What to drink for the Mexico/England match

As Mexico has made its exhilarating run through the knock-out round, the Internet has been flooded with amusing memes and reels that capture Mexico’s transcendent and prodigious penchant for partying. We all know this is a rare and special talent, and also that drinking during the World Cup requires a game plan. You’ve got a long haul, you’ve got tension to kill, you need to bring your A-game to moments of jubilation–without keeling over before the final whistle. While beers are obviously in order, no Mexican party is complete without a bottle of tequila or mezcal. Here’s our pics for some fun combos to get you through the game–plus a couple of themed World Cup cocktails if you’re feeling fancy. Viva Mexico!

The basics: recommended beer and shot combos

Modelo Especial and Arette Blanco

There is nothing like the crisp flavor of Modelo Especial, especially when cold in a can. This bright and refreshing beer is a classic combo with a trago of blanco tequila. Arette has plenty of citrus zest and flesh, heady herbs like epazote and oregano, and crisp minerality that plays well when alternated with a lager.

Victoria and Siete Leguas or, for mezcal drinkers, Del Maguey’s Chichicapa

An ice cold Victoria is the perfect accessory when you’re summoning victorious mojo–or just celebrating that Mexico has made it this far. Since Victoria is arguably the best Mexican beer (domestic edition), you better match it with an equally top-notch agave spirit–we’re thinking a trago of Siete Leguas Blanco. If you’re a mezcal drinker, think on Del Maguey’s classic Chichicapa, which we fell back in love with on a recent visit to the palenque. Its deep roast, slight sweetness, and citrusy tang sings when followed by a sip of Victoria.

Indio and Banhez Ensamble

This dark beer’s malted and toasted grain flavors are offset by the herbaceous, earthy flavors and slight creaminess in the Banhez Ensamble–without feeling too heavy.

The biggest bang for the buck: Tecate and Derrumbes San Luis Potosi

Budget conscious does not mean having to sacrifice on flavor. Tecate is a classic Mexican lager full of light malt flavor. It’s straightforward and a perfect match for that robust Salmiana flavor (for under $50!)

The day drinker beer and a shot: Coronita and a half ounce shot of Siete Misterios Doba Yej (Zapotec for espadίn.)

The light citrus flavor of Corona is the perfect match for the delicate sweet-roasted agave notes of the Doba Yej. OR, if you’re on the move, you could go with the Rey Campero Espadίn 200ml bottle or the Bozal Cuishe 200ml, which slide easily into the back pocket.

When you only have one hand to hold one drink: the Michelada

The best beer “Bloody Mary,” this is hands-down refreshing and feels like a mini meal in a glass, especially when poured with a Bohemia or Dos XX Oscuro.

When you remember you need to stay alive: the Suero

This classic lime, salt and beer concoction is what you want if you have been sweating and need some fast re-hydration without losing your party cred. It’s easy and basic: Squeeze a lime into a tall glass, add a teaspoon of salt, and then pour in your beer. Since it is all about the lime and salt, you want a super light beer like a Pacifico or Sol.

When it’s cocktail hour: appropriate World Cup cocktail recipes

Brooks Bailey of Rambling Spirits had this fun and cheeky cocktail based on a bad call made by a referee in the 2014 World Cup that knocked Mexico out.

No Era Penal

1oz mezcal*
1oz cucumber juice
.5oz agave syrup
.5oz lime juice
.25oz Ancho Reyes Verde

Shake and pour over crushed ice with a splash of soda

Garnish with lime twist + radish futbol

*For this cocktail Brooks used Mezcal Güey

Anna Bruce The No Era Penal cocktail by Brooks Bailey of Rambling Spirits. Photo by Anna Bruce

And if Mexico ends up going all the way? Might we suggest this cocktail to settle the question: can El Tri do it?

La Ultima Palabra (The Last Word)

1oz Mezcal
1oz Green Chartreuse
1oz Maraschino liquor
1oz lime juice
1oz pineapple juice

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, strain into a cocktail glass and add a Maraschino cherry.

The next day:

Whether Mexico wins or loses, you’re likely to be doing some drinking Sunday night. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to get Monday off, cure your crudo with a Cantarito, the ultimate Jaliscan breakfast cocktail. While the traditional clay urns or mugs add a festive vacation vibe that makes day drinking feel natural, you can mix one up at home in a regular glass. All you need is tequila, fresh citrus, salt, ice, and grapefruit soda or (if you like things less sugary) Topo Chico.

Basic Cantarito recipe: