The World Cup is an exciting event that brings the globe together every four years. The games already have been incredibly fun to watch! What’s also great is that the World Cup teaches you a lot about countries from their cultures to their food and of course, the best part, the drinks!
For the semifinals, here are the four teams competing and a drink suggestion for each country so you can watch the games as the locals do.
Spain And Tinto De Verano
Tourists always think sangria, the brandy, red wine and fruit cocktail but locals know, tinto de verano is one of the best drinks in Spain. A simple concoction of soda and red wine, tinto de verano (translated literally to mean “red wine of summer”) this drink is easy to imbibe and easy to make at home as well. In Spain, they will usually make it with Fanta or gaseosa, a lemon-lime soda. When I was in Spain, I usually ordered it “con gas” instead of with Fanta.
You can make it 1:1 with soda and red wine (Spanish reds like tempranillo or garnacha work wonderfully here, obviously) but the way I make them at home is mostly unsweetened seltzer, a few splashes of red wine and a big lime or lemon wedge. It’s a great low ABV drink to have a few of while watching France play Spain on July 14.
France And Rosé
Rosé is a very popular wine for summer, especially in the United States and since the French team is a popular favorite to win it all, I thought this would be a good choice.
Rosés are made throughout France but the ones of Provence are very well known. They can be bone dry to sweet and can also be sparkling as well like rosé champagne. They can also be a variety of colors depending on method of production and other factors. To get into the real nerdiness of making rosés, check out this winemaker’s roundtable.
England And Dark Mild
Of course you’d choose a beer to have while watching England take on powerhouse Argentina on July 15.
Dark milds are having a bit of a moment in the U.S. With the popularity of dark beers nowadays thanks to beers like Guinness, dark milds are a great lower ABV alternative. Usually only 3-3.8% ABV, dark milds are lovely session beers with notes of cocoa and dark toast. Plus it’s easy to have a few of during the game as the alcohol levels are not high at all.
This style had its heyday during the 1950’s in England and it’s nice to see it make a comeback. Check out your local brewery to see if they make this style.
Argentina And Fernet Con Coca
The official drink of Argentina, no one drinks more fernet than the Argentines. Italian liqueur company Fernet-Branca had to put a factory in Argentina just to satisfy demand.
Fernet Con Coca is easy to make, only a mixture of fernet and Coca-Cola, usually two parts Coke to one part fernet. It’s everywhere on the streets of Buenos Aires and is spicy and delicious. If you’ve never had fernet before, this cocktail is a great introduction.
Cheers to the World Cup and remember to watch the games and imbibe responsibly surrounded by the people you care about most.