March Madness is all about the unexpected buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and shocking upsets that leave basketball fans speechless. This year’s tournament was no exception, with underdog teams pulling off incredible victories against higher seeds. To celebrate these thrilling moments, we’re bringing the excitement to your glass with handcrafted cocktail recipes inspired by the biggest upsets of the tournament, all featuring premium spirits from Coppercraft Distillery. Whether you’re raising a glass to your bracket-busting favorite or drowning the sorrows of a lost bet (ouch), these drinks are the perfect game-day companion.
Men’s Tournament Upsets
McNeese Mule (Inspired by No. 12 McNeese defeating No. 5 Clemson)
McNeese shocked the basketball world by pulling off a thrilling first-round win over Clemson. Just like their scrappy determination, this take on a classic Moscow Mule delivers a bold and refreshing kick.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Vodka
- .75 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- .5 oz honey syrup (to sweeten the surprise)
- Dash of orange bitters
- Lime wedge & mint sprig (for garnish)
Fill a copper mug with ice. Add Coppercraft Vodka, lime juice, and honey syrup. Top with ginger beer and a dash of orange bitters. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.
Drake’s Blue Bourbon Smash (Inspired by No. 11 Drake defeating No. 6 Missouri)
Drake University’s Bulldogs pulled off a stunner against Missouri, proving they belong in the big dance. This cocktail pays homage to their school colors with fresh blueberries and a refreshing bourbon base.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- .75 oz simple syrup
- 5-6 fresh blueberries
- 4-5 mint leaves
- Club soda (to top)
- Blueberries & mint sprig (for garnish)
Muddle blueberries and mint in a shaker. Add Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a few blueberries and a mint sprig.
Women’s Tournament Upset
Oregon Overtime (Inspired by No. 10 Oregon defeating No. 7 Vanderbilt in OT)
Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, just like the Duck’s relentless energy that led them to a thrilling overtime victory.
- 2 oz Coppercraft Gin
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- .75 oz honey syrup
- .5 oz Aperol
- Sparkling water (to top)
- Grapefruit twist (for garnish)
Add Coppercraft Gin, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and Aperol to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
There’s no better way to celebrate (or commiserate) than with a carefully crafted cocktail. Coppercraft Distillery’s premium spirits bring the perfect balance of boldness and smoothness, just like the teams that make March Madness so unpredictable and exciting.
So, grab your Coppercraft bottle of choice, mix up one of these game-winning cocktails, and toast to the madness. Cheers to another year of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments on the court!
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