45 Best Brunch Cocktails and Recipe Ideas
There's a familiar conundrum you likely know all too well: the weekend rolls around, you're hosting a brunch gathering, and you've got everything sorted out - the fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, avocado toast for the health-conscious folks - but then, you're stuck on what to serve for the drinks.
What kind of cocktails will best complement your meticulously planned brunch menu? What drinks will be refreshing yet soothing for a late morning dining experience?
Allow us to solve your brunch dilemma. We've curated a list of 45 of the best brunch cocktails from around the world, complete with their recipes and the reasons that make them a perfect breakfast cocktail.
45 Best Brunch Cocktails and Recipes
1. Mimosa
Why it's the best: Mimosas are synonymous with brunch. The classic combination of fresh orange juice and sparkling wine creates a sweet, tangy, and bubbly delight that perfectly complements any breakfast dish.
Recipe and Directions: Half-fill a champagne flute with chilled orange juice. Top it with an equal amount of cold champagne or sparkling wine. Gently stir and serve.
2. Bellini
Why it's the best: Originating from Venice, the Bellini offers a sophisticated, fruity alternative to the Mimosa, introducing the delicate flavor of peach to your brunch experience.
Recipe and Directions: Puree one ripe peeled and pitted peach in a blender. Put 1-2 tablespoons of the puree into a champagne glass and slowly top with chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine.
3. French 75
Why it's the best: With its elegant mix of gin, lemon, and champagne, the French 75 adds a touch of sophistication to your brunch spread. The bubbles from the champagne lighten the strong gin base, making it a light and refreshing choice.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute. Top up with chilled champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
4. Aperol Spritz
Why it's the best: This Italian classic is the epitome of a refreshing cocktail. Its balance of sweet, bitter, and bubbly makes it an excellent aperitif that primes the palate for a delightful brunch.
Recipe and Directions: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of Aperol, 3 ounces of Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. Stir gently to mix and garnish with a slice of orange.
5. Tom Collins
Why it's the best: The Tom Collins is essentially sparkling lemonade spiked with gin, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Its refreshing nature and effervescence make it a popular choice for daytime drinking.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.
6. Paloma
Why it's the best: A popular Mexican cocktail, the Paloma combines tequila with grapefruit soda for a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly tart drink. Its light and zesty profile make it an excellent choice for a sunny mid-morning brunch.
Recipe and Directions: Rim a highball glass with salt. Fill the glass with ice, add 2 ounces of tequila and top up with grapefruit soda. Stir gently to mix and garnish with a lime wheel.
7. Sea Breeze
Why it's the best: The Sea Breeze, with its fruity mix of cranberry and grapefruit juices coupled with vodka, is both refreshing and tangy. This delightful cocktail is perfect for a light, summer brunch by the sea or pool.
Recipe and Directions: In a highball glass filled with ice, combine 1.5 ounces of vodka, 4 ounces of cranberry juice, and 1 ounce of grapefruit juice. Stir well and garnish with a lime wedge.
8. White Wine Spritzer
Why it's the best: Sometimes, simplicity is key. The White Wine Spritzer is light, refreshing, and low in alcohol, making it a great choice for those seeking a milder cocktail option for brunch.
Recipe and Directions: Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add white wine until the glass is 2/3 full and top up with club soda. Stir gently to mix and garnish with a lemon wheel.
9. Mint Julep
Why it's the best: This Southern classic brings the refreshing taste of mint together with the strength of bourbon. The result is a cooling, invigorating drink that adds a distinctive touch to your brunch.
Recipe and Directions: Muddle 8-10 mint leaves and 1.5 teaspoons of sugar in a Julep cup. Add 2.5 ounces of bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosty. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
10. Cucumber Cooler
Why it's the best: The Cucumber Cooler offers a unique twist with its refreshing cucumber and mint flavors, paired with the smooth taste of gin. This cocktail brings a spa-like vibe to your brunch, adding an element of relaxation to your gathering.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker, muddle 5 slices of cucumber and 5 mint leaves. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake well, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice and a mint sprig.
11. Screwdriver
Why it's the best: The Screwdriver is an ideal mix of simplicity and invigorating citrus flavor. The cocktail's acidity and sweetness help balance richer brunch foods.
