World Cup of Beverages: Time For The Knockouts

It's funny...I don't go out of my way to watch much soccer. However in the 2018 World Cup, I (along with any of you who care) was rewarded with some very exciting games in the group stages. I couldn't get enough of it, and when I attach something like adult beverages to the games, I become that much more riveted. As of today, we are sixteen teams lighter, and with today being an off-day I have the chance to catch my breath and assess where we are with the teams that have qualified for the knockout rounds.

I have to tell you, if you are a wine fan you have a lot of teams in which to hitch your wagon. Traditional Old World European producers France, Spain and Portugal are all still alive. Malbec-lovers are thrilled Argentina escaped by the skin of its teeth. The emerging wines of Uruguay made things look fairly easy in advancing to this point. If you are fortunate enough to find and enjoy wines from Croatia and Switzerland here in the states, you can love their unique styles made from old, local grape varieties.

But it's also not just about wines here. Love caipirinhas? Brazil is here. Margarita fans, rejoice: Mexico got some help from South Korea to move on. Are you into sake and whisky? Japan is here to serve you in both categories.

How about the Scandinavian countries? Grain-based products are going to be your best option, with vodka being the big one in Sweden and Akvavit in Denmark, however there is a chance you could find some good ciders and beers here, too.

Speaking of beers, how can we forget Belgium and the dizzying range of styles available worldwide? England has plenty of strong, malty beers to choose from, but also don't forget London Dry gins! I spoke of Russia in my last post, with vodka and beer being at the forefront there. Finding Colombian products in the U.S. gets easier as you get closer to Florida, where there is rum to be found, but the fiery brandy known as aguardiente is increasingly becoming available to us nationwide.

So with all of that said, here are some specific examples of beer, wine, and spirits to look for, where there is a decent chance you will have these available in your local market.

France: Domaine Houchart Provence Rose, $14. Fruity, delicate, and refreshing. Red grapefruit, strawberry, and thyme.

Argentina: Amancaya Reserve Red Blend (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon), $18. Deep, dark, and densely concentrated, its black fruit and spice notes are great with grilled red meats.

Uruguay: Bodegas Carrau 1752 Gran Tradicion Blanco, $16. A cool blend of grapes called Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Gris (two old southwestern French varieties) that make an unoaked, light, citrusy and floral wine that is perfect for light appetizers.

Portugal: José Maria da Fonseca Ripanco, $15. A blend of Syrah, Aragonez (a.k.a. Tempranillo), and Alicante Bouschet (a savory, dark-colored grape variety) that is not over-the-top in body or alcohol, making it a friendly summertime red that is honestly enjoyable on it's own or with a burger.

Spain: Baron de Funes Garnacha Rosado, $10. An easy-drinking, full-bodied and fruity dry pink wine, loaded with strawberry and watermelon flavors. You can even turn this one into a sangria as well.

Russia: Stolichnaya Gluten-Free Vodka, $22. Authentic Russian vodka, versatile, and now available gluten-free. An easy way to spike your favorite juice or lemonade.

Croatia: Maraska Slivovitz, $24. Slivovitz, a plum brandy, is the national drink of Croatia, and the brand you would most likely encounter is Maraska. It is fragrant, fiery, and would make an interesting substitute to for pisco in a Pisco Sour cocktail, or perhaps in a Slivopolitan.

Denmark: Carlsberg Lager, $30ish for a 24-pack. This is the national beer of Denmark. Pale, crisp, and low in alcohol at 4.5% abv, what else do you need to watch the game on a warm summer day?

Brazil: Avua Prata Cachaca, $35. If you are backing Brazil, you are drinking caipirinhas. Even if you aren't backing Brazil, you should drink the cachaca-based cocktail anyway as it's a great way to beat the heat. More and more cachaca (cane juice rum) is becoming available, and Avua is emerging as an outstanding option.

Mexico: Bozal Ensamble Mezcal, $42. Tequila is terrific, and we love it, but if you want to try something different, the Bozal Mezcal is a great way to get introduced to this smoky, old-school spirit. Tropical fruit and a waft of smokiness, try this in a Bloody Mary with a chile and salt-rimmed glass.

Belgium: Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale, $10 (25 oz bottle). I love Saisons and Belgian sours. I'm being honest with you. The Dupont was the first Belgian beer I ever had and will happily go back to this anytime. Start your Belgian beer journey and branch out from here.

Japan: Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey, $65. With many Japanese whiskies patterned after the malt and sometimes smokiness of Scotch, this grain whiskey is very Bourbon-like, since its foundation is corn. Again, taking into account that we are watching World Cup in the summertime, I tend to favor Bourbon at this time of year and the Coffey Grain gives me a solid Japanese take on it.

Sweden: Brannland Pernilla Perle Cider, $14 (750mL). Let's get a sparkling cider in here! This is a semi-dry cider that works as an aperitif, but will also counter spicy, exotically spiced Asian cuisine or richer pork dishes.

