Cup Match is Bermuda's biggest social weekend, and what's in the cooler is almost as important as who’s playing in the match.

Whether you're spending the holiday at Somerset Cricket Club, camped on the beach, rafting up on a boat or hosting family and friends at home, the drinks are as much a part of the tradition as the food. While Rum Swizzles remain a staple, changing tastes and new ready-to-drink options are giving Bermudians more choice than ever.

According to Tricia Lambert, of Pitt & Co, some favourites never go out of style.

“WKDs are a must, and the new WKD Pineapple Ice has been a huge hit. Cockspur Rum is still essential because you can't make a proper Rum Swizzle without it, and tequila continues to be incredibly popular, especially Milagro Blanco.”

She also said ready-to-drink cocktails are having a moment. BuzzBallz, a new addition to Pitt & Co's portfolio, has quickly become a favourite, while canned beverages continue to appeal to people looking for convenience during long days outdoors.

Rosé remains a popular choice for beach days and boat parties, particularly Long Bay Rosé, which comes in a lightweight, shatterproof bottle that's easy to transport and ideal for spending the day on the water.

When it comes to stocking the perfect Cup Match cooler, Ms Lambert recommends mixing classic favourites with drinks that can handle a day in the sun.

Her shopping list includes WKD, White Claw, Super Bock, Stoli Vodka, Milagro Blanco Tequila, 818 Reposado Tequila, Long Bay Rosé and Stella Rosa Moscato cans, along with plenty of water, Lucozade Tropical and Red Bull to keep everyone refreshed throughout the weekend.

“Hydration is key. Once Upon A Coconut Pineapple coconut water has become my go-to because it's convenient, refreshing and helps you stay hydrated during the long holiday weekend.”

For those heading out on a boat, Ms Lambert recommends choosing drinks that are practical as well as refreshing.

“Long Bay Rosé is perfect because it's packaged in a lightweight PET bottle, and anything in a can makes clean-up much easier after a day on the water.”

As more people look for lighter options, Ms Lambert says the demand for low- and no-alcohol drinks continues to grow.

Her recommendations include Super Bock Green, a low-alcohol shandy blended with natural lemon juice, White Claw for those looking for a lighter alcoholic option, and a simple alcohol-free Hugo Spritz made with Bottega 0% Prosecco topped with Bottle Green Elderflower Cordial.

If she had to choose one signature drink for Cup Match 2026, however, Ms Lambert wouldn't hesitate.

“The 818 Paloma-rita is my pick. It's light, refreshing, easy to make on the go and lower in calories.”

Made with two ounces of 818 Blanco Tequila, three ounces of Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda and a dash of lemon juice, the cocktail is served in a glass rimmed with pink Himalayan salt and garnished with a slice of grapefruit — an easy-drinking option for a long Bermuda summer weekend.

MAKE IT: Tricia's 818 Paloma-rita

Light, refreshing and easy to mix, Tricia Lambert, of Pitt & Co, says this is her signature cocktail for Cup Match 2026. Made with premium tequila and fresh citrus, it's the perfect companion for a long day at the cricket, on the boat or at the beach.

Ingredients

2 oz 818 Blanco Tequila

3 oz Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda

A dash of fresh lemon juice

Pink Himalayan salt (for the rim)

Grapefruit slice, to garnish

Method

Rim your glass with pink Himalayan salt.

Fill the glass with ice.

Add the tequila and a dash of lemon juice.

Top with Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda and stir gently.

Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve chilled.

Why she loves it: “It's light, refreshing, easy to make on the go and low in calories.”

Cup Match Cooler Essentials

According to Pitt & Co's Tricia Lambert, don't leave home without:

WKD Pineapple Ice

White Claw

Super Bock

Long Bay Rosé

818 Tequila

Plenty of water and electrolytes