Olympics Bingo
Set your drinks on fire like a torch
When I set out to train for a marathon, a number of people liked to remind me that that when Pheidippides ran 26.2 miles to deliver the message that the Greeks defeated the Persians, he dropped dead. Is this story true? Perhaps. Did he train for the required 18 weeks beforehand? I’m not sure. The marathon became what it is today when it was a featured event in the first modern-day Olympics in 1896. While in Greece, we made a pit stop at the stadium where the first Olympics was held. I had a moment. Why? Because I freaking love the Olympics.
I am a lifelong Olympic hopeful. You don’t have to qualify in any way or fill out paperwork to consider yourself one. You just say it out loud. My dream winter sport is biathlon. My dream summer sport is rhythmic gymnastics. (Why wasn’t I asked as a child to try luge? I think they should randomly pull kids out of public schools across the country, not just near mountains, and make them try luge. We are a huge country, and this is the best way to dominate at luge.)
My friend Cara is equally as obsessed with the Olympics, and we were reminiscing about Open Ceremony parties of yore. We would have Olympic-themed snacks, and most importantly, we had an Open Ceremony Drinking Game.™1 This can also be done as a bingo game. I drafted a sample:
I may do it as a drinking game, but instead of alcohol, take sips of water. It’s important to stay hydrated at my age. Also, the only drinking game I will still willingly participate in is Flip Cup because I am VERY GOOD AT IT.
Next week is all about mojitos, but I am throwing in a red, white and blueberry mockjito today to celebrate tonight’s Opening Ceremonies. I had this after my boot camp class today, and it was exactly what I needed after doing burpees against my will.
Red, White and Blueberry Mockjito
Handful of blueberries and raspberries
Mint leaves
1 t agave nectar, more if preferred
1/2 T lime juice
8 oz coconut water
ice
1 can lime or coconut or “mojito essence”2 flavored seltzer water
Place berries, mint, lime juice and agave nectar at the bottom of a glass and muddle. (If you don’t have a muddler, or know what that is, use the handle end of a butter knife to mash it up). Add ice and coconut water and give it a gentle stir. Top with a splash of seltzer water.
I had big plans to light a cocktail on fire like an Olympic torch. I could not get it to work. However, here is the link to the website from which I was following directions. Like many crushed Olympic dreams, I am going to go back, work at it, and have it ready for 2026.
This is not actually trademarked, but it should be.
I used mojito-flavored LaCroix- I’m not sure how easy this is to find, but coconut or lime flavor would work too.