Brunch cocktails add a fun twist to any late morning meal. These drinks blend breakfast and lunch flavors into tasty sips perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
From classic mimosas to creative new mixes, brunch cocktails offer something for every taste.
You’ll find over 32 refreshing drink ideas to make your next brunch extra special. This list includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
You’ll discover fruity, bubbly, and smooth cocktails to pair with your favorite brunch foods.
Get ready to explore new flavors that will impress your guests.
1. Mimosa
The mimosa is a classic brunch cocktail that’s easy to make and always refreshing. It combines orange juice and sparkling wine, usually in equal parts.
You can use champagne for a more luxurious drink, or prosecco for a lighter touch. Fresh-squeezed orange juice tastes best, but store-bought works too.
To mix a mimosa, fill a champagne flute halfway with chilled sparkling wine. Top it off with cold orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice if you like.
For variety, try different fruit juices like grapefruit, peach, or pineapple. You can also add a splash of grenadine or cranberry juice for color and flavor.
2. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll love its savory taste and customizable nature.
This drink combines vodka with tomato juice and a mix of spices. Common additions include Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and horseradish.
You can garnish your Bloody Mary with celery sticks, olives, or even bacon. Some places go all out with mini cheeseburgers or shrimp as toppings.
For a non-alcoholic version, try a Virgin Mary. It has all the same great taste without the vodka.
3. Bellini
The Bellini is a classic Italian brunch cocktail that originated in Venice. It’s made with two simple ingredients: Prosecco and fresh white peach purée.
To make a Bellini, blend ripe white peaches until smooth. Pour the purée into a champagne flute, then top with chilled Prosecco. Gently stir to combine.
You can enjoy this light and fruity drink year-round, but it’s especially refreshing in summer. The Bellini pairs well with light brunch dishes like fruit platters or seafood pasta.
For a twist, try using different fruit purées like strawberry or mango. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by substituting sparkling water for the Prosecco.
4. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that’s perfect for brunch. It’s easy to make and has a bright orange color.
You’ll need Aperol, prosecco, and soda water. Mix them in a glass with ice and add an orange slice for garnish.
This drink is light and refreshing. It has a bittersweet taste that wakes up your taste buds. The bubbles from the prosecco and soda water make it fun to sip.
You can enjoy an Aperol Spritz on a sunny patio or with friends at home. It’s a great way to start your day or relax on a weekend afternoon.
5. Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is a classic brunch cocktail that will cool you off on a warm day. To make it, you need Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur with a unique flavor.
Fill a tall glass with ice and add 2 oz of Pimm’s No. 1. Top it off with 4 oz of lemonade or ginger ale. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
For extra flair, garnish your Pimm’s Cup with slices of cucumber, strawberry, and lemon. These fruits add a fresh taste and pretty look to your drink.
You can also try adding a splash of mint or orange for more flavor. Pimm’s Cup is perfect for sipping on a sunny patio or at a brunch with friends.
6. French 75
The French 75 is a classy brunch cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. It’s stronger than a mimosa but just as refreshing.
This drink got its name from a powerful gun used in World War I. The cocktail packs a punch like the artillery piece.
You can enjoy a French 75 with eggs Benedict or French toast at brunch. It also pairs well with soft cheeses like brie.
To make it alcohol-free, use non-alcoholic gin and sparkling wine. Add fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for a tasty mocktail version.
The French 75 works great for special events too. Try it at weddings or holiday brunches for a bubbly treat.
7. Screwdriver
The Screwdriver is a classic brunch cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. You only need two main ingredients: vodka and orange juice.
To make a Screwdriver, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and top with 4 to 6 ounces of orange juice. Stir gently to mix.
For the best taste, use freshly squeezed orange juice. This gives your drink a bright, zesty flavor that canned juice can’t match.
You can adjust the ratio of vodka to orange juice based on your preference. Add more vodka for a stronger drink or more juice for a milder one.
Garnish your Screwdriver with an orange slice or twist to make it look extra appealing. This simple cocktail pairs well with many brunch foods.
8. Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is a classy French cocktail perfect for brunch. It’s made with just two ingredients: champagne and crème de cassis.
To make one, pour a small amount of crème de cassis into a champagne flute. Top it off with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
The deep red liqueur creates a beautiful color as it mixes with the bubbly. You can garnish it with a fresh raspberry or blackberry if you like.
This drink is simple but feels fancy. It’s great for special occasions or when you want to add some elegance to your brunch spread.
9. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing brunch cocktail that combines tequila and grapefruit flavors. To make one, you’ll need tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Fill a glass with ice and add 2 ounces of tequila. Pour in 4 ounces of grapefruit juice and a splash of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt and stir gently.
For extra fizz, top your Paloma with grapefruit soda. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or lime wedge. This drink is perfect for warm days and pairs well with savory brunch dishes.
10. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a classic brunch cocktail that warms you up on chilly mornings. It mixes hot coffee with Irish whiskey and sugar, topped with whipped cream.
To make it, brew strong coffee and stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add a shot of Irish whiskey and gently pour whipped cream on top.
The hot coffee blends with the whiskey for a cozy kick. The cream adds richness without overpowering the drink. Sip it slowly to enjoy the layers of flavor.
Irish Coffee pairs well with sweet pastries or hearty breakfast dishes. It’s perfect for relaxing weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.
11. Margarita
The margarita is a classic brunch cocktail that brings a taste of Mexico to your table. This refreshing drink combines tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
To make a margarita, rim a glass with salt. Mix 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and 1 oz triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass.
You can customize your margarita by adding fruit purees like strawberry or mango. For a spicy kick, try muddling jalapeño slices in the shaker before mixing.
Serve your margarita over ice or blended for a frozen treat. Garnish with a lime wedge for a classic look.
12. Sangria
Sangria is a refreshing and fruity drink perfect for brunch. You can make it with red or white wine, depending on your taste.
To create sangria, mix your chosen wine with sliced fruits like oranges, apples, and berries. Add a splash of brandy or rum for extra flavor.
Let the mixture sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.
When ready to serve, pour the sangria over ice and top with a splash of sparkling water. You can garnish with fresh mint leaves for a bright touch.
Sangria is great for sharing and pairs well with many brunch foods. It’s a fun and tasty choice for your next get-together.
13. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a colorful and tasty brunch cocktail. It’s made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The drink gets its name from its appearance, which looks like a sunrise in a glass.
To make a Tequila Sunrise, you’ll need ice, tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Pour the tequila and orange juice over ice in a tall glass. Then add the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom and create the sunrise effect.
This drink pairs well with many brunch foods. Try it with egg dishes or pastries. The refreshing citrus flavor complements savory and sweet meals alike.
You can customize your Tequila Sunrise by using different types of orange juice or adding fruit garnishes. Some people like to add a splash of soda water for extra fizz.
14. Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a classic brunch cocktail that’s both refreshing and easy to make. You’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
To prepare, shake gin, lemon juice, and sugar with ice. Strain into a glass and top with soda water. The result is a light, bubbly drink with a tangy citrus kick.
For a twist, try adding cucumber or fresh berries. These additions can give your Gin Fizz extra flavor and visual appeal. The drink’s crisp taste makes it perfect for warm days or as a palate cleanser between rich brunch dishes.
15. Rum Punch
Rum punch is a classic brunch cocktail that brings tropical vibes to your table. This fruity drink blends rum with a mix of fruit juices for a refreshing taste.
You can customize rum punch to your liking. Popular juice combinations include pineapple, orange, and lime. Some recipes add grenadine for sweetness and color.
For extra flavor, try using both light and dark rum. Spiced rum can also add depth to your drink. Garnish with fresh fruit slices or mint leaves for a pretty presentation.
Rum punch is great for serving a crowd. Make a big batch in a punch bowl so guests can help themselves. It’s sure to be a hit at your next brunch gathering.
16. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic brunch cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love its refreshing blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
To make one, mix 2 ounces of gin with 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Pour this into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it off with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish your Tom Collins with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry. The drink’s crisp, citrusy flavor pairs well with many brunch foods. It’s easy to make and sure to please your guests.
17. Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail that’s perfect for brunch. You’ll love its crisp, minty flavor on a warm morning.
To make a Mojito, you’ll need white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, and soda water. Muddle the mint and sugar in a glass. Add ice, rum, and lime juice.
Top it off with soda water and give it a quick stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. The result is a cool, fizzy drink that wakes up your taste buds.
Mojitos are easy to customize. Try adding fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a twist. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by skipping the rum.
18. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. This refreshing drink is perfect for brunch on a warm day.
To make a Caipirinha, you’ll need cachaça, lime, and sugar. Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane juice.
Cut a lime into small pieces and muddle them with sugar in a glass. Add crushed ice and pour cachaça over it.
Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
The result is a tangy, sweet, and strong cocktail. Its simple recipe makes it easy to prepare for your brunch guests.
19. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a perfect brunch cocktail to wake you up and get the party started. This drink blends vodka with freshly brewed espresso for a delicious kick.
To make one, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra flair, top your Espresso Martini with three coffee beans. This classic garnish adds a touch of elegance to your drink.
You can customize this cocktail by adding a splash of cream or flavored syrup. Try a vanilla or caramel version for a sweeter twist on the original.
20. Gin and Tonic
The gin and tonic is a classic brunch cocktail that’s both simple and refreshing. You’ll need gin, tonic water, ice, and a lime wedge for garnish.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of gin, then top with 4 to 5 ounces of tonic water.
Gently stir to mix the ingredients.
Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink and drop it in as a garnish. The citrus adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the gin’s botanicals.
For a twist, try using flavored tonic water or adding cucumber slices. You can also experiment with different types of gin to find your favorite combination.
21. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail perfect for brunch. It’s made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
To make one, mix 1 ounce each of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel.
The Negroni has a bold, bittersweet flavor that wakes up your taste buds. It pairs nicely with savory brunch dishes like frittatas or eggs Benedict.
You can try different gins or vermouths to change up the taste. Some people also like to add a splash of soda water for a lighter drink.
22. Michelada
The Michelada is a zesty Mexican beer cocktail perfect for brunch. You’ll love its refreshing blend of flavors.
To make a Michelada, rim a glass with salt and lime juice. Fill it with ice and add beer, lime juice, tomato juice, and a dash of hot sauce.
For extra kick, you can include Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of chili powder. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
This drink pairs well with spicy foods and is great for hot summer days. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
23. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic brunch cocktail that balances sweet and tart flavors. You’ll love its refreshing taste and smooth texture.
To make it, mix bourbon whiskey with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.
For extra flair, add a frothy egg white to the mix before shaking. This gives the drink a silky texture and nice foam on top.
Garnish your Whiskey Sour with a cherry and an orange slice. It’s perfect for sipping alongside your favorite brunch dishes.
24. Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a zesty brunch cocktail that wakes up your taste buds. It blends pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white for a creamy texture.
To make one, shake 2 ounces of pisco with 1 ounce each of lime juice and simple syrup. Add an egg white and ice, then shake again.
Strain into a glass and top with a few drops of bitters. The result is a tangy, silky drink with a foamy cap.
Pisco Sours pack a punch, so sip slowly. For a fruity twist, try adding mango or pear to the mix.
This South American favorite is perfect for warm weather brunches. Its bright flavors pair well with savory dishes.
25. Lemon Drop
The Lemon Drop is a zesty, sweet-tart cocktail that’s perfect for brunch. You’ll love its bright citrus flavor and vodka kick.
To make it, mix vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
For extra flair, add a lemon twist garnish. Some variations include triple sec or limoncello for more depth.
The Lemon Drop’s balance of sweet and sour makes it refreshing and easy to sip. It pairs well with light brunch foods like fruit salad or quiche.
26. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a zesty brunch cocktail that wakes up your taste buds. It blends vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing kick.
You’ll love the spicy-sweet flavor of this drink. The copper mug it’s served in keeps it ice-cold and adds to its charm.
Making a Moscow Mule is easy. Just mix 2 ounces of vodka with 1/2 ounce of lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice.
Top it off with 4-6 ounces of ginger beer and stir gently.
For a fun twist, try swapping vodka for gin or bourbon. You can also add fresh fruit or herbs to create your own unique version.
27. Dark ‘n’ Stormy
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a simple yet flavorful brunch cocktail. It mixes dark rum with ginger beer for a zesty kick.
To make it, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of dark rum, preferably Gosling’s Black Seal. Top with 4 ounces of ginger beer.
Squeeze in a lime wedge for extra zing. Stir gently to combine the flavors. The dark rum floats on top, creating a stormy look.
This Bermudian drink is perfect for brunch. It’s refreshing and easy to make. You can adjust the rum amount to your taste.
28. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail perfect for brunch. It combines bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
To make one, muddle mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add bourbon and fill with crushed ice. Stir until the glass frosts on the outside.
Garnish with more fresh mint sprigs. The mint provides a refreshing flavor that balances the bourbon’s strength.
This drink is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. You can enjoy its cool, minty taste at your next brunch gathering.
29. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a stylish and refreshing cocktail perfect for brunch. This pink drink combines vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
To make a Cosmo, mix 2 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz triple sec in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For a twist, try using citrus vodka or adding a splash of raspberry liqueur. Garnish your Cosmo with a lime wheel or orange peel for extra flair.
This tangy and slightly sweet cocktail pairs well with light brunch fare like fruit salads or smoked salmon.
30. Frosé
Frosé is a trendy frozen cocktail perfect for summer brunches. You can make it by blending frozen rosé wine with fruit and other ingredients.
To prepare frosé, freeze rosé wine for several hours until almost solid. Blend it with strawberries, peaches, or other fruits of your choice.
Add some vodka, lemon juice, and sugar to enhance the flavor. Blend everything with ice until you get a slushy consistency.
Frosé is refreshing and easy to customize. You can use different fruits or adjust the sweetness to your liking. Serve it in chilled glasses for a cool, fruity brunch drink.
31. Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze is a perfect brunch cocktail to wake up your taste buds. This refreshing drink mixes vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
To make a Sea Breeze, you’ll need 1.5 oz vodka, 4 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz grapefruit juice. Fill a highball glass with ice and add the ingredients. Give it a quick stir to combine.
The Sea Breeze has a tart and tangy flavor that’s not too sweet. It’s light and easy to drink, making it great for warm days. The pretty pink color also looks nice on a brunch table.
You can garnish your Sea Breeze with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice for extra flair. This simple yet tasty cocktail is sure to be a hit at your next brunch gathering.
32. Bay Breeze
The Bay Breeze is a tasty cocktail perfect for brunch. It mixes vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice.
To make one, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka. Add 2 ounces each of cranberry and pineapple juice. Stir gently to mix.
You can garnish with a lime wheel or pineapple wedge. The drink has a pretty pink color and fruity taste.
If you like this, try a Sea Breeze. It swaps the pineapple juice for grapefruit juice. Both drinks are easy to make and very refreshing.
History of Brunch Cocktails
Brunch cocktails have a rich and fascinating history. They’ve changed over time to reflect different tastes and trends.
Origins and Evolution
Brunch itself first appeared in print in 1895. An Englishman named Guy Beringer wrote about it in Hunter’s Weekly. He praised brunch as a “cheerful, sociable and inciting” custom.
The cocktails we now enjoy at brunch have roots in many traditions. They show both local tastes and global influences. The rise of cocktail culture in the early 1900s set the stage for today’s brunch drinks.
One famous brunch cocktail is the Mimosa. It blends champagne and orange juice. This simple mix became popular in the 1920s. It offered a light, refreshing option for daytime drinking.
Influence of Regional Ingredients
Regional flavors have shaped brunch cocktails over time. Different areas use local fruits, spirits, and spices to create unique drinks.
For example, the Bloody Mary became a brunch staple in the 1930s. It uses tomato juice, a common ingredient in many cuisines. Bartenders often add local twists, like seafood garnishes in coastal areas.
In tropical regions, you’ll find drinks like the Mudslide. It was invented in the 1970s at a bar in the Cayman Islands. This creamy cocktail mixes coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka.
Your local brunch spot might offer drinks that reflect your area’s flavors. These regional touches keep brunch cocktails exciting and diverse.
Pairing Brunch Cocktails with Food
Brunch cocktails and food go hand in hand. The right pairings can make your meal more enjoyable. Let’s look at how to match drinks and dishes for the best brunch experience.
Balancing Flavors
When pairing brunch cocktails with food, think about balance. You want flavors that work well together, not clash.
For savory dishes like eggs Benedict or omelets, try a Bloody Mary. Its tomato base and spices complement the richness of eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Pair sweet pancakes or French toast with a mimosa. The orange juice cuts through the sweetness, while the bubbles cleanse your palate.
For lighter fare like fruit salad or yogurt parfaits, choose a Bellini. The peach flavor enhances fresh fruits without overpowering them.
Complementary Dishes
Some brunch foods work especially well with certain cocktails. Here are a few perfect matches:
- Eggs and bacon + Irish Coffee: The coffee helps cut through fatty foods.
- Smoked salmon bagel + Gin Fizz: The citrus notes complement the fish.
- Avocado toast + Michelada: The spicy beer cocktail balances creamy avocado.
- Quiche + Champagne Cocktail: Bubbles pair nicely with eggy dishes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. You might find new pairings you love. Just remember to sip responsibly and enjoy your brunch experience.