It’s rare that brunch can’t be made better with a bubbly Mimosa or zippy Bloody Mary. But it never hurts to switch things up a bit! That’s why you should consider these six unique cocktails to reinvigorate your brunch beverage menu. The best part? They’re batch-friendly so you can easily keep those weekend crowds hydrated and happy.
Bellinis
A more complex, flavorful cousin to the Mimosa, all you need are two ingredients and a blender to create the perfect peach Bellini. Serves 6.
Ingredients
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) peach puree (from about 5-6 ripe peaches)*
1 (750 ml) bottle Prosecco
*You can also sub in frozen or canned peaches, or even peach nectar, if fresh peaches aren’t available.
Directions
To make the puree, pit and roughly chop the peaches into 1/2 inch cubes. Blend until smooth (if your peaches are very firm, a tablespoon of water or two will help soften them up). Combine the puree with the Prosecco in a large pitcher and serve immediately. Alternatively, pour the puree into chilled glasses until half full, then top with Prosecco and gently stir to combine. Note, Bellinis batch well for immediate use but will not hold up overnight.
Champagne Punch
This sparkling champagne punch is refreshing and fruity without being overly sweet. Add a little extra club soda to lighten things up even more. Serves 25.
Ingredients
12 oz can frozen cranberry juice concentrate
12 oz can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
6 oz can frozen limeade concentrate
1 bottle dry white wine, chilled
1 liter club soda, chilled
2 bottles of champagne, chilled
1 lemon, sliced, for garnish
1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and sliced, for garnish
Directions
In a large container, combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and store chilled. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and fresh strawberries.
Strawberry Margarita Spritzers
Colorful, fizzy, and fruity, these Margarita Spritzers offer complexity and punch thanks to the tequila and orange liqueur, while the strawberries and club soda keep things from getting too heavy for early/mid-day drinking. Serves 8.
Ingredients
1 (10 oz) package frozen whole strawberries, thawed
1 (10 oz) can frozen strawberry daiquiri mix, thawed
1 cup tequila
1/4 cup orange liqueur
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
Lime slices and quartered fresh strawberries for garnish
Directions
Pulse all ingredients except for the club soda until smooth. Pour into a pitcher and stir in club soda just before serving. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.
Cajun Lemonade
Lemonade, but with a Cajun kick! Citron vodka gives this zesty cocktail some extra tang, while a dash of hot sauce (trust us, it works!) makes it something truly special. Serves 8.
Ingredients
cups (16 oz.) light rum
2 cups (16 oz.) citron vodka
1 (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 liter club soda, chilled
Crushed ice
Lemon slices and sugarcane sticks, for garnish
Directions
Stir together first four ingredients in a pitcher. Add club soda just before serving. Pour mixture into 8 highball glasses filled with crushed ice. Garnish with lemon slices and sugarcane.
Bourbon Ginger Ale Punch
You might not associate brunch with bourbon, but you will after trying this fizzy, zippy punch. The best part? There’s no complicated muddling or shaking, just throw everything in a pitcher and you’re all set! Serves 8.
Ingredients
3 cups chilled ginger ale or 2 (12-oz) cans
2 cups chilled sparkling white wine
1 1/2 cups (12 oz.) bourbon
1/2 cup lime simple syrup
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 4 to 5 limes)
1 lime, thinly sliced
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or container. Stir gently to combine. If you are making in advance, hold off on adding bubbly ingredients until just prior to serving so you don’t lose the carbonation.
Mocha Espresso Martini
No brunch menu is complete without an espresso cocktail. This chocolate coffee combo is the perfect blend of sweet caffeination for those looking to jump start their day. This recipe works best for individual servings, but the individual components can be batched/prepped ahead of time for efficiency.
Ingredients
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz espresso
0.5 oz coffee liqueur
0.5 oz chocolate liqueur
Ice
Directions
Brew your Espresso and set to the side to cool. In an ice-filled shaker, add vodka, coffee liqueur, and chocolate liqueur. Add espresso last. Shake vigorously and let settle for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and top with any remaining foam in the shaker or freshly frothed milk. Serve immediately.
Whatever recipes you end up adding to your brunch menu, don’t be afraid to change things up regularly to keep it fresh and interesting. Cheers!
