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Guide To Throwing A Eurovision Viewing Party

image courtesy of @Eurovision

As the UK prepares for a historical day of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 25 years, excited Brits are preparing to join in on the fun. But with tickets to the live shows in Liverpool almost impossible to get hold of, many fans will be hosting their own Eurovision parties at home to commemorate the iconic event and save on the cost of going out.

The team at The Bottle Club have put together a guide on how to throw the best Eurovision viewing party, as well as providing some delicious cocktail recipes inspired by competing countries to impress your guests.

Decorate the house with flags

Get into the Eurovision party spirit by decorating the house with European flags and showing your support for neighbouring countries . Eurovision bunting can be purchased for a reasonable price across retail sites such as eBay and Amazon.

Do a Eurovision sweepstake

If you’re looking to create your own element of competition, then take part in a Eurovision sweepstake with your guests. There are plenty of free Eurovision sweepstake generator tools online to send to your guests before the party, and you could even make it extra interesting by offering a cash prize or present for the overall winner.

Dress up in Eurovision themed outfits

To really get into the spirit, set a Eurovision themed dress code - this could be anything from dressing in traditional clothing from your country of choice, or going all out and finding a fancy dress costume that matches your favourite ever Eurovision entry. ABBA? Celine Dion? Conchita Wurst? The possibilities are endless.

Create a Eurovision playlist

While you’re waiting for the big event to start, make sure you provide the perfect soundtrack to your party with a Eurovision playlist. Either create your own from your favourite entries from previous years, or access one of the many pre-made playlists available on Spotify. From ABBA to Loreen, there are plenty of up-tempo Eurovision songs to get the party started.

Play Eurovision drinking games

A drinking game is a great way to get your guests into the party mood, and fortunately, there’s plenty of fun Eurovision-themed drinking games to choose from.

Direct all participating guests to take a sip of their drink whenever the following Eurovision moments occur:

Fake rain is used in the performance
A performer undertakes an outfit change mid song
Pyrotechnics are used during a performance
Someone makes an ABBA reference
The UK gets 12 points
The UK gets 0 points

Serve food from every country

If you’re going the extra mile and providing food at your Eurovision party, you might as well get creative and serve up some signature dishes or snacks that originate in different European countries.

Make signature cocktails from some of the competing countries

Many of the countries that are competing in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest have their own signature cocktails. Get into the true spirit of Eurovision by creating some of these signature cocktails at your home.

Credit: @vincentchiccos

Aperol Spritz - Italy

Ingredients:

75 ml prosecco
50 ml Aperol
25 ml soda
Ice
Slice of orange (Garnish)

Method:

Fill your large wine glass (or official Aperol Spritz glass!) with plenty of ice.
Add 3 parts Prosecco, then 2 parts Aperol.
Add a dash of soda and stir briefly.
Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!

Credit: @acaso.cafeevinho

Sangria - Spain

Ingredients:

1/2 medium apple (cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces)
1/2 medium orange (rind on, sliced into small pieces, large seeds removed // plus more for garnish)
3-4 Tbsp organic brown sugar (or 3 Tbsp (37.5 g) organic cane sugar as original recipe is written)
180ml orange juice (plus more to taste)
80 ml brandy (plus more to taste)
750 ml bottle dry Spanish red wine
~1 cup Ice to chill

Method:

Add apples, oranges, and sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon for 45 seconds.
Add orange juice and brandy and muddle again to combine for 30 seconds.
Add red wine and stir to incorporate, then taste and adjust flavour as needed. I added a bit more brandy, orange juice and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
Add ice and stir once more to chill. Serve as is, or with a bit more ice. Garnish with orange segments (optional).
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though best when fresh.

Credit: @foolproofliving

France - French 75 Cocktail

Ingredients:

30 ml ounce gin
15 ml ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
15 ml ounce simple syrup
90 ml Champagne (or whatever sparkling wine!)
Lemon peel twist to garnish

Method:

Add your gin, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a Champagne flute.
Top with the Champagne.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Credit: @raphraphraphou

UK - Pimms Summer Cup

Ingredients:

240ml of Pimms
700ml of lemonade
Sliced cucumber
8 sliced strawberries
1/2 orange, sliced
1/2 lemon, sliced
Fresh mint to garnish

Method:

Layer the fruit slices and plenty of ice in a large pitcher or jug.
Add in the Pimms and lemonade.
Pour into 4 tall glasses, evenly distributing the fruit and ice, and garnish with mint

image courtesy of @Eurovision

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