Whether you are a horse enthusiast, love antique cars, or adore a road tour, tailgating has become a competitive event in itself! And why not? Tailgating in the fresh fall air is elegance at its easiest.  Chat with friends, old and new, check out your neighbor’s menu, and toast your team — it’s all part of the festivities. Tailgating is the sideline competition, so polish the silver, press the linen, and show off in grand style!

Proper tailgates serve bite-size hors d’oeuvres, interesting dips, cheeses, and tidbits.  The culinary compulsories include touring with one hand free for canapés while the other wraps your Stirrup Cup or other beverage. A little planning and cooking in advance make race day easy since all the food will be prêt-a-manger – served chilled or at field temperature. Besides the nibbling menu, your beverage is extremely important. It is your signature drink for the day and constant companion on your social and alimentary rounds.

You want to serve a drink isn’t too sweet, but one that is light enough to sip all day.

A stirrup cup is really the “parting cup” that is given to each foxhunter whose feet have left the ground and settled in the stirrups, ready to ride. The cups themselves are wonderfully distinctive.  Most often they are silver cups resting atop a fox head.  To make your own…

Stirrup Cups
Makes 8 drinks

What you need:
1 cup (8-ounces) brandy
1 cup (8-ounces) cherry brandy
Juice of 4 lemons
2 ½ tablespoons bar or super fine sugar

What you do:
Shake all the ingredients with ice and pour over ice cubes into old-fashioned glasses.