By Tina Cox: Fried gator and blue margaritas were perfect tailgate menu before win over Florida

Debbie and Lee Gresham host a pregame tailgate whenever UK plays football and had a lot of friends and family attending Saturday. (Jessica Kearney Photo)

They show up the night before the game to claim their spot. RVs are parked, awnings are pulled and tents are set up. They arrive many hours prior to kick-off. The grill is ignited, beer is chilled and chairs are unfolded. This is the life of a tailgater.

Strangers and friends gather together sharing food, drinks, and stories hours before kick-off. My lack of culinary skills and my unique ability to arrive 10 minutes before kick-off are probably the main reasons for my lack of participation.

This year I received an invitation to the tailgate hosted by Debbie and Lee Gresham of Harrodsburg before Kentucky’s game with Florida Saturday night which was extended by her niece, Jessica Kearney who is my co-worker.

I explained my difficulty is getting to Kroger Field on time and then the magic words “Blue Margaritas” were used. So, I wouldn’t have to cook anything. All I had to do was show up and drink a blue margarita. This was my idea of tailgating — and that was before I knew the game would turn out so special with UK beating Florida at home for the first time since 1986.

The Greshams have been season ticket holders for over 30 years. They have weathered the bad and celebrated the good — like fans storming the field after the Florida win. It has been a family tradition passed on from generation to generation.

The Greshams set up at least three hours prior to kick-off and everyone brings something. Usually, one person is assigned the main course and the fixings are brought by others. It is usually the same group of friends but Debbie welcomes all.

The menu for the Florida game included fried gator. Luckily Debbie was able to find some because I heard last week gator meat was a hard find in Kentucky. I was sent a picture and I must admit it looked like chicken.

Debbie was kind enough to share the Blue Margarita recipe (below).

“Many of my friends have tried the recipe but they do not turn out as good as mine. I tell them, it’s all in the attitude,” Debbie said.

The next time I am a spectator I will also be a tailgater. Debbie has an open invitation to all. I’ll even bring a side (probably from Danielle’s Drive Away Cafe in Danville) and I will partake in the blue margaritas.

If you are walking around Kroger Field, Debbie is tailgating off Alumni Drive at the arboretum end. Just look for the pitcher of blue margaritas.

* * *

Here’s the recipe. Hopefully, you can swing by your adult beverage store to pick up the ingredients and celebrate the Cats like everyone got to do Saturday night when Kentucky beat Florida.

Blue Margaritas
1 10 ounce can frozen margarita mix
3/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup blue curacao liqueur
2 tablespoons lime juice