Quarter final preview and Roddy's cocktail secrets

I can't believe that the quarter finals are upon us, starting tomorrow.

Friday's matches are:

• Denmark (Elephant - the contentious competitor) vs Honduras (sub Cristal from Cuba). I expect the strength of the Elephant to overwhelm the more delicate Cristal.

• France (Kronenbourg) vs Australia (VB). I think this one is too close to call, and much depends on our mood at the time.

On Saturday, the judging panel will be joined by Paul, Evelyn, Alan and Helen. Paul and Evelyn know lots about beer. Alan and Helen have been having lots of practice. Not only will we be assessing the quarter finalists, we will also take the opportunity to share some of the more unusual losers - we fully expect the 2 litre Apatinsko Serbian beer to be consumed. The matches on Saturday are:

• Germany (Bitburger) vs Mexico (Bohemia). Now, Bitburger has had a bit of an up & down tournament. So the result all depends on how it shows on the day.

• Slovakia (Zlaty Bazant) vs Cote D'Ivoire (sub Flag from Togo). I shall be rooting for the Zlaty Bazant! The Flag has also been having an up & down tournament, so this one should be close.

Good luck to all the quarter finalists. Mike will tweet the results and we will continue to post match reports.

Now to Roddy's cocktail secrets. To get your guests into the party mood, make sure that you stiffen the Pimms with a little extra gin! And to make a great champagne cocktail (see blogs passim), always soak the sugar cube in bitters.