Tennessee Tailgate - The Kitchen Prep Blog

Tennessee Tailgate recipes and cocktails! These appetizers, sweet treats & drinks are perfect for a Tennessee Volunteers game day!

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There's nothing quite like a Tennessee Tailgate! I know this personally... my husband and I got to have the full Volunteers game day experience last year and boy did we have a good time!

From taking your tailgate to the water and joining the "Vol Navy" to your first time viewing those blazing orange and white checkerboard end zones on the field, a Tennessee game day is one you won't soon forget!

Today, I'm sharing a host of fun Tennessee game day recipes to round out your Saturday menu!

Jump to:

Tennesee Football Facts
Tennessee Tailgate Food
More Themed Tailgate Recipes

Tennesee Football Facts

Let’s get to know a little more about the Tennessee Volunteers:

Location: The University of Tennessee is located in Knoxville, Tennessee
Stadium: Neyland Stadium
Mascot: Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound
Team Colors: Orange and White
Team Saying or Chant: "Go Vols!"
Marching Band: The Pride of the Southland Band
Fight Song: "Down the Field" (Nope, it's not "Rocky Top", although you'll hear that song a whole lot!)

Tennessee Tailgate Food

Whether you're cheering or jeering for Florida, you won't be able to help yourself when it comes to the tailgate eats!

On our tailgate menu for an Florida game day features:

Cocktails: Smoky Mary Cocktail & Tennessee Volunteer Jell-O Shots
Appetizers: Big Orange Smokeys with Checkerboard Relish & Hot Honey Peach Bruschetta
Desserts: Orange Creamsicle Cake & Chocolate Whiskey Cupcakes

Smoky Mary Recipe - Barbecue Bible

Carry on the Smokey theme and start your game day with a Smoky Mary! Spicy with a subtle smokiness from mezcal, this tailgate cocktail is a real eye opener.

Check out this recipe

Tennessee Volunteer Jell-O Shots - Easy Drinks and Appetizers

These orange and white Jell-O Shots just scream "Rocky Top"! Make them for your tailgate and watch the jiggles turn to giggles.

Check out this recipe

Big Orange Smokeys + Checkerboard Relish - Buy This Cook That

Sweet & spicy, these smoked sausages are served with a fun "checkerboard" relish that is on-theme for a Tennessee tailgate!

Check out this recipe

Big Orange Smokeys + Checkerboard Relish - Buy This Cook That

Hot Honey Peach & Brie Bruschetta

Not only does this bruschetta add a touch of elegance to your tailgate, but the peach works perfectly with the Volunteers color palette!

Check out this recipe

Hot Honey Peach & Brie Bruschetta! Ripe, diced peaches tossed with fresh basil, placed atop warm brie & drizzled with spicy honey on a hearty crispbread. The flavor of summer!

Orange Creamsicle Cake - Dessert Now Dinner Later

This light and citrusy Orange Creamsicle Cake features the Volunteers team colors and comes together in no time with the help of cake mix!

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Whiskey Cupcakes

Tennessee Whiskey is the star of the show in these boozy, chocolatey cupcakes that you'll want to save for the 21+ crowd!

Check out this recipe

A chocolate whiskey cupcake balanced on top of a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey.

Game Day Essentials

When you're going all in on team spirit, you want to have the best team-themed items at your tailgate! I've curated some of my favorite Tennessee Volunteers tailgating supplies to make your spot stand out!

Looking to elevate your tailgate in a more neutral way? Check out my Game Day Shop where I share my tailgating must-haves!