Raise a glass to Colombia with this colourful cocktail, made for FIFA World Cup watch parties. ELLE Gourmet contributor and drinks expert James Chatto shares the iconic recipe for the Colombia Cocktail.

“The idea here is to build a layered cocktail that proudly mirrors the colours of the Colombian flag as well as those of the national team’s kit, which is made up of yellow shirts, blue shorts and red socks. Layering requires a steady hand and relies on the difference in weight and viscosity of the liquids in the drink. Adding crushed ice or small ice cubes in separate stages helps keep the colours separate, but if the stripes do blur, it’s not the end of the world – the cocktail will still taste great. Aguardiente is Colombia’s own sugar-cane spirit, and it’s lightly flavoured with anise. Quality varies dramatically between brands (though Antioqueño is a good dry option), which is why this cocktail is usually made with vodka in North America.”

A green and yellow cocktail against a red and yellow backdrop

The Colombia Cocktail

James Chatto

Make this colourful Colombia cocktail for your FIFA World Cup watch party. Inspired by Colombia's iconic colours, it's as festive as it is delicious.

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Ingredients

6 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
2 oz vodka or aguardiente
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
crushed ice or small ice cubes
1 oz grenadine
1 oz blue curaçao

Instructions

In mixing glass, combine orange juice, vodka and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Quarter-fill Highball glass with ice; slowly add grenadine. Add more ice to the halfway mark. Place back of cocktail spoon, bowl facing up, where ice meets inside of glass; slowly pour curaçao over back of spoon.
Top with more ice, then gently pour in orange juice mixture.

Keyword cocktail