COACHES PUB'S COLORADO BULLDOG

The long wait is finally over. With all apologies to Michael Phelps and, um, the guys running for president, can I get an "amen" for the start of football season? As a special treat on the first weekend of the NFL season, we were blessed with a Monday Night doubleheader. The cup runneth over, sports fans. Are you ready for some hot wings? With Minnesota playing in the first game, I considered seeking out a Screaming Viking — a drink that may or may not exist, depending on how much of the sitcom Cheers you believe to be based on fact. I audibled instead to the Colorado Bulldog at Coaches Pub (2204 Louisiana, 713-751-1970) as a nod to the Denver Broncos, who were just starting to perform what my research assistant José aptly called a "ritualistic pantsing" of the hometown Raiders when I arrived. Someone suggested we drink every time the announcers mentioned Tom Brady's injury or the Brett Favre trade. José declined, saying he possesses only a human liver and not the liver of, say, John Madden. Vic cited lactose intolerance. Either way, we nixed the idea, probably saving ourselves multiple trips to the hospital. Good call, Coach. Good call.

1 ounce vodka

3/4 ounce Kahlúa liqueur

Milk

Splash of Coca-Cola

Pour vodka, then Kahlúa, into a highball glass over ice; add milk until glass is nearly full; top off with Coke. Wow! Thanks, Mean Joe.