Recipe and Directions: Mix 1.5 oz vodka with 6 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir gently and serve.
12. Tequila Sunrise
Why it's the best: A Tequila Sunrise, with its layers of color and flavor, not only looks like a morning sunrise but also provides a more robust flavor profile for those looking for a little kick.
Recipe and Directions: In a highball glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz of tequila and top with 4 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir gently and then add 1 oz of grenadine, letting it sink to the bottom. Do not stir after adding grenadine.
13. Lemon Drop Martini
Why it's the best: The Lemon Drop Martini offers a beautiful balance of sweet and tart, with the bright taste of lemon being a great palate cleanser during brunch.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1.5 ounces of lemon juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Shake well, strain into a chilled martini glass with a sugar rim, and garnish with a lemon twist.
14. Gin and Tonic
Why it's the best: Classic yet refreshing, a Gin and Tonic with a twist of lime is a great way to introduce citrus to your brunch without overwhelming your palate.
Recipe and Directions: Fill a glass with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, top with tonic water, and garnish with a lime wedge.
15. Salty Dog
Why it's the best: This cocktail is a grapefruit lover's delight. The combination of grapefruit juice and gin (or vodka), rimmed with salt, provides a tart, refreshing drink with a savory note.
Recipe and Directions: Rim a highball glass with salt. Fill the glass with ice, add 1.5 ounces of gin or vodka and 5 ounces of grapefruit juice. Stir well to mix.
16. Citrus Sangria
Why it's the best: This cocktail combines the refreshing aspects of sangria with an explosion of citrus flavors. It's a crowd-pleaser and ideal for a brunch get-together.
Recipe and Directions: In a large pitcher, combine one bottle of white wine, 1/2 cup of triple sec, 1/4 cup of sugar, and an assortment of citrus slices (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit). Chill for at least an hour before serving.
17. Cucumber Lime Margarita
Why it's the best: The Cucumber Lime Margarita is a refreshing take on the classic Margarita, adding a fresh, slightly savory twist that pairs well with a variety of brunch dishes.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker, muddle a few slices of cucumber with 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Shake well, strain into a glass rimmed with salt (optional), and garnish with a cucumber slice and a lime wheel.
18. Caipirinha
Why it's the best: Brazil's national cocktail brings the exotic taste of cachaça together with the vibrant citrusy punch of limes. This sweet and tart cocktail adds a unique, international twist to your brunch.
Recipe and Directions: In a glass, muddle together 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 slices of lime until the sugar dissolves. Fill the glass with ice and add 2 ounces of cachaça. Stir well to combine.
19. Mojito
Why it's the best: The Mojito's refreshing blend of mint, lime, and rum has a light, zesty flavor profile, making it a delightful brunch drink, especially for those hot mid-morning gatherings.
Recipe and Directions: Muddle 6 fresh mint leaves and 1 ounce of lime juice in a sturdy glass. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, pour in 1.5 ounces of white rum, and top it off with soda water.
20. Basil Gimlet
Why it's the best: This cocktail is a herbaceous take on the classic Gimlet, with basil lending a complex, fragrant twist to the drink's tartness, a delightful surprise for the palate at brunch.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker, muddle together a small handful of basil leaves and 1.5 ounces of lime juice. Add 1.5 ounces of gin and some ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.
21. Espresso Martini
Why it's the best: The Espresso Martini adds a sophisticated and caffeine-packed kick to your brunch, combining the robust flavors of espresso with the smoothness of vodka.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz vodka, ½ oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz of freshly brewed espresso, and ½ oz simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
22. Hot Toddy
Why it's the best: Traditionally served as a warm winter cocktail, a Hot Toddy made with tea instead of hot water can offer soothing, subtle flavors that perfectly complement a cozy brunch.
Recipe and Directions: Steep a bag of your favorite tea in hot water and pour into a heat-proof glass. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 2 ounces of bourbon or whiskey. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.
23. Dirty Chai Latte
Why it's the best: A Dirty Chai Latte adds an exciting twist to the classic chai latte by introducing a shot of espresso, further heightened with a dash of coffee liqueur for a truly invigorating cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: Brew a chai tea bag in half a cup of hot water and add a shot of espresso. Stir in 1 oz of coffee liqueur and top with steamed milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
24. Black Russian
Why it's the best: The Black Russian is a perfect pick for those who appreciate the combination of coffee liqueur and vodka. It's a strong yet deceptively smooth cocktail that can enliven any brunch.
