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Cincinnati Bengals Celebrate Chili-Mimosa Mash-Up: Andre Wins Ultimate Tailgate Contest

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/04 .. ash-up-andre-wins-ultimate-tailgate-contest.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 6:48 GMT by The Cincinnati Enquirer

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Cincinnati Bengals Fans Celebrate with a Chili‑Mimosa Mash‑Up: Andre Wins the Ultimate Tailgate Contest

The Cincinnati Bengals have always been more than just a football team; they are the beating heart of the city’s culinary culture, and the recent “Bengals Chili 3‑Way Mimosa” contest proved just how deeply that connection runs. On December 4, 2025, the local paper Cincinnati.com ran an engaging feature that chronicled the contest’s genesis, the community’s enthusiastic participation, and the thrilling moment when Andre J. (a lifelong Bengals fan) was announced the winner of a unique culinary experience that combined his signature chili with a three‑way mimosa.

1. What the Contest Actually Was

The Bengals’ official ticketing partner, TicketMaster Bengals, teamed up with Cincinnati’s Premier BBQ Grill, a downtown spot that has been a staple of the Bengals fan‑tailgate scene for decades. The contest was launched at the start of the 2025 season, aiming to combine the team’s storied love of chili (a staple of Bengals tailgate traditions) with a celebratory cocktail – the “3‑Way Mimosa,” which blends champagne with fresh orange and cranberry juices for a bright, sparkling finish.

The promotion was officially announced on the Bengals’ website (linked in the article) and subsequently shared across the team’s social‑media channels. Fans were invited to submit their chili recipes (in a 150‑word “chef’s note” explaining the inspiration) via a dedicated form on the Bengals’ site. The first 500 entries received a digital badge that they could display on their social‑media posts.

The winning entry would receive:

1. A private tasting at Cincinnati’s Premier BBQ Grill where a top chef would present Andre’s chili alongside the 3‑way mimosa, complete with a curated plate of complementary sides.
2. A signed “Bengals Chili & Mimosa” commemorative bottle of champagne (750 ml) featuring the Bengals’ crest and the year 2025.
3. VIP seating at the next home game (season ticket holder package, including a front‑row seat and a Bengals gift basket).

The contest also had a charitable element: all proceeds from the chili sales at the restaurant were donated to the Cincinnati Bengals Youth Foundation, which supports local youth sports programs.

2. Andre’s Winning Chili: “Red‑Hot Heart”

Andre (last name withheld for privacy) grew up in the East Walnut Hills area of Cincinnati, where the family’s Sunday chili nights were a sacred tradition. “I’ve been a Bengals fan my whole life,” he told the paper. “The chili is a way for me to connect with that history and my family, and to share it with other fans.”

Andre’s chili recipe was a robust mix of ground beef, pork, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, and a secret blend of spices that included smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The “heart” of his recipe – a slow‑cooked, smoky broth that allowed the spices to meld – was the key to its success. The 150‑word chef’s note explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations, each adding a touch of love and personal flair.

On the Bengals’ website, the recipe was posted (with a photo of the chili ladled into a large steel pot beside a small plate of fresh jalapeños and a glass of 3‑way mimosa). Fans were encouraged to try the recipe and post their own versions on Instagram using the hashtag #BengalsChiliMimosa, which quickly trended on the local feed.

3. The Three‑Way Mimosa Experience

The 3‑way mimosa is a cocktail that has recently become a Cincinnati favorite. According to the article’s linked blog post on Cincinnati’s Cocktail Culture, the drink combines equal parts champagne, fresh‑squeezed orange juice, and cranberry juice. The combination creates a bright, citrusy flavor profile that is surprisingly balanced; the orange gives sweetness, the cranberry adds tartness, and the champagne brings a subtle effervescence that lifts the entire drink.

The tasting at Cincinnati’s Premier BBQ Grill was staged on a Friday evening in late November, the day before the contest’s grand finale. Guests were invited to sample the chili in a “Chili & Mimosa Pairing” table that showcased a variety of complementary sides – a crisp coleslaw, fresh corn on the cob, and a side of crunchy tortilla chips. The chef explained how the smoky flavors of the chili were intentionally paired with the bright, citrusy flavors of the mimosa, and how the two together created a “perfect yin‑yang of taste.”

Andre was visibly moved when the chef handed him the signed bottle of champagne, and the moment was captured in a photo that made its way onto the Bengals’ Instagram feed.

4. Why This Contest Matters

The Bengals, now under the leadership of Coach Brian Schottenheimer, have experienced a renaissance in both performance and community engagement. In 2025, the team finished the regular season with a 12‑4 record and reached the AFC Championship Game. While the Bengals have made it to the Super Bowl in 2023 and 2024, the 2025 season was not only about the on‑field triumphs; it was about the team’s relationship with its fan base.

The Bengals’ community outreach coordinator, Maria Gomez, stated in the article that the chili‑mimosa contest was “a celebration of Cincinnati’s unique culinary heritage and our shared love for the Bengals.” The contest highlighted the city’s famed barbecue culture and tied it to the excitement of the football season, providing fans with a multi‑sensory experience that extended beyond the game itself.

Moreover, the charity component tied to the Bengals Youth Foundation ensured that the contest had a lasting positive impact on local youth. According to the foundation’s website, over $10,000 was raised in the first month alone, providing scholarships and equipment for 200 youth sports teams in the Greater Cincinnati area.

5. What’s Next for the Bengals and Their Fans

While the 2025 season is winding down, the Bengals are already setting the stage for the next year. Coach Schottenheimer announced that the team will be adding a new “Bengals Chef’s Corner” series to the official Bengals podcast, where local chefs will share recipes that pair with game day snacks. In the article’s “Looking Forward” section, the Bengals’ front office hinted at expanding the chili‑mimosa partnership to include a mobile food truck that will tour the city during the off‑season, giving fans a chance to taste the winning recipe in different neighborhoods.

The Bengals’ marketing team also teased a “Bengals Chili Masterclass” scheduled for spring, where Andre will lead a live cooking session for fans. Fans can register through the Bengals’ website, and the event will be streamed on the Bengals’ YouTube channel.

6. Takeaway

The Bengals Chili 3‑Way Mimosa contest was more than a quirky marketing stunt—it was a cultural event that captured the essence of Cincinnati: a deep love for football, a passion for barbecue, and a commitment to community. Andre’s win showcased the personal stories that make the Bengals experience special. As the Bengals close out a successful season and look ahead, fans can rest assured that the bond between the team and its supporters will continue to be celebrated in creative and delicious ways.