The FIFA World Cup only comes around every four years, which makes it the perfect excuse to gather your favorite people, pour a cocktail, and pretend you’ve always had very strong opinions about stoppage time. Whether you know every player on the pitch or you’re mostly here for the rivalries, the drama, and the occasional handsome athlete, there’s something about the World Cup that turns even casual fans into very invested spectators.
And with the tournament happening right here in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the excitement feels especially close to home. The USMNT gave American fans plenty to scream about before their run came to an end, and now the quarterfinals promise more upsets, heartbreak, and group-chat debates. Because even if your team is out, there are still plenty of reasons to keep watching.
The She’s Got Issues team was inspired by a new book, “Drink One for the Team: 75 Winning Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Legendary Sporting Events”, by Chris Vola, which features official and alternative creative cocktails perfectly paired for every major sporting event from baseball and basketball to the Monaco Grand Prix. The sports-themed cocktail recipe book also includes sports trivia and historical facts for all your favorite events.
So whether you’ve been glued to the screen since the opening match or you’re just tuning in now that the stakes are higher, we’ve got two unofficial World Cup cocktails worth cheering for. And if soccer isn’t the only sport on your summer viewing schedule, check out Drink One for the Team for the perfect cocktail to pair with just about every major sporting event.
GORDON’S CUP
Makes 1 drink
- 2 ounces gin
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 5 thin cucumber slices
- 4 lime wedges
- Pinch of salt, for garnish
- Pinch of black pepper, for garnish
Combine the gin, simple syrup, 3 cucumber slices, and lime wedges in a shaker. Muddle thoroughly and fill the shaker with cracked ice. Shake for 5 or 6 seconds and pour the contents of the shaker into a double rocks glass. Place the remaining 2 cucumber slices in the glass beside the ice. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
QUEEN BEE (FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP)
Makes 1 drink
- 2 ounces apple brandy
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce dry curaçao
- ½ ounce honey syrup (see page 13) 1 orange twist, for garnish
Combine the apple brandy, lemon juice, dry curaçao, and honey syrup in an ice- filled shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and strain into a coupe. Rub the orange twist around the rim of the glass, peel side down, then place it in the glass.
Recipes reprinted with permission from Drink One for the Team by Chris Vola © 2026. Published by Union Square & Co., an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group. Illustrations by Heedayah Lockman.
Looking for more drink ideas? Find more recipes here.
