These Brunch Cocktails Were Made for Sipping All Afternoon
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Everyone knows that a good brunch contains two things: food and bubbly! Because without Bloody Marys and mimosas, it would just be breakfast. The other great part about brunch is that is can basically start any time of day. Whether you’re an early riser or someone who likes to hit the snooze button, as long as you have a few make-ahead breakfast casseroles and these brunch cocktail recipes on hand, you’re just a hop, skip, and jump away from your next weekend brunch.
Here, you’ll find classic cocktails you know and love (like peach bellini and espresso martinis), plus fun variations on mimosa recipes and other champagne cocktails, tequila drinks, and so much more. If you’re hosting a big crowd, there are make-ahead batch cocktail ideas, including various twists on sangria, that work well as spring cocktails, book club refreshments, bridal shower brunch recipes, or even just for an afternoon on the back porch.
Plenty also work perfectly for Mother’s Day brunch, but a lot of these are universally delicious any time of year. All you need are your favorite pancake recipes, egg recipes, or muffins to make the meal complete. There are also several options here that can easily omit the alcohol if you need some mocktails for non-drinkers or underage guests. So gather up your friends and family, because there’s always a reason to celebrate on a weekend afternoon!
Spiked Arnold Palmer
A mix of ice tea and lemonade is refreshing all on its own. But when you add a splash of bourbon, then brunch gets a lot more fun! Mixing everything from scratch makes it so much tastier.
Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.
Bees Knees
Honey, lemon, and gin: That’s all you need to make the perfect brunch cocktail! And if you don’t love gin, swap it out for vodka or bourbon instead.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
Bloody Maria
If you like the idea of a bloody mary but prefer something other than vodka in your drink, try her cousin! It uses tequila instead for a flavorful twist on a brunch classic.
Get the Bloody Maria recipe.
Tom Collins
If you’ve never had a Tom Collins, you’re in for a refreshing treat. It’s made with four simple ingredients―gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water―for an endlessly sippable concoction.
Get the Tom Collins recipe.
Dark and Stormy
No matter the weather, you can enjoy this cocktail. Ginger beer (or ginger ale in a pinch) gets mixed with fresh lime juice and dark rum. It’s as fun to look at as it is to drink!
Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.
Raspberry Sorbet Spritz
There’s something about balls of sorbet floating in bubbly booze that feels so festive, doesn’t it? And you don’t have to use raspberry either. Use practically any flavor you want!
Get the Raspberry Sorbet Spritz recipe.
Tequila Sunrise
You don’t need to rise with the sun to enjoy this tropical cocktail. It’s just as delicious in the mid-afternoon when you serve up a tasty outdoor brunch.
Get the Tequila Sunrise recipe.
White Wine Sangria
Choosing a crisp, dry white wine for sangria is a great way to lighten things up. You can make a big pitcher of the drink and let guests help themselves.
Get the White Wine Sangria recipe.
Peach Bellini
Bellinis don’t get as much attention as mimosas, but they really should! The summery drink is sweet and bubbly and perfect for celebrating any occasion.
Get the Peach Bellini recipe.
Cranberry Mimosa
Here’s a fun twist on a classic brunch drink! Instead of simply using orange juice and champagne, this variation is tart and sweet thanks to cranberry juice and pineapple-orange juice.
Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
Campari Spritz
This refreshing, bubbly drink made with orange juice might look sweet, but it actually has a hint of bitterness from the Campari. Don’t worry, though, it’s a flavor that’s uniquely satisfying.
Get the Campari Spritz recipe.
Mojito
This rum-based cocktail is loaded with fresh, sweet flavor thanks to the mint and sugar. But it’s also so refreshing from the bubbly club soda.
Get the Mojito recipe.
Sparkling Margarita
What says “brunch” better than a cross between a mimosa and a margarita? Yum! It’s light and refreshing, which is perfect to sip on during the day.
Get the Sparkling Margarita recipe.
Classic Bloody Mary
A little bit salty, a little bit spicy, this quintessential brunch cocktail brings out the savory side of sipping. Plus, who doesn’t love all the endless edible garnish options? Make it with vodka, gin, or tequila depending on your preference.
