Google trends (May 26th) would suggest that Bros Icing Bros was nothing before April and now it’s quite the search term (we’re still in the top 10 results until bigger sites mention it). On a personal level, I pulled off an icing and a block in the span of 15 seconds on Saturday and got to see two bros take a knee and chug. Oh the Sweet Life. Momma told me adulthood would be like this.
I don’t know if Penn State tailgaters are worse than other fans or if they are just more willing to tape themselves and post it on Youtube. Either way, here’s another helping to follow up on previous Happy Valley tailgating exploits.
It’s the first home game this fall and you’re tailgating with family and friends. You’ve had a few beers, a few appetizers, and you’ve reflected on the promise of a new season. It’s time to start grilling some hamburgers and really get going. You lift up the lid to the grill and instead of charcoal you find a Smirnoff Ice staring you down. Bro, you’ve just been iced. Get down on one knee and chug that silly bottle of malt beverage.
It seems that Bros Icing Bros is the fastest growing drinking game/prank/internet fad out there. As such, you should expect to be assaulted with an Ice while setting up your tent at 8am on gameday. Per the official site:
“Bro’s might ask… what’s the fun in that? Well it’s all about creativity. Planting an ice in a discrete location where your bro might not know where it is. For example… one of my bro’s gave an ice to a bartender and asked him to hold onto it until his other bro showed up. Bro 1 asks Bro 2 if he wants a beer. The bartender then presents Bro 2 with the ice. An instant chant of “you got iced” precedes and Bro 2 chugs the ice on the spot. The best part of the game is that you can ice anyone in on the game at any moment in any place. Bro’s have been iced in restaurants, walking down the street, and at completely inappropriate times, which makes the game all the better.
Now there are some simple rules to the game:
1.)You cannot refuse an ice. If you refuse to drink the ice you are instantly excommunicated and shunned, and thus can never ice another bro or be iced.
2.)If you are iced by a fellow bro you can ice block. When presented w/ an ice, you pull out an ice of your own and reverse the ice on your bro. The ultimate ice insult.”
In reality, tailgating is about the most convenient place to be Iced. Drinking laws are relaxed, you’ve luckily secured a safe driving situation, and you don’t have any major responsibilities. Finding a Smirnoff ice in a cereal box one morning, in your office desk drawer, or just before exercising are much worse fates. Bros Icing Bros is rumored to have started in South Carolina and even taken place in offices at Goldman Sachs. When practiced with a dash of creativity, I fully support the movement. Consider yourself on notice.
AskMen.com has an article on tips for all aspects of owning a flask. This is a pretty helpful article but I do disagree with them on some points
1. Where to Stash Your Flask
AskMen says: Inside jacket pocket, trouser pocket, or inside boots.
Drunken Tailgate says: This may work for day to day life but entering college stadiums often requires more extreme measures. The boots will still work, but I suggest placing the flask inside the waistband of your boxers in the front or back and then making sure to cleanly tuck your shirt in. You’re more likely to get a “lift your shirt up” order than an “untuck your shirt”.
2. What to Put in a Flask?
AskMen says: Whiskey because it can be taken as a shot or mixed with a variety of drinks
Drunken Tailgate says: We agree. Though if you can’t handle it, gin or vodka goes with a souvenir cup of Sprite
3. How Often Do You Empty the Contents?
AskMen says: A week
Drunken Tailgate says: We’re guilty of finishing off a flask that’s been full for a month so we may not the best person to ask.
4. How Do You Clean a Flask?
AskMen says: “It’s as simple as this: rinse it out with hot water when you get home, leave the cap off and let it dry overnight. Never use soap because you’ll never get the residue out of the flask completely, and this will affect the taste of the liquor. Rinse it with a little lemon juice occasionally, if you are changing the type of booze you carry.”
Drunken Tailgate says: agreed
5. When to Use a Flask
AskMen says: Games and Cookouts but not Weddings
Drunken Tailgate says: Everywhere you damn well please other than the courthouse or while driving. Once you’ve filled up the flask you’ve accepted a certain level of being a drunk and the consequences.
6. Who to Share it With
AskMen says: Only people you’re sleeping with
Drunken Tailgate says: Avoid the problem. Buy someone a cheap flask and remind them to fill it up. There’s really no better way to be a friend and run a tailgate then to help those who can’t help themselves.