Few things bring Toronto together like playoff hockey. When spring arrives and the NHL post-season gets underway, bars fill up early, Maple Leaf Square gets loud, and living rooms across the GTA turn into watch-party headquarters. Playoff nights are also unpredictable: a game can be over in two and a half hours or stretch into double overtime past midnight. That is great for the drama and hard on the host’s drink supply.
Here is how to plan drinks and snacks for a playoff watch party that lasts as long as the game does.
How long is a playoff hockey game?
A regulation NHL game usually takes about two and a half to three hours with intermissions. In the playoffs, ties are settled with full 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods instead of a shootout, so a close game can easily run past four hours. Plan your drinks for the long version; you can always save leftovers for the next round.
How much to buy
For a typical playoff watch party, plan on about one drink per guest per period, plus one or two extra for pre-game and intermissions. That works out to roughly four to five drinks per guest for a regulation game.
- 6 guests: one 24-pack plus a few extras, or a 24-pack and a bottle of whisky for highballs.
- 12 guests: two 24-packs plus a bottle of spirits.
- Overtime insurance: keep one extra 12-pack in the fridge. If the game goes long, you will be glad you did.
Hosting a bigger crowd? The math in our Super Bowl party drinks guide works for any long game night.
The beer: Canadian classics and easy-drinking lagers
Hockey and Canadian beer go together. Keep it simple, cold and familiar:
- Molson Canadian: the definitive hockey-night lager, crisp and clean.
- Laker Ice: a budget-friendly Ontario favourite with a little more strength. See how it compares in Laker Ice vs. Molson Canadian.
- Coors Light and Budweiser: light, steady options for a long night.
- Heineken or Stella Artois: a little more flavour for guests who want an import.
Want to know more about Canada’s beer styles? Our guide to Canadian beers covers the classics.
One signature drink: the Canadian whisky highball
If you want something besides beer, a whisky highball is the easiest crowd-pleaser and very Canadian.
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add 1.5 oz Crown Royal, Canadian Club or J.P. Wiser’s.
- Top with ginger ale or soda water and a squeeze of lemon.
Set out the whisky, ice, mixers and lemon wedges at a self-serve station so you don’t miss a goal. If you are curious about other mixers, see what to mix with Canadian Club or our list of Canadian whiskies to try.
Snacks for every period
Pace your food the same way the game is paced. It keeps energy up and slows down the drinking.
Pre-game
Chips and dip, a veggie tray, pretzels and a cheese board. Easy things guests can graze on while they find a seat.
First intermission
The main event: wings, sliders, pizza or a big tray of nachos. Spicy and salty food goes perfectly with crisp lager.
Second intermission
Poutine is the obvious Canadian choice. Oven fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy are easy to make for a crowd.
Overtime
Something sweet: butter tarts, Nanaimo bars or cookies. And make sure there is plenty of water on the table.
Host tips for playoff nights
- Arrange the room first. Make sure everyone can see the screen and reach a drink without walking in front of it.
- Use coolers with ice water near the seating so guests aren’t heading to the kitchen every few minutes.
- Keep the volume up during intermissions for the highlights, but have music ready for between games of a doubleheader.
- Have alcohol-free options: sodas, sparkling water and a few non-alcoholic beers.
- Plan rides home. Late overtime finishes are exactly when people are tempted to drive after drinking. Arrange transit, rideshare or a couch before puck drop.
Running low in the third period?
If the game goes long or more friends show up than expected, Instabooze delivers beer, whisky and wine across Toronto and the GTA, usually in about 30 minutes within the city. You can order by phone or WhatsApp without leaving the couch. See our beer selection or the full menu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beer for a hockey watch party?
Crisp, easy-drinking lagers work best over a long game. Molson Canadian, Coors Light and Budweiser are popular, with an import like Heineken for variety.
How many drinks should I plan per guest for a hockey game?
About one drink per guest per period plus one or two extra, so four to five per guest. Add a reserve for overtime.
Can I get beer delivered late at night in Toronto?
Yes. Instabooze offers after-hours alcohol delivery across Toronto and the GTA. You must be 19 or older and show valid ID.
Win or lose, playoff hockey is better with friends, good food and a fridge that doesn’t run dry. You can follow the schedule on the NHL’s official site, and if you need a refill mid-game, we’ve got you covered.
