Paul Kushner
Brunch transforms weekends into something to look forward to, and it’s the cocktails that truly make it shine. I’ve rounded up my top picks for brunch cocktails that are guaranteed to brighten your morning. These selections are all about fun flavors and being the perfect companion to any brunch dish. Ideal for hosting or simply making a Sunday more enjoyable, these drinks are sure to elevate your brunch experience. This roundup of brunch cocktails is a must-try for an unforgettable morning.
Fig and Honey Margarita
Picture yourself enjoying a margarita with honey and fig. It tastes like a delightful journey in a glass. It tastes rich and slightly earthy, similar to a jammy treat, thanks to the figs. Then there’s the honey, which blends wonderfully with the fig since it’s sweet, creamy, and cozy. Tequila gives it a playful kick that lets you know this is a sophisticated beverage. A squeeze of lime juice adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness. A delightful blend of sweetness, tanginess, and slight warmth in every sip, this beverage is perfect for any special occasion.
Fig Honey Margarita
Ingredients
Method
- In your shaker, combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, fig syrup, and honey.
- Add a handful of ice cubes.
- Shake well until everything is mixed and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a margarita glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lime and a fig slice. Enjoy!
Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco
You’ve got to try this Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco. It’s super bubbly and has this amazing mix of sweet and tart from the raspberries. Plus, there’s a zesty kick from the Limoncello that’s like sunshine in a sip. The Prosecco makes it all fizzy and light, making every sip feel like a celebration. It’s the perfect drink when you want something fun and fancy. Trust me, it’s like a happy dance for your taste buds.
Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco
Ingredients
Method
- Put a few raspberries and ice cubes into your glass.
- Pour the limoncello over the raspberries and ice.
- Gently add the prosecco to the mix.
- If you like, top it off with a splash of sparkling water.
- Stir it lightly, and enjoy!
Blackberry Whiskey Smash
Imagine you’re enjoying brunch with friends and want something special to sip on. Try a Blackberry Whiskey Smash! It’s perfect for mornings when you’re looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and a little bold. The juicy blackberries mix with the whiskey to create a sweet, yet rich flavor, while lemon adds a bright touch, making every sip perfectly balanced. Mint leaves give it a fresh kick, making this cocktail a fantastic choice to wake up your taste buds and start your brunch with a smile.
Blackberry Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
Method
- In your rocks glass, muddle the blackberries, lemon and mint leaves together to release their flavors.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey and sugar with ice. Shake well.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
- Garnish with a few blackberries and a sprig of mint.
- Enjoy your refreshing Blackberry Whiskey Smash!
Bloody Mary
Prepare to embark on a brunch journey like no other with the iconic Bloody Mary, a legendary cocktail renowned for its invigorating flavors and revitalizing qualities. A Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail, so this cocktail recipe belongs on every brunch menu. The classic Bloody Mary has a foundation of excellent vodka, which gives the drink a smooth and gentle kick and sets the stage for the other components to flourish. To enhance its robust profile, a tantalizing blend of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco hot sauce is introduced, offering a zesty and slightly spicy kick that lingers on the palate. Renowned as one of the best brunch cocktails, the Bloody Mary strikes the perfect balance between savory, tangy, and spicy elements, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will awaken your senses and elevate your mid-morning feast.
Bloody Mary Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare your glass by rubbing a lemon or lime wedge around the rim
- Next, sprinkle the celery salt on a plate and roll the edge of the glass through the celery salt to get an even coating
- Add ice to the glass and place it to the side for later
- Prepare a shaker and add all the remaining ingredients, shaking gently to mix
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the highball glass
- Add any garnishes for decoration as desired
Mimosa
Embrace the pinnacle of fizz and grace with the original mimosa, a drink that has rightfully earned its spot as one of the greatest brunch drinks. The mimosa is the quintessential brunch cocktail; its fruity, bubbly flavor will perk you up and go beautifully with everything on your midday buffet. The classic mimosa calls for fresh orange juice and sparkling wine, usually champagne. You can mix up this cocktail recipe with different fruit juice or sparkling wine of your choice for your own take on the classic brunch cocktail! Served in a flute, the mimosa exudes an air of sophistication, transforming any brunch occasion into a celebration of indulgence and togetherness.
