vodka, gin, rum, triple sec and peach schnapps.

[3] Tip the Red Bull can upside down into the drink and leave it there. Then cross your fingers and drink fast.

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