Game Day with Canada Dry

Spicy, zesty, smoky, sweet — you name the flavor and there’s a dry rub that will suit your tastes and that will have your guests oohing and aahing after every bite.
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Game Day with Canada Dry

Spicy, zesty, smoky, sweet — you name the flavor and there’s a dry rub that will suit your tastes and that will have your guests oohing and aahing after every meaty bite. Check out a few of our favorites (each makes roughly 1 cup of rub):

Sweet Heat: 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons paprika, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon table salt.

Asian-Style:  1/2 cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tablespoon table salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons white pepper and 1 teaspoon dry mustard.

Smoky:  1/2 cup smoked paprika, 4 tablespoons ancho chile powder, 4 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1 teaspoon table salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Mexican-Style:  1/4 cup dried oregano leaves (crushed), 3 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon cumin, 5 teaspoons garlic salt and 4 teaspoons chili powder.

Whisk all of your spices together in a small bowl, then shower all sides of your cut of meat with an even layer of dry rub. Whatever sticks is what you stick with — no need to massage the rub into the meat.

Keep in mind that you can’t judge a rub by its raw flavor. Spice blends taste quite different after mixing with the natural flavors of the meat and the heat of the grill. So, even if you’re not a fan of, say, oregano, you may still love the Mexican-Style rub, because the oregano has melded with the others flavors to become something entirely different.

Then it’s off to the grill! Or the smoker. Or the oven. Or any combination of these, really. No matter how you choose to cook your meat, the hard work of imparting flavor is already done. So grab a festive party drink, set a timer and let the heat do the rest. With the exception of turning your slabs periodically, you’re off the hook until it’s time to feast.

No matter what the occasion, sharing a flavorful meal with friends is what entertaining is about. And nothing makes an everyday celebration feel more special than good food, good drinks and great company. Find more crowd-pleasing ideas — like cocktails, mocktails and brilliant hosting tips — from Canada Dry on our Everyday Celebrations page.

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