The Boys Are Back!!

They're baaaaaaack!! Millions of fans across the globe have been waiting for this day with bated breath. Since the ninth of May, (67 loooong days!) we Manchester United faithful have been anxiously awaiting the return of our beloved boys to the football pitch.

Of course, in the interim, we have been lucky enough to have a month of international football thanks to the 2010 World Cup. And while that kept us entertained for a while, I am quite sure that any United supporter, if asked, would tell you in no uncertain terms that it just wasn't the same as watching our precious club.

So, today Manchester United begins their pre-season tour of North America in Toronto, Canada against Scottish side, Celtic. I know all of us who love the club have barely quelled elation today and hearts pounding from excitement and anticipation...so, in honor of our treasured team, here's a few recipes to fill your glass as you raise it to those beautiful boys in Red.

Red Army
½ shot Cointreau
2 shots raspberry vodka
½ shot raspberry liqueur
1 shot lime juice
¾ shot sugar syrup
10 raspberries

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Add all the ingredients and shake very well. Strain into an ice-filled tumbler and serve garnished with a fresh raspberry.

Big Red
1 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz dry vermouth
1/2 oz sloe gin
2 dashes orange bitters

Pour the sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, sloe gin and orange bitters into an old-fashioned glass two-thirds filled with crushed ice. Stir well, garnish with a slice of orange, and serve.

Red Devil Cocktail
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz peach schnapps
1 1/2 oz Southern Comfort
1 1/2 oz sloe gin
2 oz triple sec
2 oz orange juice
1 splash grenadine

Mix alcohols into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Add the juice and grenadine, and shake. Serve in a 10-12 oz. glass.