© Getty ImagesWatch Party: Dutch Grand PrixTime to celebrate Max’s home race, and here’s how.
There’snodoubttheDutchknowhowtoparty.TheOrangeArmyknowhowtohaveagoodtimeatanytrackwhentheycomeouttosupportMax,butZandvoortisspecialforobviousreasons.WithMax’shomeracecomingup,we’regoingtosharehowyoucanthrowawatchparty,theDutchway.
It doesn’t matter if you have a sweet or savoury tooth, the Dutch have created foods that are perfect for a watch party.
The title of ‘Most Famous Dutch Food’ is up for grabs, but the two hottest contenders to the crown are bitterballen and Hollandse Nieuwe. Bitterballen are Dutch meatballs, often served alongside beer, and unlike the Italian and Swedish varieties these ones are breaded, and actually more like a croquette than a meatball…but one thing that’s for sure is that they’re a perfect little snack for an afternoon race.
Hollandse Nieuwe is the other contender for the most Dutch food you could possibly serve at a watch party. It’s Dutch Herring and you probably need to be a fan of fish if you want to try it… It’s served raw with chopped onions and gherkins. The traditional way to eat it is to pick it up by its tail, tip your head back and drop it in. It may be one for the more adventurous of you to try out.
If you’re erring more on the side of sweet treats then you’re going to want to try your hand at making some poffertjes (or of course you can buy some if you don’t fancy yourself a baker for the day). Poffertjes are small, but thick fluffy and wonderfully delicious pancakes. They’re more common of a treat in winter and are usually found in abundance at Christmas markets with a range of toppings. Covering them in butter and powdered sugar is a classic way to enjoy these tiny little treats, or you can cover them with fruit if you’re being ‘healthy’, but we still recommend adding chocolate.
We know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry we haven’t forgotten about the pinnacle of Dutch delicacies. Did you even throw a Dutch GP watch party if you didn’t have stroopwafels? Simple answer: no. Two thin waffles with a layer delicious caramel filling oozing out from the middle, what’s not to love? These definitely come with a warning though – you won’t be able to stop after just one. You could always buy stroopwafels, but we challenge you to make your own…
The Dutch are credited with creating gin, known as Jenever, British soldiers were introduced to it in the 1630s and it’s where the saying ‘Dutch courage’ comes from. Apparently the Dutch would drink it before heading into battle and shared it with their British counterparts.
The Dutch are of course also known for their beer, so a nice cold Heineken 0.0 wouldn’t go amiss at you Dutch watch party.
Of course you can also pair your bitterballen and poffertjes with a refreshing Red Bull mocktail, and if you want to honour the iconic tulips of The Netherlands, the Flower Power is the right choice. You’ll just need elderflower syrup, a grapefruit, ice, a crisp can of Red Bull Original.
Let’s not forget it’s a party you’re hosting, so you’re going to need some music. Of course we’ve got that sorted for you as well with our Dutch Grand Prix Bulls Beats playlist so you can party Orange Army-style.
Zandvoort is a special race for Max and the Team, so of course we’ve got some special merch to mark the occasion so join the Orange Army in spirit by kitting yourself out with a Dutch GP Special Edition hat or t-shirt.
Browse the collection
Max Verstappen 2023 Dutch Grand Prix Cap© Oracle Red Bull Racing
So all you need to do now is tune in and celebrate another race weekend.
Enjoy!