WITH the wait for Eurovision almost over and party preparations well underway, consider getting creative with this list of cocktails inspired by different competing nations to make this years song contest one to remember.
The internationally inspired cocktail list, curated by event management company, MGN events, hopes to make your Eurovision Song Contest viewing party, the talk of the town.
First up is the ‘Passion-star Martini’, this vodka based cocktail, originally crafted in London, England features 45ml vodka, 35 passionfruit puree and 15ml vanilla sugar syrup. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with half a passionfruit and serve it with a shot glass of your favourite champagne.
Next, an Israeli twist on a Mexican classic, the ‘Skhug Margarita’. First, prepare some cardamom simple syrup by boiling ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water, then adding 5 cardamom pods. Once boiled, let it cool and place in a jar. Next, add 45ml tequila, 22ml lime juice, cardamom syrup, a sliced jalapeno pepper, and some cilantro to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass – add a hint of pomegranate juice for an extra touch of flavour.
Another classic is the ‘Aperol spritz’ from Northern Italy. In a wine glass, add a couple of ice cubes and pour in 50ml Aperol, 75ml prosecco, and just 25ml soda – garnish with an orange slice for a decorative touch.
For a Spanish twist, try the ‘Tinto de Verano’, which translates to “summer red wine”. In a large pitcher, pour in 750ml fruity red wine along with 750ml lemon-flavoured soda. Add slices of a lemon and an orange, 200ml sweet vermouth, and stir to allow all of the flavours to mix well. Instead of adding ice to the pitcher, which will cause the drink to water down and lose flavour, simply serve in a glass over ice.
For the spirit of Finland try the ‘Lonkero’ or Finnish long drink. Start by adding 60ml gin, 15ml lemon juice, and 15ml cranberry juice to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir the liquids together, add 120ml grapefruit soda, and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Try the ‘Swedish glogg’ next, typically served in winter. Peel the zest of an orange, making sure to remove the pith, and place into a large pan with a bottle of red wine and 200g of caster sugar. Add in 10 cardomom pods, five cloves, a cinnamon stick, three slices of peeled ginger, 40g raisins and finally 50g flaked almonds. Let the mixture warm for around 10-15 minutes but avoid letting it boil; finally, add in 150ml vodka and serve.
The ‘kir royale’ is arguable France’s most famous cocktail, and it’s very simple to make. Pour a tablespoon of crème de cassis into a champagne flute, top with champagne, and add a frozen raspberry on top to complete the drink.
Next, hailing from Germany, the Bourbon randler. This cocktail will taste familiar to lovers of a British shandy. Add 180ml of your favourite beer to a glass along with 180ml lemonade. Stir in 30ml Bourbon whisky and add some ice and lemon wedges to complete.
For a Portugese classic try a sweet ‘nikita’. Add 300ml fresh cubed pineapple to a blender, along with 180ml vanilla ice cream, 120ml lager and 120ml white wine. Once smooth, pour the mixture into a glass with ice – for an even sweeter taste, add a shot of white rum.
Last but not least, a Norwegian classic, the ‘karsk’. Dating back to the 1800s, the traditional way to make this drink is by placing a clean penny at the bottom of a mug or glass and pouring hot coffee over it until you can no longer see the penny. Afterwards, you’ll need to pour either vodka or moonshine into the glass or mug until the penny is visible again; measurements may vary, but you can always add some sugar to sweeten it up.
Creative director, Matthew Strange from MGN events said “Whatever the occasion, cocktails are a sophisticated touch when entertaining guests – but in the case of Eurovision, it’s much “more exciting for the host to go the extra mile and add in a ‘twist’.
“By serving these 10 cocktails, you can please guests with a classic drink like a Pornstar martini that everybody knows and loves while adding some fun with an exciting cocktail like Portugal’s “nikita.
“Not to mention, with the cocktails hailing from many different countries, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Eurovision.”