Mimosa
Ingredients
Method
- Fill half of your champagne flute with cold champagne.
- Top the other half with orange juice.
- For a twist, add a splash of Triple Sec.
- Gently stir, if you like, or just let the layers mingle on their own.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist, and serve immediately.
Sea Breeze
Transport yourself to a coastal paradise with the refreshing Sea Breeze, a captivating brunch cocktail that embodies the essence of brunch with its invigorating flavors and delightful balance. The Sea Breeze is a cocktail with a symphony of flavors created by combining quality vodka, tart cranberry juice, and vivacious grapefruit juice. As the ocean breeze caresses your face and the sun glistens on the horizon, indulge in this enticing libation that has rightfully earned its place among the best brunch cocktails.
Sea Breeze
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1 ½ fluid ounces of vodka over the ice.
- Add 4 fluid ounces of cranberry juice to the glass.
- Pour 1 fluid ounce of grapefruit juice into the glass.
- Stir the mixture well with a bar spoon.
- Garnish the drink with a lime wedge.
- You can adjust the amount of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice to suit your taste. Some people prefer a stronger drink, while others prefer a more tart taste.
- You can also add a splash of club soda for some extra fizz.
Irish Coffee
The Irish Coffee, a renowned beverage that has deservedly earned its reputation as one of the greatest brunch cocktails, will help you to completely enjoy the coziness and warmth of a comfortable brunch atmosphere. With its harmonious blend of rich Irish whiskey, aromatic hot coffee, velvety whipped cream, and a hint of brown sugar, this beloved classic is sure to delight your senses and elevate your mid-morning experience to new heights. The Irish whiskey offers a boozy kick to your usual morning coffee. If a sweet, fruity cocktail isn’t for you, an Irish coffee may be your brunch cocktail of choice. Sipping on an Irish coffee during brunch is like embracing a warm hug on a chilly morning, inviting you to relax and savor the moment.
Irish Coffee
Ingredients
Method
- Start by warming your glass with some hot water, then dump the water out.
- Add the brown sugar to the glass.
- Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
- Gently float the whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Enjoy your Classic Irish Coffee.
French 75
The French 75 truly embodies the essence of brunch, bringing together the indulgence of champagne and the sophistication of gin to create a celebratory and refined mid-morning libation. Its sparkling allure and delightful flavors make it the perfect choice for those seeking the best brunch cocktails, where every sip is a toast to the pleasures of the day. Fresh lemon juice adds a sweet tart flavor to this brunch cocktail. Savor the elegance, embrace the bubbles, and let the French 75 transport you to a world of brunch-time bliss and luxury.
French 75
Ingredients
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain into a flute glass.
- Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Kir Royale
Enjoy the Kir Royale, a mesmerizing drink that has solidified its position as one of the top brunch libations. Each sip is a delightful fusion of flavors, where the sweet depth of the crème de cassis intertwines with the crispness of the champagne, while the raspberries add a refreshing and fruity twist. Toast to the best brunch cocktails with the Kir Royale, and let its seductive charm transport you to a realm of refined indulgence.
Kir Royale
Ingredients
Method
- Pour the crème de cassis into a champagne flute.
- Top up the glass with your choice of sparkling wine, such as champagne, prosecco, cava, or white wine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or raspberry, if desired.
Screwdriver
Indulge in the simple yet fulfilling pleasure of a Screwdriver, a traditional drink that tantalizes the taste senses with its bright flavors. Vodka, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a dash of ice combine to create a wonderful cocktail with a sweet, energizing flavor. The Screwdriver, best enjoyed on hot summer days or at a brunch party, is a refreshing drink best enjoyed while wrapped in an icy embrace provided by the use of ice.
