Post #13 – World Cup Drinks! (By Melissa Duff)

Some of us will be savouring a great wine to cheer on our favourite team in the world cup. An Italian Pinot Grigio, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile or maybe even a Californian Zinfandel as you cheer on team USA. If you are looking to “mix it up”, you might want to try a few of these favourite summer cocktails as well.

Here is a simple recipe for Brazilian soccer fans out there or anyone looking for a great summer barbeque drink. Look for any brand of cachaça at the LCBO.

5 Easy Steps to a Caiparinha…

1. Cut the ends off a fresh lime and then cut the lime into quarters.
2. Remove any exposed white rind along the edges of the lime after quartering.
3. Muddle lime with 3 generous teaspoons of sugar in a shaker.
4. Add 2 oz. of cachaça, lots of ice and shake.
5. Pour into a short glass. Saude!

For anyone cheering for Mexico or those looking for a 10-minute mental vacation, the classic margarita is a great summer favourite.

5 Easy Steps to a Margarita…

1. Rim a cocktail glass first with lime and then with sea salt.
2. Add together 3 parts margarita, 2 parts triple sec and 1 part lime juice.
3. Shake with ice. *
4. Pour into rimmed glass.
5. Enjoy!
* You can blend the above mix in a blender for the frozen version.

Lastly, for those die-hard wine club members who don’t want to stray too far from their favourite drink, here is a great sangria recipe to cheer on Spain (where the sangria was first invented).

5 Easy Steps to Sangria…

1. Mix 3 parts red wine of your choice with 2 parts orange juice and 1 part 7up.
2. Add fruits to your taste (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sliced oranges). *
3. Add ice.
4. Stir in a punch bowl.
5. Enjoy!
*Hint: keep the sangria cold by adding frozen fruits…good idea if you are short on ice!

Enjoy the World Cup and I’ll see you at Let’s Kick it on Thursday June 24th!