Cup Cocktails

After weeks of dramatic last-minute goals, fist-pumping wins and heart-breaking defeats, the World Cup finally comes to a conclusion this weekend. On Sunday, just like throughout the tournament, bars and restaurants across the US will host hordes of excited and thirsty soccer fans. Not only has it been a test of endurance for the players, but also for many bartenders, who opened early for matches and created special drink menus.

We asked our contacts at three favorite soccer-watching spots for the cocktail recipes they created for the tournament. No matter which team you’re rooting for, mix up a batch of these drinks during the championship game. Make the refreshing Shandy from New York City bistro Scuderia during the first half, the spicy Caliente served at the five Sushisamba locations around the country during halftime and the festive Copa Sangria from Elixir in San Francisco during the second half. The best part? While you’ll have to wait another four years to put on your jersey and paint your face again, you can whip up a round of these drinks anytime.

Scuderia Shandy

Contributed by Scuderia

INGREDIENTS:

• Peroni Beer
• 1 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• Soda water
• Garnish: Lemon slice
• Glass: Tall

PREPARATION:
Fill a tall glass halfway with Peroni Beer and add a shot of St-Germain Liqueur. Add ice and top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Caliente

Contributed by Sushisamba

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 oz Leblon Cachaça
• .5 oz Triple sec
• 1 oz Passion fruit juice
• 1 oz Mango juice
• 2 Jalapeño chile pepper slices
• .75 oz Sour mix (half part lime juice, half part lemon juice, 1 part simple syrup)
• Garnish: Mango slice
• Glass: Wine

PREPARATION:
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a wine glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a mango slice.

Copa Sangria

Contributed by H. Joseph Ehrmann

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz Square One Botanical Organic Spirit
• 2 oz Albariño wine
• 1 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 1 oz Pear juice
• Garnish: Strawberry slices and thin lemon wheels
• Glass: Wine

PREPARATION:
Combine all the ingredients in a large wine glass and fill two-thirds of the way with ice. Stir well and garnish with the strawberry slices and lemon wheels.