Gathering together for the big game? Hosts with the most shouldn’t overlook the importance of putting fresh, filtered water on their game day drinks checklist. Hydration is so important when you’re passionate about your team. But filtered water also makes better ice and is the key ingredient in mocktails and other delicious beverages that are sure to secure your title as a super host. Let’s take a look.
Better ice Starts with Better Water
Ice can dramatically affect the flavor of water. Impurities, “freezer funk,” and even a faulty ice maker can all produce ice that negatively impacts the taste of your favorite water-based drinks.
The best water for ice, according to appliance experts, is water free from impurities. Filtered water fulfills this need, eliminating numerous impurities that can make ice cubes cloudy and visibly unappealing, and improves their flavor immeasurably.
If your freezer or combo appliance has a built-in ice maker, filtered water can prolong the life of the internal freezer filters. Cleaner water also reduces how often you need to clean ice compartments.
Mocktail + Cocktail Upgrades
Every game day needs drinks suitable for all. Your favorite mocktail recipes, from fruit-infused waters to no-rum “Nojitos,” ensure guests of all ages are catered to. Filtered water makes these hydrating beverages taste better, and it provides the peace of mind that you’re offering a cleaner, healthier option.
Here are a few quick mocktail recipes to try:
· Antioxidant-rich blueberry water: Fill a third of a clean pitcher with juicy blueberries and top up with filtered still or sparkling water. Ideally, refrigerate overnight for maximum blueberry flavor.
· Citrus spritz mocktail: Blend orange juice, filtered sparkling water, and a spoonful of marmalade or orange jam and decant into champagne flutes. Garnish with ice and a twist of orange.
· Cucumber-lime cooler: When the game heats up, cool down with this fruity burst of freshness. Line a glass with long, thin strips of cucumber. Add ice, sparkling water, and three lightly squeezed lime wedges. Garnish with mint, and for a margarita-style finish, run one of the lime wedges around the rim of the glass.
While the cold weather still holds sway, you might want to bring out some holiday infusion inspiration to make your game day celebrations even more festive. Flavors like cinnamon and orange add a warm glow to your sporty gathering.
Why not set up a build-your-own-drink mocktail station for your guests? Picture pitchers of perfectly filtered still and sparkling water, a bucket of fresh ice, and a range of fruits, syrups, and other flavors alongside garnishes and pre-mixed favorites. A great way to keep all your guests happy and hydrated.
Easy Hosting Wins
Super hosts keep their guests hydrated by offering easy refill options. The mocktail station is just one innovative idea for game day drinks. You can also have a handy table for pre-filled pitchers or single-serve drinks. Keep your refill station close to the action, so no one misses a single throw, kick, or tackle.
Refills are also easier when you invest in countertop water dispensers that produce still or sparkling water at the push of a button. The Brio 630 3-Stage Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Dispenser produces cold, hot, or room temperature water as needed, so you can even use it for instant coffee, teas, and other warming beverages. Offer even more options with the Brio Q60 4-Stage RO Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser, which also creates delicious sparkling water in an instant, perfect for those mocktail recipes.
Other filtration options ideal for busy hosts include undersink systems. Kitchen prep becomes safer when you know every drop from your faucet is filtered and clean. In addition to being the best water for ice, filtered water is the healthier option for washing vegetables, cooking noodles, and many other cooking tasks.
You can even opt for water coolers with built-in ice makers. The Brio Moderna Ice Dispenser & Bottom Load Water Cooler, for example, can produce up to 24 lbs. of ice per day, making it ideal for those big game day parties.
Big sports events are the perfect excuse for family and friends to get together. In fact, research suggests that major games prompt over 121 million people to host or attend parties, with far fewer now choosing to watch the game from a bar or restaurant.
Make your game day drinks and food unforgettable. Invest in filtered water for ice and the best game-day drinks. Shop ice-ready hydration and find the right system for your space at Brio.
