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    Home » Dessert

    Tennessee Tailgate

    Published: Sep 13, 2012 · Modified: Aug 21, 2023 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click a link and purchase an item I’ve recommended. Thanks for your support in running this blog!

    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
    Smoky Mary Recipe - Barbecue Bible
    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!

    More Themed Tailgate Recipes

    Want to check out some recipes for other SEC teams? Search for your favorite team in the rest of my Tailgate Thursday posts:

    • Alabama Crimson Tide
    • Arkansas Razorbacks
    • Auburn Tigers
    • Florida Gators
    • Georgia Bulldogs
    • Kentucky Wildcats
    • LSU Tigers
    • Mississippi State Bulldogs
    • Missouri Tigers
    • Ole Miss Rebels
    • South Carolina Gamecocks
    • Texas A&M Aggies
    • Vanderbilt Commodores

    Don't forget to tag me and the recipe authors and show off your game day tailgate spread!

    More Dessert

    • Blueberry Turnovers on a wooden serving platter.
      Blueberry Turnovers
    • Mississippi State Tailgate
    • Texas A&M Tailgate
    • Mizzou Tailgate

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelly Wynns says

      September 13, 2012 at 6:34 pm

      How could I forget?!? "the only good thing to come out if TN is Kenny Chesney!"

      Reply

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    Welcome!

    I'm Dianna and I've been creating & sharing easy recipes with a fresh twist for 14 years!

    More about me

    Popular

    • A large skillet filled with Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta with a yellow and white striped dish towel underneath.
      Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta
    • Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable Soup via The Kitchen Prep. An easy and flavorful meal for a cold day!
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    • Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet on a dark green surface with a striped kitchen towel beside it.
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    • A pavlova nest with coconut custard filling sprinkled with coconut flakes and drizzled with chocolate.
      Mini Pavlova Nests

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    • Vanilla Bean Citrus Bars! A crisp, shortbread crust is topped with a layer of sweet, citrusy filling speckled with fragrant vanilla beans. These are the stuff of potluck dreams!
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