It’s been four long years, but the summer Olympics are finally back — this time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. If there’s any city on the planet that throws a better party, then we here at Rent. don’t know about it. However, just because you’re not down there amongst the crowds and athletes doesn’t mean you can experience a Brazilian-style party in your very own apartment. Invite your friends over for a night in front of the TV for the Olympic opening ceremony, complete with Brazilian food and drink.
Brazilian-Style Food, Olympic-Sized Portions
It’s no secret that the Brazilians know how to party — often until the early hours of the next day. Doing that takes stamina and what’s commonly known as a “beer cushion.” This cushion isn’t for your couch, it’s for your stomach, particularly on a night where you know you’re going to be hitting the bar. Luckily, Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, fits the bill. This rich stew of black beans and pork (think sausage, bacon and other cuts) is perfect for an Olympic party, as it can easily be served and kept warm in a crock pot.
Brazilians also love a good BBQ, also known as churrasco, Get your apartment’s community grill going, or your own grill if your lease allows it. Fire up beef, pork sausages or even chicken hearts (a favorite of Rio) and be sure to serve it with plenty of Brazil’s favorite condiment: chimichurri sauce.
Get Your Beverage Game On
When it comes to cocktails, the Brazilians are second to none. Take their national drink: the Caipirinha. This super-refreshing drink uses cachaca, a sugarcane-based hard liquor that also happens to be the most common alcohol served in Brazil. While cachaca is relatively easy to find at most liquor stores, you can also substitute rum.
A selection of Brazilian beers also makes a nice addition, or you can theme your beers around the teams that are at the Olympics. Need a non-alcoholic option? Try serving chilled coconut water, just like the vendors on the beach in Rio do.
What Time is the Olympic Opening Ceremony Anyway?
In the United States, NBC is hosting most of the Olympic action, with the opening ceremony starting at 7:30pm ET on Friday, August 5th, 2016. You can keep up with all the games on their official website.
