Next weekend all eyes will focus on the city of Santa Clara. That is where the final game of the football season will take place. If you are rooting for Carolina then you should make the Keep Pounding Punch with the Dab On ‘Em Wings. If you want Denver to win enjoy the Orange Crush Punch and Bucking BBQ Bites.

If you have no horse or cat in the race then why not create the the Golden Gate cocktail. Bulleit Bourbon is deeply tied to the Bay Area through founder Tom Bulleit’s love for the city. In fact, Bulleit Rye was created in direct response to requests from the San Francisco bartending community. As always please enjoy responsibly.

The Golden Gate

Ingredients:

1.25 oz. Bulleit Rye

0.5 oz. blackberry syrup

2 dashes bitters

Directions: Add ingredients to an ice-filled rocks glass. Stir and serve.

Keep Pounding Punch (Serves 25)

*recipe created by Kevin Deidrich

Ingredients:

750 ml. Bottle of George Dickel Rye

10 oz. Lemon Juice

5 oz. Ginger Syrup

15 oz. Sparkling Water

7 tbsp. Simple Syrup

Muddled Raspberries

Muddled Mint leaves

Directions:

Mix ingredients in punch bowl, add muddled fruits, chill and serve with ice.

Dab On ‘Em Wings

Ingredients:

.3 cup Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

.3 cup Honey

.25 cup Soy sauce

2 Tablespoons Thai chili sauce

1 packet (0.75-ounce) stir-fry seasoning

2 teaspoons crushed garlic

4 pounds chicken wing drumettes

3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped (optional)

.25 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Directions: In a large bowl, combine whisky, honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, stir-fry seasoning, and garlic. Add drumettes, tossing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Set up grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking. Let drumettes stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place on hot, oiled grill. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and peanuts (optional).

Orange Crush Punch (Serves 6):

Ingredients:

9 oz. Captain Morgan Coconut Rum

9 oz. Orange juice

6 oz. Cranberry juice

3 oz. Ruby red grapefruit juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients including Captain Morgan Coconut Rum in a pitcher and stir.

Bucking BBQ Bites

*recipe created by George Johnson from The Comfort of Cooking

Chicken Recipe:

Nonstick cooking spray

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

8 oz. (half pound) bacon, cut into thirds

1/2 cup Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce (recipe below)

Toothpicks

Instructions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Wrap each chicken piece with a small strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on the baking sheet. Brush with BBQ sauce. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven, brush bites with more BBQ sauce, and return to oven. Bake for 15 more minutes. Serve warm.

Sauce Recipe:

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup chile sauce

1/2 cup Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 teaspoon ground dry mustard

Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until thickened as desired. Stir occasionally. Use immediately as you wish, or store in refrigerator until ready to use.