Let the Games Begin: 2012 Olympics Inspired Cocktails

London’s calling. Calling you to have a cocktail party, that is! What better way to celebrate Team USA and all the athletes of the Olympic Games than to have a viewing party. Hotels like the Four Seasons in London are getting into the spirit with menu options like the Gold Rush (a martini made with gold flake-infused vodka, Lillet Blanc and rhubarb liquor), the Silver Shot (fresh cucumber muddled with gin and lavender sugar) and the Bronze Booster (a burnt-orange mix of dry sherry, Cinzano Orancio, vermouth and orange bitters). Inspired by the five rings of the Olympics icon, bartenders at the American Bar in London created The Unity: a boozed up five ingredient punch  made with Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice, chamomile tea, celery bitters and lemon-sage syrup and served in a tea pot. Won’t find yourself in the UK any time soon? No worries, governor! We’ve got great recipes to help you get your cheer on!

Chilean Extra Virgin Olive Oil Martini Recipe

Created by Chef Todd English

Ingredients:

• 1 Orange Segment
• 3-5 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 3 ounce Vodka
• 1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau
• 1/4 ounce Simple Syrup
• 1/4 ounce Chilean Extra Virgin Olive Oil (CEVOO)

Directions:

In a shaker, muddle orange segment and basil leaves. Add vodka, Cointreau, dry vermouth, simple syrup and CEVOO then add ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and float a drop of CEVOO over the top.

 

Inspired by all of the dedicated Olympians who have trained oh-so-early in the morning, the Early Riser cocktail is the perfect drink to sip… while you watch their hard work pay off from the comfort of your sofa:

Early Riser Cocktail Recipe

• 1-1/2 oz. Ron Abuelo Añejo
• 1/2 oz. Jumbie Coconut Splash
• 1 oz. fresh mango juice
• 1 oz. pineapple juice

Directions:

Pour ingredients into an iced filled shaker.  Shake vigorously and strain into a tall glass.  Garnish with maraschino cherries and orange slices.

 

Or, take a shot of patriotism – literally – with the Red, White and Blue Shooter:

Red, White and Blue Shooter Recipe

Shot by Oliver Streckeisen

• 1/5 oz. grenadine
• 2/3 oz. Molinari Sambuca Extra
• 1/3 oz. blue curaçao
• 1/3 oz. Van Gogh BLUE Triple Wheat Vodka

Directions:

Build ingredients in order in shot glass.

 

Brugal Gold Medal Cocktail Recipe

Created by Scott Fitgerald from NYC’s Mulberry Project

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Brugal Extra Dry Rum
• 3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
• 3/4 ounce Honey Syrup
• 2 Clementines
• 4 Basil Leaves

Directions:

Muddle Clementine and Basil. Add Remaining ingredients. Shake and fine strain. Garnish with clementine wedge and basil leaf.

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