Switzerland: Chateau d'Auvernier Blanc, $25. Swiss wine will be on the expensive side. It just is, because there is a lot of demand for the wine domestically in Switzerland. But, if you can get your hands on this wine based on the local variety Chasselas, you will get a feel for what Swiss wine is all about. It's a great light seafood wine that is very refreshing.

England: Gin Lane 1751 London Dry Gin, $26. A good, versatile, straightforward London Dry style gin that is not over the top in the juniper department, but not so faint it loses its identity in a cocktail. With many craft gins creeping up in price, the Gin Lane example is more than fair to your wallet.

Colombia: Ron Viejo de Caldas 8 Year, $20ish: Colombian rums that we have access to have a bittersweet and fiery flavor that is good for mixing, rather than sipping neat. This example from Ron Viejo de Caldas has more richness and a smoother texture than the very youthful 3 year old, but still a fine accompaniment in a fruity tropical cocktail like a frozen daiquiri.

World Cup of Beverages: Kick It Off In Style

NOTE: In this series, I am investigating drinking culture in dozens of countries, making a few recommendations along the way mostly for products you can get in the United States. But I will make mention of others that, should you encounter them overseas, you may want to give them a shot. There is no political judgments being made here, but I am drawing from the history and culture of the respective nations in to present material in the most meaningful way possible. If you find anything I write to be in error, please reach out to me and make me smarter on the subject.

On Thursday, June 14th of 2018, the greatest world sporting event begins at 11:00am Eastern Time, and it has become one of my personal favorites. I speak, of course, of the FIFA World Cup.

While the Super Bowl and Wrestlemania are just dandy spectacles here in America, nothing gives you the opportunity to get to know the world from the comfort of your own living room (or computer desk if you are working). Now since the games start as early as 6:00am ET and end as late as 5:00pm ET, I understand day drinking may not be an option. However, don't let that stop you from enjoying a drink from any of the 32 countries represented at some point during the 32-day festivities. So today I start with Russia and Saudi Arabia as they will get things kicked off tomorrow.

Boris Egorov of Russia Beyond does a solid job of giving you a timeline on the myths that come with drinking in Russia, but also points out some major issues and the steps being taken to curtail heavy drinking (which has been a stigma associated with Russian drinking culture for a long time). Vodka wasn't even an original product of the Russians, and it wasn't until the 1990s fall of the Soviet Union that led to rampant unregulated alcohol production and consumption. A lot of cheap garbage was being made available for sale. Alcoholism is a problem in Russia (acknowledged in Egorov's article), but there is a movement from alcohol producers to reconnect with history of traditional lower alcohol lagers, as well as experiment with craft brewing. And certainly, vodka will be made too. The Zyr brand has done very well since its introduction in 2003. I will be honest...I have never been a huge vodka drinker. However, on a warm day when you decide to spike some lemonade, there's nothing more satisfying. Zyr has nice texture, little fire, and a clean finish. The price tag takes you to the $30 mark, but it delivers. Looking to shave a few dollars off? There's always my old dependable Stolichnaya (about $20), which definitely begs to go into a cocktail; the blueberry vodka is outstanding in lemonade with a few fresh blueberries dropped into the glass.

As for beers, availability will be irregular from state to state. However, the Baltika Brewries portfolio, which is part of Carlsberg, has a lot of interesting-looking beers. Sadly, I have not had the chance to sample any yet, but please let me know if you do!

Now, with Saudi Arabia we are at the other end of the drinking spectrum. Production and sale of alcohol is illegal. Bringing alcohol into Saudi Arabia is a huge no-no. You won't be drinking the locally homebrewed beverage known as sidique, a refermented beer with flavorings sometimes added to it, here in the United States...it can't be sold. Expat compounds may have some brands like Jack Daniel's and other global brands around in those bars, but you can't drink in public spaces. What do you do?

This is SOOOOO good. How's that for a professional review? Oh, right...I'm not a tea professional. Image credit: English Tea Store

Well...since the Saudi team is playing at 11:00am on a Thursday, and emulating sidique will take some effort (you will need several weeks), perhaps a cup of coffee or tea will do you just fine. Tea in particular is an offer of hospitality in Saudi Arabia and in the Arabic community in general. You can get your hands on chamomile, mint, cinnamon, or straight-up black tea rather easily. If you are looking for something that tastes great and is a change from what you find in the supermarket, I can't say enough about the quality of the Harney & Sons offering. Adding milk to a strong tea makes for an authentic Arabic style (and cuts back on the bitterness of a black tea). So yeah...you can drink in Saudi Arabia, but 99% of it is going to be alcohol-free. It's good to give the liver some time off.

And there you have it! You can get World Cup festivities started the right way. Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, blueberry vodka lemonade at cocktail hour. There's something for everyone I hope you enjoy the games, as well as exploring a new drink or two.