Brunch cocktails add a fun and festive touch to any late morning gathering. These drinks blend the best of breakfast and lunch flavors into refreshing sips perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
From classics like mimosas to creative new concoctions, brunch cocktails offer something for every taste.
You’ll find 31 delicious brunch cocktail recipes to try at your next get-together. The list includes both boozy and non-alcoholic options to suit all your guests.
With fruity, savory, and bubbly choices, you can easily match drinks to your brunch menu and create a memorable experience.
Get ready to shake up some tasty brunch beverages that will impress your guests.
1. Mimosa
The Mimosa is a classic brunch cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. You’ll need just two ingredients: champagne and orange juice.
To create this refreshing drink, fill a champagne flute halfway with chilled orange juice. Top it off with cold champagne or sparkling wine.
For the best taste, use freshly squeezed orange juice and a dry champagne. You can adjust the ratio of juice to champagne based on your preference.
Garnish your Mimosa with an orange slice or a twist of orange peel for a fancy touch. This simple yet elegant cocktail is perfect for starting your brunch on a festive note.
2. Bellini
The Bellini is a classic Italian brunch cocktail. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for summer mornings.
To make a Bellini, you’ll need prosecco and peach purée. Pour chilled prosecco into a flute glass. Add peach purée slowly and stir gently.
The drink’s peachy flavor and bubbly texture make it refreshing. It’s easy to prepare and looks elegant in a champagne flute.
You can try variations by using different fruit purées. Strawberry or raspberry can create tasty twists on this brunch favorite.
3. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll love its savory taste and customizable ingredients.
To make a Bloody Mary, start with vodka and tomato juice as the base. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Mix in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and horseradish to taste. Season with salt, pepper, and celery salt.
Garnish your Bloody Mary with a celery stalk, lemon wedge, and olives. For extra flair, add bacon or a mini cheeseburger on top.
You can easily adjust the spiciness and flavor to suit your preferences. Experiment with different hot sauces or even swap vodka for tequila to create a Bloody Maria.
4. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a bright and bubbly cocktail perfect for brunch. You’ll love its eye-catching orange color and refreshing taste.
To make it, mix Aperol, prosecco, and soda water in a large wine glass filled with ice. Add a slice of orange for garnish.
This drink is easy to customize. Try using grapefruit soda instead of plain soda water for extra zest. Or add a splash of passion fruit liqueur for a tropical twist.
The Aperol Spritz is great for sipping on sunny days. Its light, bittersweet flavor will wake up your taste buds and get you ready for a delicious brunch.
5. Sangria
Sangria is a perfect brunch cocktail for those who love fruity wine drinks. You can make it with red or white wine, fresh fruits, and a splash of brandy or rum.
To prepare sangria, mix your chosen wine with sliced oranges, apples, and berries. Add a bit of sugar and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours.
Just before serving, pour in some sparkling water or lemonade for extra fizz. Sangria is great for large gatherings since you can make it in big batches.
Serve your sangria in tall glasses filled with ice. Add a few fruit slices as a garnish for a colorful touch.
6. Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s Cup is a classic brunch cocktail that will refresh you on a warm day. To make it, you’ll 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. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.
For garnish, add cucumber slices, mint leaves, and strawberries. These fresh fruits and herbs enhance the drink’s taste and aroma.
Pimm’s Cup is easy to make and perfect for sipping during brunch. Its light, fruity flavor pairs well with many breakfast foods.
7. Paloma
The Paloma is a tasty brunch cocktail that combines tequila and grapefruit flavors. To make one, you’ll need tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and club soda.
Start by filling a glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of tequila and 2 ounces of grapefruit juice. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
Top off the drink with club soda and give it a gentle stir. For an extra touch, rim the glass with salt before pouring. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge if you like.
The Paloma is perfect for warm summer brunches. Its citrusy kick will wake up your taste buds and get your day started right.
8. Hugo
The Hugo is a refreshing brunch cocktail that originated in Northern Italy. It’s a light and bubbly drink perfect for warm weather gatherings.
To make a Hugo, you’ll need prosecco, elderflower liqueur, club soda, and fresh mint leaves. Fill a wine glass with ice and add the prosecco and elderflower liqueur.
Top it off with a splash of club soda and garnish with mint leaves. For an extra touch, you can add a slice of lime or lemon.
The Hugo’s sweet and floral notes make it a great alternative to mimosas. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your brunch guests.
9. French 75
The French 75 is a classy brunch cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for special occasions.
To make a French 75, mix 1 ounce of gin, 0.5 ounces of fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with 2-3 ounces of champagne.
You can prepare the gin mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the champagne and enjoy. For a twist, try using honey instead of simple syrup for a unique flavor.
Garnish your French 75 with a lemon twist for an elegant touch. This cocktail is sure to impress your brunch guests.
10. Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is a classy brunch cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need just two ingredients: Champagne and crème de cassis.
To make a Kir Royale, chill your Champagne flute first. Pour a small amount of crème de cassis into the glass. Then add chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste. More crème de cassis makes a sweeter drink. Less creates a drier cocktail.
This elegant drink is perfect for special occasions. It’s also a great way to start your brunch in style.
11. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for brunch. It’s made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
To make one, fill a copper mug with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of lime juice. Top it off with ginger beer.
Garnish your Moscow Mule with a lime wheel or wedge. The copper mug keeps the drink cold and adds a nice touch.
You can try different variations too. Switch out the vodka for gin or tequila. Add some fruit juice like orange or grapefruit for extra flavor.
12. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail perfect for brunch. You’ll love its refreshing blend of bourbon, mint, and sugar.