Recipe and Directions: Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz of vodka and 1 oz of coffee liqueur. Stir gently and serve.
25. Matcha Highball
Why it's the best: For tea enthusiasts, the Matcha Highball offers a different kind of energy kick, combining the earthy flavor of matcha with whiskey's warm notes, a truly unique brunch cocktail.
Why it's the best: For tea enthusiasts, the Matcha Highball offers a different kind of energy kick, combining the earthy flavor of matcha with whiskey's warm notes, a truly unique brunch cocktail.
26. Tea-quila Sunrise
Why it's the best: This twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise replaces the orange juice with brewed tea, offering a unique blend of flavors perfect for a refreshing brunch cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 oz of tequila and top up with freshly brewed and cooled tea of your choice. Stir gently and then add 1 oz of grenadine, allowing it to sink to the bottom. Do not stir after adding the grenadine.
27. Coffee Old Fashioned
Why it's the best: A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail introduces cold brew coffee, which adds a rich and robust dimension that pairs wonderfully with bourbon's caramel notes.
Recipe and Directions: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 2 oz cold brew coffee, ¼ oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
28. Chai White Russian
Why it's the best: This Chai White Russian puts a spicy twist on the classic White Russian, with chai-infused cream adding a layer of complexity to the smooth, sweet cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: In a rocks glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz of vodka and 1 oz of coffee liqueur. Top with a splash of half-and-half that has been infused with chai tea (by steeping a chai tea bag in warm half-and-half for 10 minutes).
29. Bloody Mary
Why it's the best: The Bloody Mary, with its bold blend of tomato juice, vodka, and spices, is practically a meal in itself. This classic cocktail is sure to give your brunch a hearty kick-start.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine 1.5 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of tomato juice, 1 ounce of lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon slice.
30. Michelada
Why it's the best: A beloved Mexican cocktail, Michelada pairs perfectly with savory brunch items. This beer-based cocktail offers a balance of salty, sour, and spicy notes sure to enliven your taste buds.
Recipe and Directions: Salt the rim of a pint glass and fill it with ice. Add the juice of one lime, 2 dashes of hot sauce, 2 dashes of soy sauce, and 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Fill the glass with a light Mexican beer and stir gently.
31. Red Snapper
Why it's the best: Essentially a gin-based version of the Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper offers a botanical twist to the robust tomato-based cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of gin, 4 ounces of tomato juice, a dash each of lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lemon slice.
32. Kimchi Bloody Mary
Why it's the best: This version of Bloody Mary includes the tangy, spicy, and umami-packed punch of kimchi for a uniquely Korean kick.
Recipe and Directions: Blend 1 cup of tomato juice with 2 tablespoons of kimchi juice, 2 ounces of vodka, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of half a lemon. Pour into a glass with ice, and garnish with a kimchi stalk and a lemon slice.
33. Spicy Margarita
Why it's the best: A traditional margarita gets a fiery update with the addition of jalapenos. It's zesty, tangy, and spicy, perfect for those who want a bit of heat.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker, muddle a slice of jalapeno with 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of orange liqueur. Shake well with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
34. Dirty Martini
Why it's the best: The Dirty Martini, with its olive brine addition, adds a salty, savory twist to the classic cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of vodka or gin, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, and 1 tablespoon of olive brine. Stir well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with green olives.
35. Beer Bloody Mary
Why it's the best: For beer lovers, this variation of Bloody Mary replaces vodka with beer for a fizzy, savory, and refreshing cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: In a tall glass filled with ice, combine 4 ounces of tomato juice, 12 ounces of light beer, the juice of half a lemon, a dash each of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix and garnish with a celery stalk.
36. Spiced Grapefruit Mimosa
Why it's the best: This variation on the classic Mimosa adds a spicy kick with fresh jalapeno and the tanginess of grapefruit, creating a refreshing, exciting cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: Rim a champagne flute with salt and chili powder. Fill the glass one-third full with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Add a slice of jalapeno for spice. Top with chilled champagne and serve.
