For many Americans, autumn means that it’s time to start with one of the country’s favorite traditions: tailgating.
Before football games, whether played at the collegiate or professional level, a time-honored tradition in this North American country is to meet up with friends to drink and eat before kickoff. This beloved ritual is known as tailgating.
The quirky name for this tradition comes from the back part of vehicles, which are typically gathered into a circle and opened in order to prepare and serve food and drinks.
Fans often meet up hours before the start of the game to break out their grills and begin preparing traditional dishes such as grilled chicken, barbecue pork, and hamburgers before the event begins.
Tailgaters usually enjoy typical pre-game beverages as well. Beer is a favorite, with old favorites like Coors Light and Budweiser gradually being mixed with and replaced by craft beers from microbreweries throughout the country. Liquor and mixed drinks are often seen as well, with whiskey-based cocktails being a tailgate favorite.
This social event and food feast is undoubtedly one of the United States’ most interesting culinary traditions. If you ever find yourself in America and have the opportunity to attend a tailgate, don’t pass it up!