Get the Classic Bloody Mary recipe.
Orange Crush Cocktail
If you like screw drivers or mimosas, you’ll love this citrusy cocktail. Everything from the juice to the booze contains something orange flavored, making it a burst of sunshine with each sip.
Get the Orange Crush Cocktail recipe.
Red Sangria
If you want something to make ahead for a crowd, sangria is the way to go. It’s a super flexible recipe, where you can vary the fruit, wine, and liquor used for endless brunch ideas.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Paloma
Another twist on the classic margarita is this grapefruit-based drink. If you use red grapefruit juice, it ends up as the prettiest pink cocktail for a brunch with your girlfriends. You know, just in case you needed a reason to invite them over.
Get the Paloma recipe.
Espresso Martini
Brunch is one of those times of day when you might be craving your morning iced coffee still, so why not make a cocktail to satisfy your needs? Get a kick of caffeine while sipping on this vodka-based trendy drink.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Marg-a-Ree-ta
Try Ree’s spin on a classic margarita: Use cucumber, cilantro and mint to spice it up. It’s refreshing and surprising, just what your brunch guests will want!
Get Ree’s Marg-a-Ree-ta recipe.
Classic Mint Julep
Though the Kentucky Derby only happens once a year, that doesn’t mean you can’t make its signature cocktail all year round! Fresh and minty, it packs a punch thanks to the bourbon. Worried that it might be too strong? Just adjust the proof of your alcohol.
Get the Mint Julep recipe.
French 75 Cocktail
Another great batch cocktail to try is the French 75. Mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and then when you’re ready to serve, distribute and top off with sparkling wine. Isn’t everything better with bubbles?
Get the French 75 Cocktail recipe.
Oklahoma Prairie Fire
Bold color and bold flavor: that’s what this drink is all about! Pretty and sweet blood orange and grenadine are balanced by smoky mezcal and a spicy chili powder rim.
Get Ree’s Oklahoma Prairie Fire recipe.
Irish Coffee
Sure, it’s perfect for St. Paddy’s but it’s perfect for any brunch, too. Late morning gatherings should have coffee available and spiking it with Irish cream and whiskey makes it a cocktail, too!
Get Ree’s Irish Coffee recipe.
White Wine Spritzer
What kind of white wine do you like? It doesn’t matter, because this flexible recipe is good with any of them! It’s also good with any berries you like, though blackberries and strawberries look particularly colorful.
Get the White Wine Spritzer recipe.
Ranch Water
If you’re looking for a lighter cocktail (both in calories and taste), try Ree’s lighter take on a margarita. Lime, tequila, and sparkling water is all you need! Oh, and a bendy straw, according to her daughter Alex.
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Two-Ingredient Sangria
Hosting brunch can be hard. It requires a lot of planning, so make your life easier by making a cocktail with two ingredients! All you need is fruit juice and wine.
Get the Two-Ingredient Sangria recipe.
Raspberry Smash
Fresh, muddled berries add just the right bit of sweetness to the vodka, St. Germain, and lemon juice. Plus, they add the prettiest pop of color. They will certainly be a smash at any festive brunch!
Get the Raspberry Smash recipe.
Pomegranate Sparklers
While particularly festive and seasonal during the winter months when pomegranates are in season, these light wine-based cocktails can be made anytime of year. Pomegranate juice is easy to find at any grocery store!
Get Ree’s Pomegranate Sparklers recipe.
Red Berry Frozen Sangria
This frozen cocktail is great in warm weather as an adult slushie of sorts, but you can make it anytime since it uses frozen fruit. Simply blitz in the blender with some wine, brandy, sugar, and ice!
Get Ree’s Red Berry Frozen Sangria recipe.
Aperol Spritz
If you prefer something a little less sweet, a classic Aperol cocktail is just the right amount of bitter. Plus, it’s super easy to make. It’s simply Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. The lemon slices for garnish are totally optional!
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe at Bourbon and Honey.
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