World Cup Cocktails

With the World Cup approaching, people across the globe will be doing a lot of drinking. Much of it starting in the morning, and ending… July 11, when the tournament’s over.  Whichever team you’re cheering for, the World Cup cocktails below will keep you hydrated throughout the action.

USA – Manhattan

Rye whiskey is bold and brash, a fitting component of this American classic.

2 ounces rye whiskey
3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Cherry or orange peel

Stir ingredients with ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cherry or a strip of orange peel.

Brazil – Caipirinha

This classic cocktail uses Brazil’s national spirit, Cachaça, which is distilled from fermented sugar cane juice.

2 ounces cachaça
1 medium lime, cut into wedges
2 teaspoons fine sugar

Add lime and sugar to an old fashioned glass and muddle.  Add crushed ice, then cachaça, and stir.

France – French 75

One of the best things to come out of World War I.

2 ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Champagne

Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice, and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne, and garnish with a long, thin lemon spiral.

Italy – Negroni

An aperitif that packs a serious punch.

1 ounce gin
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1 ounce Campari

Stir with ice in a mixing glass.  Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange peel.

Mexico – Margarita

Mix up a margarita, but not the cheap, sugary swill made with sweet and sour.  A real margarita simply uses tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice.

1.5 ounces tequila
.75 ounces triple sec
.75 ounces fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass or an ice-filled rocks glass.