FIFA Fever: The Best World Cup-Inspired Cocktails In Toronto

Football fever has officially arrived in Toronto. As one of two Canadian host cities, alongside Vancouver, the city has quickly transformed from a baseball town into a full-blown soccer mecca. Everywhere you turn, there’s an activation, pop-up or celebration dedicated to the beautiful game.

Even if you’ve never watched a competitive soccer match in your life, and have no plans to attend a FIFA World Cup game this summer, it’s hard to escape the excitement taking over the city. Downtown, giant floral soccer balls and flags representing participating countries have become part of the landscape. And when you stop in for a bite, there’s a good chance the menu includes a limited-time cocktail created for the occasion.

Can’t make it to a match? Not to worry. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite World Cup-inspired cocktails being served at Toronto restaurants throughout the celebrations.

Team Canada: Maxime’s Smoked Maple Espresso Martini

The Smoked Maple Espresso Martini at Maxime’s is a tribute to Team Canada. This northern take on the classic Espresso Martini features this cocktails’ signature espresso and kahlua notes but takes it up north of the border by swapping out simple syrup for the Canadian classic of maple syrup. But what we love the most about this cocktail, is the campfire inspired smokiness. This World Cup inspired cocktail is unapologetically Canadian. And delicious!

Recipe :

• 2 oz Canadian Vodka
• 0.75 oz Kahlua
• 0.5 oz Maple Syrup
• 1 oz Espresso (chilled)

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
4. Infuse the finished cocktail using a cocktail smoker and hickory wood chips. Alternatively, you can also smoke your rocks glass prior to making the cocktail, this will add a smoked essence as well.

Team Mexico: Chotto Matte’s Casamigos Margarita

Created in partnership with Diageo, Chotto Matte’s Casamigos Margarita is a refreshing take on the timeless Mexican classic. The cocktail blends Casamigos Blanco Tequila with fresh lime juice, orange juice, and agave nectar for a bright, citrus-forward sip that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Crisp, smooth, and endlessly drinkable, it’s the perfect celebratory serve.

Recipe :

• 1.5 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice
• 0.25 oz Agave Nectar

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass with a salt rim (optional).
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Team USA: Maxime’s Dirty Soda

Now we are not one to throw shade at the good ol’ USA but there is something that seems totally appropriate about celebrating our neighbours to the south with a new take on the Dirty Soda. This boozed up version of the viral dirty soda that took over our socials this past year packs a one-two punch with the spiciness of the spiced rum and jolt of caffeine from the Coca Cola. Be sure to top it off with some fresh whipped cream and a Luxardo Maraschino cherry if you are feeling fancy. Otherwise, we think one of those neon bright red maraschino cherries feels very red, white and blue.

Recipe :

• 1.5 oz Spiced Rum
• 0.5 oz Vanilla Syrup
• 0.5 oz Cherry Syrup
• 4 oz Coca Cola
• Whipped Cream (to top)

Method

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain over fresh ice in a high ball glass.
4. Garnish with a fresh whipped cream and a cherry.