The wait is over. NFL Wild Card Weekend kicks off this Saturday, January 10th, and six elimination games will decide who moves on to the Divisional Round. Whether you are hosting a watch party in Hamilton, catching the games at home in Niagara Falls, or gathering with friends anywhere across the Niagara region, having the right drinks on hand makes every touchdown taste sweeter. This weekend features some of the most exciting matchups of the season. The Packers are heading to Chicago for a classic rivalry game. The Bills are looking to make a deep playoff run. And Monday night brings the Texans to Pittsburgh in what promises to be a hard-fought battle. With games spread across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, you have three full days of football ahead. Here is everything you need to stock your cooler and bar cart for Wild Card Weekend.
The Complete Wild Card Weekend Schedule
Before you plan your drinks, know when to have them ready: Saturday, January 10
- Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers — 4:30 PM ET (FOX)
- Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears — 8:00 PM ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 11
- Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars — 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
- San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles — 4:30 PM ET (FOX)
- Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots — 8:00 PM ET (NBC)
Monday, January 12
- Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers — 8:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC)
That is six games over three days. If you are planning to watch them all, you will want to stock up now rather than making multiple trips to the store.
Best Beers for Playoff Football
Nothing pairs better with football than ice-cold beer. For a weekend packed with games, variety is key. You want options that appeal to everyone in your crew. Corona Extra — Light, crisp, and perfect for long afternoons of football. Add a lime wedge and you have the ultimate casual drink that goes down easy through four quarters of action. Domestic Classics — Stock up on Canadian favourites that keep everyone happy. These are the beers that disappear fastest at any watch party, so grab an extra case just in case. For Wild Card Weekend, plan on roughly one drink per person per hour of football. With games running from Saturday afternoon through Monday night, that adds up quickly. A good rule of thumb is two to three cases for a group of eight to ten people watching multiple games together.
Tequila and Cocktails for the Win
Beer is great, but sometimes you want something with a little more kick — especially when your team scores a crucial touchdown or pulls off an incredible fourth-quarter comeback. Tequila shots are a playoff tradition in many households. Keep a bottle ready for those big moments. Patrón Silver — Smooth enough to sip, clean enough to shoot. This is premium tequila that makes celebrations feel special. Casamigos Blanco — One of the most popular tequilas in North America right now. Its slightly sweet profile makes it incredibly easy to drink, whether straight or mixed. Casamigos Reposado — Aged in oak barrels for a richer, smoother taste. Perfect for those who want to savour their tequila between plays. 1800 Reposado — A solid mid-range option that delivers great flavour without breaking the bank. Ideal for mixing margaritas or enjoying on the rocks.
Quick Playoff Margarita Recipe
When your team takes the lead, shake up a quick margarita to celebrate: Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- Salt for rimming
- Ice
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with salt
- Combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice
- Shake for 15 seconds
- Strain into your glass over fresh ice
- Enjoy the victory
Vodka for the Long Haul
With three days of football ahead, vodka gives you endless mixing options. A good vodka and some basic mixers can get you through the entire Wild Card Weekend without repeating the same drink twice. Tito’s Handmade Vodka — American-made and incredibly smooth. Tito’s has become a fan favourite for a reason — it mixes well with almost anything and tastes great on its own. Absolut Vodka — A reliable classic that has been a bar staple for decades. Clean taste, versatile mixing, and consistent quality every time. Smirnoff No. 21 — Budget-friendly without sacrificing flavour. When you are making drinks for a crowd, Smirnoff delivers solid quality at a price that makes sense. Stolichnaya — For those who appreciate a traditional Russian vodka with a bit more character. Slightly peppery finish that stands out in cocktails. Simple vodka sodas, screwdrivers, or vodka cranberries are easy to make during commercial breaks and keep you refreshed through overtime if it comes to that.
Whiskey for the Serious Fans
Some games call for something stronger. When the stakes are high and your team is fighting for their playoff lives, whiskey hits different. J.P. Wiser’s Deluxe — Canadian whisky at its finest. Smooth, approachable, and perfect for sipping neat or mixing with cola. This is the kind of whisky you want on hand when the game goes down to the wire. Pour it neat, add a single ice cube, or mix it with your favourite cola. Either way, J.P. Wiser’s is a solid choice for any football fan looking to enjoy the playoffs properly.
Cognac for Celebrating Big Wins
When your team pulls off the upset or dominates from start to finish, sometimes you need something special to mark the occasion. Hennessy — The go-to cognac for celebrations. Rich, smooth, and unmistakably premium. Pour a glass after a big win and savour the moment.
How Much Should You Order?
Here is a quick guide based on your watch party size and how many games you plan to catch:
| Group Size | One Game | Full Weekend (6 Games) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 people | 12-18 beers + 1 bottle spirits | 3-4 cases beer + 2-3 bottles spirits |
| 8-10 people | 24-30 beers + 1-2 bottles spirits | 5-6 cases beer + 3-4 bottles spirits |
| 12-15 people | 36-48 beers + 2 bottles spirits | 7-8 cases beer + 4-5 bottles spirits |
Remember to keep mixers, ice, and snacks in mind too. Nothing ruins a watch party faster than running out of supplies during crunch time.
Delivery Across the Niagara Region and Hamilton
The best part about Wild Card Weekend? You do not have to leave your couch to stock up. With alcohol delivery to Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Burlington, and everywhere in between, your drinks come to you. Hosting in Welland or Thorold? We deliver there too. Watching the games from Grimsby or Stoney Creek? Same deal. Our 24-hour delivery means you can order right now and have everything ready before Saturday’s first kickoff. Or if you realize mid-game that you need reinforcements, we can get drinks to your door fast — often within the hour.
Do Not Miss a Single Play
Wild Card Weekend only happens once a year. Six games. Six chances to watch incredible football. And potentially, six elimination games that send teams home for the offseason. Make sure you are ready. Stock up on beer, grab your favourite tequila or vodka, and settle in for the best weekend of football until the Super Bowl. Ready to order? Call or text (416) 627-7846 or browse our full menu to get your Wild Card Weekend drinks delivered. The playoffs start Saturday — make sure your cooler is full before kickoff.
