Whether you call it soccer or futbol, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is undoubtedly the most anticipated sport event of spring, and it’s not because we have an excuse to see Shakira shake those hips in the music video “Waka, Waka.” Bars throughout the country will be hosting special nights dedicated to the matches where one can wind down with a drink in hand. Get into the World Cup spirit with a colorful cocktail that represents your team, all featuring ingredients from the countries of this year’s most talked about contenders. Pay tribute to the American underdog, get pumped with a French Revenge, or jumpstart the weekend Mexican-style. Whose team will you be supporting in your World Cup?
Top World Cup Drink: Underdog Martini
Yes, the odds are 65-1 for the American team’s chances of scoring a World Cup victory. That doesn’t mean fans won’t want to deck out the red, white, and blue. It’s America’s first match against England and if the American Revolutionary taught us anything, it’s that the United States has a fighting chance to win big. Toast to an underdog victory with a zesty cocktail that’s perfectly named for the occasion. It’s salty, packs a mean bite, and even highlights American vodka. Now that’s what we call being patriotic.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Vodka (We used Blue Ice American Vodka)
2 oz. Grapefruit juice
Dash of Falernum
Kosher salt
Lime Squeeze
Preparation
Shake ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with kosher salt. Add a squeeze of lime.
Top World Cup Cocktail: Viva Mexico!
For the past four World Cups, Mexico has made it through the first round, giving every other team a run for their dinero. Whether or not they make it through this year, a margarita will have you cheering for rounds two and three…of bebidas! Viva Mexico! is a spicy margarita that’s easy to prepare and complements creamy guacamole or peppery salsa with chips. Even if Mexico doesn’t make it, don’t feel blue. Revive Cinco de Mayo with a red hot number and you’ll transform a sad loss into a fiesta.
Ingredients
2 oz. Tequila (We used Oro Azul Blanco Tequila)
½ oz. Orange liqueur
½ oz. Agave nectar
Juice from two squeezed limes
Salt
1 Lime wedge
Preparation
Moisten rim of martini glass with lime wedge and dip into salt. Shake ingredients with crushed ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain in a martini glass over ice cubes. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Top World Cup Cocktail: French Revenge
France’s 2006 loss to Italy hasn’t been forgotten, especially when star player Zidane lashed out and gave that infamous head butt to his unsuspecting opponent, earning him an ejection during the last remaining minutes of the final match. Now the French squad is burning to avenge their defeats. Join in on the French fury with a fiery, orange-hued gin and tonic from famed French distiller Gabriel Boudier. It’s the liquid courage this team needs to let the world know that you don’t mess with the French and get away with it.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Gin (We used Gabriel Boudier’s Saffron Infused Gin)
4 oz. Tonic water
1 Orange wedge
Preparation
Build the gin and tonic water over ice in a Collins glass. Stir well. Garnish with an orange wedge.
Top World Cup Cocktail: Sweet Victory
Gents, there’s a reason why the ladies will be joining you to watch the World Cup. Although he has proved himself an outstanding athlete in the soccer sphere, Portugal star player Cristiano Ronaldo has been making more news lately for his smoldering Hollywood looks that women around the world can’t get enough of. For Portugal’s first round match against the Ivory Coast, female viewers will send their best wishes to the Portuguese eye candy with an equally Sweet Victory. Whether Portugal wins or not, just spotting Ronaldo is a win-win situation
Ingredients
3 oz. Dow’s Trademark Reserve Port
1 oz. Brandy (We used Germain-Robin Fine Brandy)
½ oz. Triple Sec
Juice of 1 Lemon
1 tsp. Sugar
1 Slice lemon
Preparation
Shake all ingredients, except Port, with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over ice cubes. Top with Port, add the slice of lemon, and serve.
