As England prepare to face the Netherlands tonight in the semi-final of the Euros, we can’t help but wonder what the man leading them all might sip to calm his nerves as he prepares them to enter a nail-biting clash. Gareth Southgate. The waistcoat icon. The tactical mastermind. But what might the England manager crave when the cameras are off? We at Exquisite Cocktails have peered into the cabinet of the Gaffer, crafting a cocktail menu fit for every twist and turn of the England Euros journey. So, grab your shirts and your shakers – it’s time to bring it home with 6 cocktails that score every time.
The Pre-Match Pep Talk:
Known for his cool head and tactical nous. We are sure Southgate will be reaching for a timeless Old Fashioned to maintain his unwavering composure ahead of tonight’s game. Classic, sophisticated, and built to last – powering the heart and soul of the lions. After all, a steady hand is key for a crucial match.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 oz. simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
Method: Combine all ingredients in a rocks glass with ice. Stir gently and express the oils from the orange twist over the drink before garnishing.
Warrior of the Press:
By now, Southgate is embracing his love of the England press. Hence the Vodka press is an invigorating drink that perfectly reflects Southgate’s game philosophy. Just like a well-executed press, this drink is sturdy and packs a punch – a perfect confidence booster to get the team fired up and ready to dominate.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces lemon lime soda (such as sprite or 7Up)
- 2 ounces club soda
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Method: Pour in vodka to a glass with ice. Top with the lemon lime soda and club soda. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and garnish with lime and lemon wedges.
The Half-Time Huddle:
The half time pep talk calls for a conventional approach, which is why Southgate is opting for a classic Dry Martini number. This choice reflects the need for balance and adjustment during the half-time huddle. Fuelling meticulous planning and patriotic spirit, this cocktail is a drink of precision and pride. While a simple ingredients list, the dry Martini is built on the perfect ratio of gin to Vermouth hence, it’s all about perfecting the basics.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Gin
- 1/4 oz. Dry Vermouth
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Method: Fill a chilled martini glass with ice. In a separate glass, stir gin dry vermouth with ice for 20 seconds. remove the ice from the martini glass and strain the chilled gin-vermouth mix into your waiting glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
The European Explorer:
Sometimes you’ve got to play the competition at their own game. As England ventures into the latter stages of the Euros, Southgate might find himself sipping on the straw of something a little more continental. Enter the Aperol Spritz. A drink that embodies the spirit of a European Summer. Bubbly and light, this tipple could inspire the effervescent flair needed to keep the team light on their feet, in order to dance around their European rivals.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Aperol
- 2 oz. Prosecco
- Splash of soda water
- Orange slice, for garnish
Method: Combine Aperol and Prosecco in a glass with ice. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with an orange slice.
The Penalty Perfectionist:
We all know Southgate’s a master of the penalty shootout (or at least a believer in them!). So, to weather the tempestuous emotions of those tense moments, a Dark and Stormy might provide a trusty dugout companion.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Dark rum
- 3/4 oz. Ginger beer
- 1/2 oz. Fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Method: Combine rum, lime juice, and ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
The Unexpected Twist:
Just when you think Gazza’s thrown it, he pulls a curveball out the bag that not even Saka saw coming. So, for his extra-time super sub we present the Espresso Martini. An end of match digestif bringing a surprise late surge of energy and a sweet finish – perfect for a last-minute finisher.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
- 1/2 oz. Espresso
- Coffee beans, for garnish
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
