--- title: "Chilean Yugoslav Cocktail — Homemade Yugoslavo Recipe" description: "The Yugoslav cocktail is a classic Chilean drink that was very popular in the 70s and 80s, combining beer and white wine into a refreshing mix. It remains a nostalgic icon of past popular culture, enjoyed at some celebrations and gatherings." url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/recipe-for-yugoslav-cocktail/ date: 2024-07-19 modified: 2026-06-30 author: "Carlos Uhart M." image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Recipe-for-Yugoslav-Cocktail.jpg categories: ["Beverages"] tags: ["Beverages", "Cocktails"] type: post lang: en --- # Chilean Yugoslav Cocktail — Homemade Yugoslavo Recipe [Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-yugoslavo-un-coctel-clasico-de-la-decada-de-los-80/) ![Recipe for Yugoslav Cocktail](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Recipe-for-Yugoslav-Cocktail.jpg)*Recipe for Yugoslav Cocktail* The Yugoslav cocktail is a classic Chilean drink that was very popular in the 70s and 80s, combining beer and white wine into a refreshing mix. It remains a nostalgic icon of past popular culture, enjoyed at some celebrations and gatherings. ## How to Make a Yugoslav Cocktail? To prepare a Yugoslav, mix well-chilled beer with white wine in equal parts, occasionally adding a touch of lemon or ginger ale for a more citrusy and bubbly flavor. ## Nutritional Information Each serving of Yugoslav cocktail contains approximately 220 kcal, 30 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fat, 1 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, 10 g of sugars, 0 mg of cholesterol, and 15 mg of sodium. ## Recipe for Yugoslav Cocktail **Preparation:** 5 minutes **Servings:** 2 people ### Ingredients - 500 ml of pale lager beer - 500 ml of white wine - 1 lemon - Ginger ale (optional) ### Instructions 1. In a tall glass or highball glass, pour beer halfway and top up with white wine, both pre-chilled, ensuring the foam doesn’t overflow, and stir with a long cocktail spoon. 2. Optionally, add a lemon slice on the rim of the glass or immerse it in the drink for an extra citrusy touch and decoration. 3. Finally, for added effervescence and a unique flavor, you can add a splash of ginger ale and garnish with a mint leaf. ## Additional Tips ### Choosing the Right Beer and Wine A pale lager with a neutral, crisp flavor — such as Escudo, Cristal, or Royal — complements white wine without competing with it. For the wine, choose a dry, light-bodied Chilean white: Sauvignon Blanc or a young Chardonnay work best. Avoid heavy or oaked wines, which can overpower the delicate balance of the cocktail. ### Serving Temperature Matters The Yugoslav cocktail must be served ice-cold. Chill both the beer and wine in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before mixing. Never use ice cubes — they dilute the flavor as they melt. If you need to cool the drinks quickly, place the bottles in a bucket of ice water for 15 minutes. ### Variations on the Classic Yugoslav While the classic Yugoslav uses equal parts beer and white wine, you can adjust the ratio to taste: more beer for a lighter, crispier result; more wine for a fuller-bodied cocktail. Some recipes add a splash of ginger ale or mineral water for extra bubbles, or a wedge of lemon for a citrusy finish. | Ingredient | Substitute | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Pale lager | Non-alcoholic beer | Makes it alcohol-free | | White wine | Sparkling water | Reduces alcohol content | | Lemon | Lime | Slightly more acidic | | Ginger ale | Tonic water | Slightly more bitter | ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) **What is the ratio of beer to wine in a Yugoslav cocktail?** The classic Yugoslav uses equal parts pale lager beer and dry white wine — typically 250 ml of each per serving. Some variations use a 60/40 ratio (more beer) for a lighter result, or add a splash of ginger ale for extra effervescence. **Why is it called the “Yugoslav” cocktail in Chile?** The cocktail takes its name from an association with the former country of Yugoslavia: just as Yugoslavia was a forced union of different peoples, the drink combines beer and wine — two beverages that wouldn’t typically be mixed. The name became popular in Chile during the 1970s and 1980s, when Yugoslavia was widely covered in Chilean newspapers. **Is the Yugoslav cocktail served with ice?** Traditionally, the Yugoslav is served without ice, relying instead on well-chilled beer and wine. Adding ice dilutes the drink and alters the flavor balance. For best results, refrigerate both ingredients for at least 2 hours before serving. **Can I make a large batch for a party?** Yes. Combine equal parts beer and white wine in a large pitcher and serve immediately. Keep unused portions refrigerated separately and mix as needed to preserve the carbonation of the beer. ## What Is the Yugoslav Cocktail? The Yugoslav cocktail, known in Chilean Spanish as “yugoslavo,” is a simple mixed drink made with equal parts chilled lager beer and dry white wine. Unlike elaborate cocktails, it requires no shaker, no special technique, and no equipment — just two well-chilled ingredients poured together. The result is a light, refreshing beverage with the subtle acidity of white wine and the familiar crispness of beer, making it an approachable drink for all tastes and occasions. ## History of the Yugoslav Cocktail in Chile The Yugoslav cocktail dates back to mid-20th century Chile when the mix of beer and white wine became popular among Chileans looking for a light, affordable drink. It later took its name from the seemingly forced combination of these two ingredients, reminiscent of the union of Yugoslavia, which was widely covered in Chilean newspapers at the time. By the 1970s and 1980s, the yugoslavo had become a cultural icon of Chilean popular drinking culture, a nostalgic reference that endures to this day at social gatherings across the country. ## Did You Know? The Yugoslav is part of a broad family of beer cocktails popular in Chile, such as malt with condensed milk or fanschop. ## Recommended - [Traditional ajiaco](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/traditional-homemade-papaya-candies-recipe/) - [Lamb chanfaina](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/traditional-chilean-lamb-chanfaina-recipe/) - [Chemilico sandwich](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-chemilico-sandwich-recipe/) - [Italian pork sandwich](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-italian-pork-loin-sandwich-recipe/)