The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail and perfectly captures the country's vibrant spirit.
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As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans around the globe are already picking their favourites.
While the action on the pitch will be the main event, there is no reason your match-day drinks menu cannot join in the fun.
With the tournament kicking off in Mexico and football powerhouses like Brazil, Spain, England and France expected to be among the contenders once again, it's the perfect excuse to bring a taste of each nation into your home.
Whether you're hosting a viewing party, gathering around the braai, or simply settling in for a big match, these classic cocktails offer an easy way to add some international flair to the occasion.
The recipes below stick to the traditional versions that have stood the test of time.
As one of the host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico gets first place on the drinks menu. The Margarita is bright, refreshing and effortlessly festive, making it ideal for warm afternoons and evening kick-offs.
Ingredients
Method
Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it into salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Margarita is bright, refreshing and effortlessly festive, making it ideal for warm afternoons and evening kick-offs.
Image: Marcelo Verfe / Pexels
Brazil may not have lifted the World Cup trophy since 2002, but they remain one of football's most feared teams. The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail and perfectly captures the country's vibrant spirit.
Ingredients
Method
Place the lime wedges and sugar into a sturdy glass. Gently muddle until the lime releases its juice. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour over the cachaça. Stir well before serving.
The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail and perfectly captures the country's vibrant spirit.
Image: Marcelo Verfe / Pexels
Spain's tiki-taka style may have evolved over the years, but they remain one of the tournament's strongest contenders. Sangria is made for sharing, making it an excellent choice when friends gather to watch the football.
Ingredients
Method
Combine the wine, brandy, orange juice and sugar in a large jug. Add the sliced fruit and refrigerate for at least two hours. Just before serving, add the lemonade or soda water and plenty of ice.
Sangria is made for sharing, making it an excellent choice when friends gather to watch the football.
Image: Büşra Yurt / Pexels
England fans will once again be dreaming that football is coming home. The Bramble, created in London during the 1980s, has become a modern British classic.
Ingredients
Method
Fill a glass with crushed ice. Shake the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup with ice and strain into the glass. Slowly pour the blackberry liqueur over the top. Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh berries if available.
The Bramble, created in London during the 1980s, has become a modern British classic.
Image: Kim Daniels / Unsplash
France consistently enters every major tournament as a serious contender. Sophisticated yet surprisingly easy to make, the French 75 delivers a touch of celebration in every sip.
Ingredients
Method
Shake the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup with ice. Strain into a flute or coupe glass and top with chilled sparkling wine. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
The French 75 delivers a touch of celebration in every sip.
Image: Studio Naae / Pexels