Screwdriver
Ingredients
Method
- Pour vodka over plenty of ice in a highball glass
- Add orange juice right to the top
- Serve and enjoy
Red Sangria
Red Sangria is a delicious and energizing drink that combines a variety of fruits, spices, and alcohol to create a medley of tastes that will tickle your taste buds. With a base of red wine infused with the natural sweetness of orange juice and complemented by the zesty citrus notes of orange and lemon and the crispness of apple, this delightful libation is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Sip, savor, and let the vibrant taste transport you to a world of blissful indulgence.
Classic Red Sangria
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and slice the orange, lemon, and apple into thin rounds or wedges.
- Place the fruit slices into a large pitcher.
- Add the brandy and simple syrup, stirring to mix the flavors.
- Pour in the red wine and stir again to evenly combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the fruit to infuse.
- Just before serving, add the club soda and ice to the pitcher.
- Stir gently, then pour into glasses and enjoy.
Bellini
Savor the exquisite taste of a Bellini, a timeless classic that combines the effervescence of Prosecco with the luscious sweetness of ripe peaches. The sparkling Prosecco, with its crisp and lively bubbles, provides a refreshing base that awakens the senses when paired with peach puree. The ripe peaches, carefully selected at their peak of sweetness, infuse the cocktail with a natural and succulent taste that is both indulgent and satisfying. This delightful cocktail entices with its refreshing and fruity profile, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a drink that is both light and indulgent.
Bellini
Ingredients
Method
- Take a champagne flute and pour chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine into it, filling the glass about halfway.
- Add a spoonful of peach purée gently into the glass.
- Using a spoon, stir the contents gently to ensure the peach purée mixes well with the sparkling wine.
- For an extra touch, if desired, garnish the Bellini with a slice of fresh peach.
- Adjust the amount of peach purée according to your taste preferences, allowing for variations in sweetness or fruitiness in your Bellini. You can also explore different types of sparkling wine or consider adding a splash of Aperol or seltzer to create unique twists on the classic Bellini recipe.
Tom Collins
Delight in the refreshing taste of a Tom Collins, a classic cocktail that tantalizes the palate with its crisp and invigorating flavors. Crafted with the perfect balance of gin, zesty lemon juice, and a splash of effervescent club soda, this timeless libation offers a taste that is both tangy and refreshing. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the pool or a quiet evening in, this timeless drink will revive your senses and leave you thirsty for more.
Tom Collins
Ingredients
Method
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it up until it's well mixed and chilled.
- Strain it into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top it off with soda water.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.
Michelada
The Michelada, a beer drink with Mexican roots known for its distinctive blend of tangy and savory tastes, is a great way to wake up your taste buds and get your party started. This brunch-friendly drink has a rich and pleasant taste thanks to chilled beer, tart lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, black pepper, and celery salt. The Michelada’s unique combination of ingredients makes it the perfect companion for brunch time.
Michelada
Ingredients
Method
- Start by mixing salt and chili powder on a small plate. Rim your glass with lime juice and dip it into the salt-chili mix.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Gently pour the beer into the glass, mixing as you pour to blend all the flavors.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or round on the rim. Enjoy!
Mudslide
Take pleasure in the velvety smoothness of a mudslide, a sumptuous drink with rich and creamy ingredients. This cocktail is the perfect combination of sweetness and decadence, thanks to the combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream. Topped with a garnish of luscious chocolate shavings, each sip of the mudslide is a moment of pure bliss.
Mudslide
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, and heavy cream.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is cold and slightly frothy.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Tequila Sunrise
The deliciously balanced combination of flavors in a Tequila Sunrise is a treat for the taste buds. The tequila contributes a silky, somewhat earthy undertone, while the orange juice brightens everything up with its zesty freshness. The grenadine syrup, with its sweet and fruity essence, creates a beautiful gradient effect in the glass, giving the cocktail its signature sunrise appearance. Its fruity and citrusy profile pairs well with a variety of brunch dishes, from light salads to savory omelets.
