We’ve got an amazing Tennessee Vols game day cocktail you’ll love! The Big Orange Buzz is a bold moonshine drink with citrus and fizz, perfect for Tennessee football season. Serve it up at tailgates, watch parties, or anytime you’re celebrating a Vols win. It’s the ultimate sip of Big Orange pride — perfect for kicking off game day in true Vols style.
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Tennessee Football Traditions
When Tennessee football season arrives, Neyland Stadium is the place to be. More than 100,000 Vols fans pack the stands in checkerboard orange and white. They sing “Rocky Top” as Smokey leads the team onto the field. The energy is electric, and just like a Tennessee Vols game day cocktail, it’s all about Big Orange pride.
From tailgates to watch parties, Tennessee football traditions always include great food and drinks. The smell of smoky barbecue, spicy wings, and cheesy nachos fills the air. Coolers stay packed with ice-cold sips. When it’s time to raise a glass, this Vols game day cocktail takes center stage. The Big Orange Buzz is a bold, citrusy moonshine drink that belongs at every Big Orange celebration.
Going to the Game and Need a Place to Stay? 🏨
Heading to Neyland Stadium and want to be close to the action? Staying downtown makes game day even easier. Check out our guide to the best hotels in downtown Knoxville — perfect for Vols fans looking for comfort and convenience after cheering all day.
Tennessee Vols Game Day Cocktail
The Big Orange Buzz is more than a drink — it’s team spirit in a glass. Made with Ole Smoky Moonshine, this bold moonshine cocktail goes hand in hand with celebrating the Vols, watching the game, or simply enjoying a Tennessee football Saturday. Whether you’re tailgating or hosting a watch party, this Tennessee Vols game day cocktail is the ultimate toast to Big Orange pride.
Big Orange Buzz
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Rim a glass with sugar, if desired.2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.3. Add orange moonshine, triple sec, and orange juice.4. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.5. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.6. Top with lemon-lime soda.7. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Best served ice cold.
- Pair with BBQ nachos, hot chicken sliders, or wings for a true Tennessee spread.
- Try orange-pineapple or mango-orange juice for a tropical twist.
- Highball or rocks glasses both work great, but mason jars bring a Southern tailgate vibe.
- For big crowds, pour into plastic orange game day cups for an easy (and very on-theme) option.
- Double or triple the recipe for a shareable pitcher.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tipsy Tip 🍹
Want to cool things down? Blend your Big Orange Buzz with ice for a frozen twist, then top with lemon-lime soda. Perfect for those hot September game days!
Wanna Try Some Tennessee Moonshine? 🥃
Tastings are half the fun of Tennessee moonshine! If you want to sip your way through local favorites or stock up for your own moonshine cocktails, here are two easy places to start:
- 👉 Check out our Tennessee moonshine tastings experiences for the best spots to sample.
- 👉 Grab your Ole Smoky Moonshine here and mix up your own Big Orange Buzz at home.
Servin’ Up This Vols Game Day Cocktail
Servin’ up the Big Orange Buzz is just as fun as sipping it. This bold moonshine drink is best poured ice-cold into a sugar-rimmed glass for a fun twist. Pair it with BBQ nachos, spicy wings, or hot chicken sliders for the ultimate Tennessee Vols tailgate spread. And when it comes to watch parties, no table is complete without this Tennessee Vols game day cocktail alongside the chips and smoky dip.
🌲 Trekkn Trivia
Tennessee’s iconic checkerboard end zones first appeared at Neyland Stadium in 1964 under Coach Doug Dickey. Inspired by tradition and campus lore, the design has become one of the most recognizable sights in college football. Today, Tennessee football fans even join in with Checker Neyland, turning the stands orange and white for select games.
Happy Trekkn’ – Share Your Tennessee Football Fun
We’d love to see how you celebrate game day with the Tennessee Vols game day cocktail — the Big Orange Buzz! Snap a photo of your drink, your watch party setup, or your tailgate spread, and tag us @TennesseeTrekkn or use #TennesseeTrekkn. Let’s show off that Big Orange spirit all across Tennessee and beyond.
And don’t forget to comment below — tell us how you enjoy your Big Orange Buzz and your favorite Tennessee football game day traditions!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book or make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!