How To Enjoy Football Season Like A Pro

Fall is a time of transition. The leaves turn rich hues of auburn and brown, while the faces of football fans turn turquoise, orange, blue, purple, yellow and — well, you get the picture. From pee- wee to professional, from pep bands to pep talks, no sport captures our nation’s imagination quite like football.

Here’s a quick guide on how to enjoy this season like a pro.

The first thing you need to remember when tailgating — it’s a mindset, not a parking lot. Can’t make it to the game? As long as you have food, friends and fandom, anywhere can be a pre-game tailgate. No matter where you are, it’s important to drink responsibly. Here’s a simple solution — make tasty drinks that you’ll want to savor rather than chug.

“One of my absolute favorite fall cocktail ingredients is apple brandy, which is not a sugary liqueur but a full proof, barrel- aged spirit made from purely distilled apples,” says Tom Macy, head bartender and co-owner of The Clover Club located in Brooklyn, NY. “It’s great for spiking cider, hot or cold, and delicious when mixed in cocktails. Look for something higher proof that’s made in the US and use it the way you would whiskey.”

If you’re looking to try something new at your tailgate, try Tom’s Applejack Old Fashioned. It’s a simple riff on the classic Old Fashioned using 2 oz. apple brandy as the base, ½ teaspoon maple syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash aromatic bitters. For the full recipe, go to TomMacy.com.

Superstitions are what make sports so unique. Some of the oddest, zaniest traditions imaginable are taken as conventional, that is, if they help teams win.

“Before every home game in college, I would wake up and play the same song,” says D.C. Crenshaw, a former football player who is now the founder of Fete Lifestyle Magazine. “There were guys who wore the same shirt from high school under their uniforms or had their own choice of music. You just didn’t feel right if your ritual was off!”

Sometimes, superstitions can use a bit of tweaking. Take the time- honored approach of sports facial hair. Fans and players alike grow beautiful beards during a team’s hot streak, but might shave to switch it up if their favorite team is having trouble finding the end zone week in and week out. D.C. suggests trying out the BIC Flex 5 razor, which has an edging blade for precise control for any facial hair style you choose.

Whether you want to be fully shaved or sporting a playoff beard, you need the right tool for the job. For more information about the BIC Flex 5 Razor and additional ideas on how to smooth up, visit BicFlexRazors.com.

This football season, take your fandom to the next level by enjoying the season like a pro.