Food for sport! A guide to the ultimate f̶o̶o̶d̶b̶a̶l̶l̶ football & drinks pairings for the Euros 2021 ⚽️

A tournament that comes once every four years, extended by one year of extra-time due to the global pandemic. The Euros 2020 is an event we all thought may have been cancelled completely. But a whole year of time on the bench means football has warmed up and is ready for kick-off.

There’s no doubt the month of the Euros will be thrilling for all football fanatics. As well as spectating the match, it’s safe to say that screaming at the TV when the team you were assigned in your work sweepstake loses can definitely build up an appetite.

Well, look no further as we’ve created our own league of food and drink pairings ideal for your football cravings. Inspired by the cuisines of the hosting nations, we’ve formulated the perfect combinations of food and drink to correlate with some of most exciting matches of the tournament.

So, why not sit down and make a half-time substitution on those snacky foods and indulge in these combinations worthy of winning a golden trophy.

Group A – 🇮🇹 Italy vs Turkey 🇹🇷

As favourites to go through from Group A, Italy’s history of winning tournaments is no secret. Just like their skilled footballers, there is also no shortage of incredible Italian drinks either. Their most exhilarating match will be against Turkey, and we could not think of a better combination than an Italian beer and a delectable Turkish kebab platter to kick-off the group stages.

Star of the match – ⭐️ Peroni Beer ⭐️

Football fever will be in full swing on June 11th so be sure to call up your local Turkish take-out and order the biggest kebab platter there is. Compliment those shish kebabs with a good old Peroni beer (our 24 case is perfect for sharing) to really let the football spirit kick in.

 

Group B – 🇧🇪 Belgium vs Russia 🇷🇺

The strongest contenders in Group B are Belgium, and the first match is against 3 times finalists Russia. Although Russia have paved through to the finals, they have never been crowned champions and this year they’ll be fighting with Russian spirit. So, enjoy the thrill of this match with a good Belgian lager and some ravishing Russian Blini Pancakes.

Star of the match – ⭐️ Stella Artois Lager ⭐️

Just like the national football team, Stella Artois is one of Belgium’s national treasures. Incapsulate the feel of a true Belgian whilst indulging in this classic lager. The perfect rival pairing would be to whip up some delightful Russia Blini pancakes to feast on whilst watching this adrenaline pumping match. Follow our recipe below to make these fluffy, light pancakes.

You will need

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 x Mixing Bowls
  • Frying Pan or Skillet

Recipe

  1. Add the flour, salt and baking powder into your mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk all remaining ingredients together and add into the initial flour mixture until it is a batter-like texture.
  3. Heat a non-stick frying pan on medium heat and begin to cook pancakes using approximately 1 tablespoon of batter at a time.
  4. Flip every minute until cooked to a golden-brown finish.

Group C – 🇳🇱 Netherlands vs Austria 🇦🇹 

Winners of the 1988 Euros, Netherlands take on Austria as favourites for Group C. Over 30 years after their first and only win, the Dutch team are back in full force after this hiatus to claim the cup and put their Dutch courage to show.

Star of the Match – ⭐️ Heineken ⭐️

Sticking to the theme of signature lagers, Heineken is as classic as it gets when it comes to Dutch drinks. We have a bundle of 24 bottles, ideal for sharing during those 90 minutes of tv excellence. Serve these with some authentic Austrian Strudel (deemed the national dish of the country) as the perfect light snacky food to feast on during half-time.

Group D – 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England vs Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

If civil war was to get a new meaning, this match would definitely redefine it. The UK will come to a standstill as pubs across the nations will be filled to the brim watching this match. England take on Scotland as part of the Group D line up and this match will be all levels of exhilarating. So, enjoy the battle of the borders with some signature Scotch Whisky and a classic English sarnie platter.

Star of the match – ⭐️ Glenfiddich Whisky ⭐️

Football might just be coming home (or at least to a UK country) if either of these teams succeed. To keep the patriotic flame alive, keep the drink in your hand close to home with some Glenfiddich Whisky. For food, nothing says English finger food better than a good ol’ sandwich platter. Go out and grab the sourdough or white bloomer loaves and get cracking with the following picks:

  • BLT (Bacon Lettuce & Tomato)
  • Mozzarella, Tomato and Pesto (best enjoyed toasted)
  • Classic Chicken Club
  • Ploughman’s and Cheddar

 

Group E – 🇪🇸 Spain vs Sweden 🇸🇪

When it comes to Euro history, Spain is one of two teams to have won the title 3 times, and the only team to have won the tournament two seasons consecutively in 2008 and 2012. Hence, why they are the group favourites. Sweden are the closest challengers in this group with a world ranking positioned at 18 (according to FIFA).

Not only is Spain home to word-class football, but it is the heart of exquisite tapas culture. What better way to feast on this match than with some tantalising Spanish Tapas and a customary Swedish Kopparberg cider?

Star of the Match – ⭐️ Kopparberg Mixed Fruit ⭐️

Pair the iconic Swedish Cider with the indulgent cuisine of Spain. With an array of tapas dishes to choose from we’ve picked out the best one’s worthy of a gold trophy.

  • Patatas Brava (no tapas is complete without this)
  • Gambas al Alijo (Garlic shrimps)
  • Croquetas (experiment with different fillings of cheese, chicken or ham)
  • Paella
  • Jamón, Queso y Chorizo con Pan (Ham, Cheese, and Chorizo With Bread)
  • Spanish Omelette

 

Group F – 🇫🇷 France vs Germany 🇩🇪 

As undoubtedly the toughest group in the contest (Portugal and Hungary are in it too!), it’s safe to say there will be plenty of exciting moments in this match. As last year’s runners up France take on 3-time winners Germany in a game of must-watch football. To fully capture the thrill of this match, there’s no doubt you will need some incredible food and drink to quench on. Look no further as the finest French lager Kronenbourg is ready to be indulged in with delicious German cuisine.

Star of the Match –  ⭐️ Kronenbourg ⭐️

Delve into the finest bottle of French lager with Kronenbourg, the perfect companion for this gripping match. Compliment this with some Currywurst Sausage, a staple German dish that is simple to make yet scintillating in taste. Serve with thick crinkle cut chips or with the iconic German curry ketchup sauce.

 

So, there you have it. Our complete guide on the perfect food and drink pairings that are also worthy of a gold trophy moment 🏆

Bon Appet̶i̶t̶e̶… Bon Appeteam!!

Leave a Reply