If your Georgia Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after their first regular season loss in ages, but need to do so against a feisty traditional rival, you could probably use a drink.
I can help you with that.
I am still having a hard time figuring out what to make of this Auburn team. On the one hand, they are 2–3 after playing five home games, have yet to win the turnover battle in any of those, and at times have looked practically shambolic. Hugh Freeze is giving press conferences that are by turns defensive and passive aggressive.
On the other, Jarquez Hunter is arguably the most talented tailback in the SEC, the defensive line is very talented, and the receivers show a ton of potential. The Plainsmen are a respectable 5th in the SEC in passing offense and ahead of Georgia in both rushing offense and total offense. Auburn leads the nation is pass plays of 40+ yards with 12, and it ain’t even that close (Colorado is second with a mere 8). Most of the time, this Auburn squad is working. But when it isn’t, the results have been disastrous.
My default assessment when I see talented football players making sporadic, costly mistakes is that it comes down to coaching. But frankly this Auburn team also sits in the middle of the road in the SEC in penalties, and their special teams play has been okay. Freshman placekicker Towns McGough has been perfect on extra points, and while he’s last in the SEC in field goal percentage, two of his three misses have come from outside 50 yards.
In short, I can’t rely on this Auburn team. It’s so bad I can’t even trust them to be consistently bad. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Orange and Blue are coming in to Athens to play spoiler, and won’t go down without a fight. There’s also the chance that in their first road contest of the season that they fall apart even more than they have in Jordan-Hare. Who knows?
So what is the drink for the game that has you wondering which of Hugh Freeze’s Jekyll and Hyde teams will show up? The Hugh-garita.
It’s a sophisticated twist on the classic margarita, one which is perfect for a warm Saturday afternoon Between the Hedges.
I love a traditional margarita as much as the next ‘Dawg. But recently I’ve also come to appreciate the earthy, slightly smoky flavor of mezcal in a margarita. I find it brings a unique quality to the typically tequila-based margarita. Throw in some fresh strawberries, and you wind up with a winning balance of sweet, tart, and a hint of smokiness. You’ll need:
- 2 lime wedges
- 3 strawberries, hulled and halved, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp. agave syrup
- 2 oz. mezcal
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 3⁄4 oz. fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt or coarse sea salt, for glass
- Ice
Begin by placing the salt on a shallow plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip the edge into the salt to coat the rim.
Next, muddle the strawberries with the agave syrup. Add the mezcal, cointreau, and lime juice. Fill the glass with ice and stir to combine. Garnish with a strawberry and lime wedge.
Enjoy responsibly, and….
Go ‘Dawgs!!!