3 Cocktails inspired by F1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

While the Yas Marina Grand Prix Circuit may sound like it was named by an excited teenager, the Abu Dhabi island that’s home to the final Formula 1 race of the 2024 season has an etymology rooted in the Arabic Bani Yas tribe that once occupied the isle. Despite two lengthy straights, the 16-turn, 5.2-kilometer circuit isn’t generally a driver favorite — the layout leads to slow laps, with drivers on the throttle for only 63 percent of the time.

But the race has two things going for it: a hotly contested Constructor’s Championship title in the balance, and — given the relatively doddering pace — an opportunity to sip something enjoyable across 58 laps.

We’ve got three cocktails inspired by the Yas Marina circuit, including a non-alcoholic version in case it’s too early in the day, or you’re just taking it easy.

Sunset Rose

“Lights out and away we go” pulls double duty in Abu Dhabi: the start of the grand prix is at sunset, meaning it’s both breathtaking on camera and tricky on tire temperature management. We chose to focus on the scenery, though, with the Sunset Rose. This mezcal-based highball riff uses the sublimely delicious Q Mixers Hibiscus Ginger Beer, giving the beverage a lovely shade of bright plum — and a light, floral, tangy tingle, rounded out by the earthy notes from the mezcal. A drop of sweet agave balances it all out.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces mezcal (substitute Campantemezcal for something extra herbaceous)
• 4 ounces hibiscus ginger beer
• ⅛ ounce agave nectar
• Club soda
• Lime for garnish

Steps:

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice, then add the mezcal, hibiscus ginger beer, agave, and club soda
2. Garnish with a lime

Gilded Pole

The Gilded Pole channels the absurd opulence of Abu Dhabi

Photo by: Sean Evans

Yas Marina is rife with mega yachts, five-star hotels, and all the other billionaire amenities the Emirate is known for. Thus the Gilded Pole, an elevated play on the Rusty Nail (whiskey and Drambuie), seems well suited. Here, bourbon replaces the typical single malt whiskey or blended scotch. If it’s available, Russell’s Reserve single barrel select, which clocks in at 110 proof, provides ample punch without overshadowing the honey and spice notes the Drambuie brings to the table.

A lemon peel for garnish, expressed (squeezed and twisted) into the drink before to dropping it in, offers a little tartness. Or bring in some bitters to nudge things in different directions: citrus bitters for tang, chili bitters for heat, black walnut bitters for richness, or grapefruit bitters for a nice zing.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces bourbon (100-proof or higher)
• .75 ounces Drambuie
• Lemon peel for garnish
• Two dashes bitters, optional

Steps:

1. Add a large cube of ice to a rocks glass, then add in all ingredients

Yas Rojita

Full disclosure: this is just an image of Almave

Photo by: Almave

In Abu Dhabi, liquor is available only to foreigners, and only in certain hotels and other designated locations. Mocktails are common — and increasingly popular around the world, UAE or otherwise — so the Yas Rojita is an drink that will let you sip without hard stuff. To stay on-theme, it’s built around Almave, Lewis Hamilton’s non-alcoholic spirit made from distilled agave. That said, it’s pretty tasty, NA or otherwise, so feel free to make it a low-alcohol drink by subbing out half the Almave for any blanco tequila.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces Almave Blanco
• 1 ounce blood orange juice
• 1 ounce orgeat syrup
• .5 ounces fresh lemon juice
• Orange wheel for garnish

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker. Fill with ice, then shake vigorously until cold
2. Double strain into a highball glass full of ice and garnish with an orange wheel