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
Method
- To start off, pour the tequila into your glass over the ice
- Next, add the orange juice to help the ingredients blend together
- Pour in the syrup
- Stir very gently to get the sunrise effect, or simply leave the syrup to settle at the bottom of the glass
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan’s lively taste and refreshing qualities make it an excellent choice for brunch. The vodka serves as a neutral backdrop that highlights the other flavors, while the lemony sweetness of the Cointreau elevates the drink to a whole new level of sophistication. Cranberry juice gives it a tangy, fruity flavor, while lime juice makes it taste even more refreshing. Relax with a Cosmopolitan and let yourself be whisked away to a world of refined pleasure.
Cosmopolitan
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Secure the lid and shake briskly for 10–15 seconds, until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or twist before serving.
Greyhound
Try a Greyhound, a traditional drink with a tangy citrus flavor that will revive and excite your senses. Made with gin and a healthy splash of grapefruit juice, this cocktail is equal parts tart and refreshing. Served with a fresh lime garnish, each sip of the Greyhound is a burst of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch on a sunny patio or need a revitalizing drink to kickstart your day, the Greyhound offers a refreshing and invigorating experience that is sure to brighten your spirits.
Greyhound
Ingredients
Method
- Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to chill.
- In a shaker, combine 2 oz of gin or vodka with 4 oz of fresh grapefruit juice.
- Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the ice-filled highball glass.
- Garnish with a lime slice or a grapefruit wedge.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
Experience a tantalizing fusion of flavors with a pineapple jalapeno margarita, a cocktail that combines sweet and spicy notes for a truly unique taste. This cocktail has just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess thanks to the combination of triple sec, reposado tequila, zesty lime juice, and refreshing pineapple juice. Let this cocktail transport you to a tropical paradise, where the vibrant flavors mingle and leave a refreshing sensation that perfectly complements a leisurely brunch experience.
Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
Ingredients
Method
- Rim the glass with salt: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it in kosher salt to create a salted rim. Set aside.
- Muddle the jalapeño: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slice to extract its flavor and heat. Add ice, tequila, lime juice, pineapple juice, and Cointreau.
- Shake the cocktail: Shake the cocktail vigorously until the shaker is frosty and cold.
- Strain and pour: Strain the cocktail into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the cocktail with a pineapple wedge and lime wedge. Serve and enjoy!
Hemingway Daiquiri
Discover the allure of a Hemingway Daiquiri, a classic cocktail that embodies the essence of a refreshing brunch libation. Crafted with the vibrant flavors of lime juice and grapefruit juice, complemented by the smoothness of white rum and the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur, this cocktail is a perfect addition to any brunch affair. Served over ice, each sip of the Hemingway Daiquiri transports you to a tropical paradise, where the tangy citrus notes blend harmoniously with the tropical undertones.
Hemingway Daquiri
Ingredients
Method
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur to the shaker.
- Shake it all up until it's very cold, about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
- Enjoy your delicious Hemingway Daiquiri!
Lemon Drop Martini
Elevate your brunch experience with the invigorating and citrusy delight of a Lemon Drop Martini. This classic cocktail combines the crispness of vodka with the zesty flavors of Cointreau and fresh lemon juice, all balanced perfectly with a touch of simple syrup. Raise a glass and toast to the joy of brunch with this delightful cocktail that will surely leave a lasting impression.
Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients
Method
- Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar by running a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it in sugar
- Combine the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker is frosted over.
- Strain the cocktail into the sugar-rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Aperol Spritz
Indulge in the best of brunch cocktails with the invigorating and vibrant Aperol Spritz. The Aperol Spritz is an incredibly popular cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a touch of club soda. Garnished with a slice of orange, this cocktail not only delights the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your brunch table. The Aperol Spritz, with its ideal balance of taste and fizz, is the quintessential brunch drink and will take your brunch experience to the next level.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- Add the Aperol and the Prosecco to your wine glass
- Gently put in some ice cubes with tongs. If you put the ice cubes in before the Prosecco, around half of your bubbles will be lost, so try to avoid this
- Add the splash of soda and garnish your cocktail with an orange slice
- Enjoy and drink your Aperol Spritz