37. Hibiscus Bloody Mary
Why it's the best: The addition of hibiscus gives the classic Bloody Mary an intriguing floral twist. The tangy, cranberry-like flavor of the hibiscus enhances the cocktail's savory profile.
Recipe and Directions: Steep a hibiscus tea bag in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Allow to cool. In a shaker, combine the cooled hibiscus tea, 1.5 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Shake well and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stalk.
38. Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
Why it's the best: This twist on the classic Bourbon Lemonade introduces blackberries, offering a balance of tart, sweet, and strong flavors — an exciting and delightful blend.
Recipe and Directions: Muddle 5 fresh blackberries in a shaker. Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well combined. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a blackberry and a lemon slice.
39. Cucumber Mint Moscow Mule
Why it's the best: This Moscow Mule variant introduces refreshing cucumber and mint, offering a cooling effect that contrasts beautifully with the cocktail's signature ginger heat.
Recipe and Directions: Muddle 3 slices of cucumber and 5 fresh mint leaves in a copper mug. Add 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of lime juice. Fill the mug with ice and top it off with ginger beer. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a mint sprig and a cucumber slice.
40. Coconut Water Margarita
Why it's the best: This Margarita twist adds a tropical flair with coconut water. It's a lighter and more hydrating version, making it a perfect thirst quencher for a sunny brunch.
Recipe and Directions: In a shaker, combine 1.5 ounces of tequila, 1.5 ounces of coconut water, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 0.5 ounces of triple sec. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
41. Lavender Collins
Why it's the best: This twist on the classic Tom Collins introduces a fragrant hint of lavender, adding a sophisticated and calming note to your brunch.
Recipe and Directions: First, prepare a lavender simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar with a couple of teaspoons of dried culinary lavender until the sugar dissolves. Strain and cool. In a tall glass filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1 ounce of lavender simple syrup. Stir well and top with club soda.
42. Strawberry Basil Mojito
Why it's the best: This Mojito variation adds sweet strawberries to the mix, perfectly complementing the cocktail's refreshing mint and lime.
Recipe and Directions: Muddle 3 fresh strawberries, 6 fresh mint leaves, and 1 ounce of lime juice in a sturdy glass. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, pour in 1.5 ounces of white rum, and top it off with soda water.
43. Smoky Paloma
Why it's the best: This twist on the classic Paloma introduces a smoky note with mezcal. The grapefruit and lime's tanginess balances out the smokiness, resulting in a robust yet refreshing cocktail.
Recipe and Directions: Rim a glass with salt. Fill with ice and add 1.5 ounces of mezcal, 1.5 ounces of grapefruit juice, 0.5 ounces of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and top with a splash of grapefruit soda or club soda.
44. Sangria
Why it's the best: Sangria's sweet wine-soaked fruits and refreshing fizziness make it a versatile and delightful addition to any brunch menu, particularly for group gatherings.
Recipe and Directions: In a large pitcher, combine a bottle of red wine, ¼ cup of brandy, ¼ cup of orange juice, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add in sliced oranges, lemons, and apples. Chill for at least an hour before serving over ice, topping up with club soda for some added fizz.
45. Pimm's Cup
Why it's the best: Hailing from England, Pimm's Cup is a quintessential summer cocktail. Its abundance of fresh fruit and cucumber makes it a refreshing, mildly sweet drink that pairs well with a variety of brunch dishes.
Recipe and Directions: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of Pimm's No. 1, 6 ounces of lemon-lime soda, and stir. Add in a variety of fresh fruit (such as strawberry slices, orange slices, and apple slices) and cucumber. Top with a sprig of fresh mint.
Brunch isn't just about the food, as these cocktails demonstrate. From the refreshing and light to the rich and savory, there's a brunch cocktail out there to satisfy every palette and complement every dish.
Whether you're hosting a laid-back weekend gathering or a sophisticated brunch soiree, these 45 brunch cocktails and recipes offer a flavorful tour around the world, all from the comfort of your dining table.
So next time you find yourself in the brunch beverage quandary, simply refer back to this list. Experiment with these recipes, play with flavors, and you'll soon discover that the world of brunch cocktails is as vibrant and varied as the people who enjoy them.
After all, the best brunch experiences are those shared with loved ones, a delicious meal, and a great drink in hand. Cheers to a flavorful and memorable brunch!