To make one, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar in a glass. Add crushed ice and pour bourbon over the top. Stir gently until the glass frosts.
Garnish with more fresh mint sprigs. The aromatic mint and sweet bourbon create a cool, invigorating drink.
Traditionally served in a silver julep cup, you can use any tall glass. Sip slowly to enjoy the minty bourbon flavors. This iconic cocktail is sure to impress your brunch guests.
13. Frosé
Frosé is a cool, slushy drink perfect for summer brunches. You make it by blending frozen rosé wine with strawberries and sugar. It’s like an adult version of a snow cone.
To make frosé, freeze a bottle of rosé wine for about 3 hours. It won’t freeze solid because of the alcohol. Blend the partially frozen wine with strawberries and simple syrup.
You can add other fruits like peaches or raspberries for different flavors. Some recipes include vodka or vermouth for extra kick. Serve frosé in chilled glasses with a strawberry garnish.
This pink, icy cocktail became popular in 2016 and remains a favorite for hot days. It’s easy to make and fun to share with friends at brunch.
14. Prosecco Punch
Prosecco Punch is a crowd-pleasing brunch cocktail that’s perfect for parties. It’s easy to make in large batches, so you can serve many guests at once.
To make it, mix Prosecco with fruit juices like pineapple, orange, or grapefruit. Add a splash of rum or vodka for extra kick.
Float fresh fruit slices and mint leaves on top for a pretty presentation. Serve it in a large punch bowl with a ladle so guests can help themselves.
This bubbly, fruity drink is sure to be a hit at your next brunch gathering. It’s refreshing and not too strong, making it ideal for daytime sipping.
15. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic brunch cocktail that’s perfect for a refreshing start to your day. This drink combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water for a light and zesty flavor.
To make a Tom Collins, mix 2 ounces of gin with 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top off your drink with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry for a pop of color. You’ll love how the fizzy bubbles and citrusy taste wake up your taste buds.
16. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic brunch cocktail that brings a splash of color to your morning. You’ll love its simple yet delicious blend of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
To make this drink, pour tequila and orange juice over ice in a tall glass. Slowly add grenadine, letting it sink to the bottom for that signature sunrise effect.
The Tequila Sunrise pairs well with many brunch foods. Its citrusy sweetness complements eggs, pancakes, and fresh fruit.
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Try using different types of tequila or swapping the orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
17. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. It’s a simple yet refreshing drink perfect for brunch.
To make one, you’ll need cachaça (a Brazilian spirit), lime, and sugar. Cut a lime into wedges and muddle them with sugar in a glass.
Fill the glass with ice and pour in the cachaça. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. The result is a tart, sweet, and strong cocktail.
For the best flavor, use fresh limes and high-quality cachaça. You can adjust the sugar to your taste. Garnish with a lime wheel for a nice touch.
18. Cucumber Cooler
The Cucumber Cooler is a refreshing brunch cocktail perfect for hot summer days. You’ll love its crisp, light flavor and how easy it is to make.
To create this drink, muddle cucumber slices with mint leaves and lime juice in a shaker. Add gin or vodka and a touch of sugar if desired. Shake well with ice.
Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass. Top with tonic water for a fizzy finish. Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig.
This cocktail is low in calories and uses fresh ingredients, making it a popular choice for health-conscious drinkers. Its cool, soothing taste will help you beat the heat and unwind during your next brunch gathering.
19. Southside
The Southside is a refreshing gin-based cocktail perfect for brunch. It combines gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves.
To make a Southside, muddle mint leaves in a shaker. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wheel. The result is a cool, minty drink with a nice balance of sweet and sour.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup. For a fizzy twist, top it off with a splash of club soda.
20. Limoncello Collins
The Limoncello Collins is a zesty twist on the classic Tom Collins. You’ll love this refreshing cocktail at your next brunch gathering.
To make it, mix gin, limoncello, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with soda water for a fizzy finish. Garnish with a lemon slice or twist to add a pop of color.
This drink balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. The limoncello adds a bright, citrusy punch that pairs well with the gin’s botanical notes.
21. Bellini Slush
The Bellini Slush is a frosty twist on the classic brunch cocktail. You’ll love this icy version of the peachy Italian favorite.
To make it, blend frozen peaches with peach schnapps and a splash of simple syrup.
Pour the slushy mix into a glass and top with chilled prosecco.
For extra flair, garnish your Bellini Slush with a fresh peach slice or a sprig of mint. This cool drink is perfect for hot summer brunches or poolside sipping.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup. For a non-alcoholic version, swap the prosecco for sparkling water or white grape juice.
22. Elderflower Gin Fizz
The Elderflower Gin Fizz is a perfect brunch cocktail. It blends gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a balanced taste.
To make it, shake gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
Strain into a glass and top with soda water for fizz.
For an extra touch, add egg white before shaking. This creates a smooth, foamy texture on top of your drink.
The result is a refreshing cocktail with floral notes from the elderflower and citrus hints from the lemon. It’s light enough for brunch but still packs a punch.
23. Lavender Lemonade
Lavender lemonade is a refreshing twist on a classic drink. It combines the tart flavor of lemons with the soothing aroma of lavender.
To make this cocktail, start with a lavender simple syrup. Mix it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. Add vodka for an extra kick.
Serve it over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh lavender. This drink is perfect for a sunny brunch on the patio.
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka. Lavender lemonade is sure to impress your brunch guests with its unique flavor and pretty color.
24. Peach Bourbon Smash
The Peach Bourbon Smash is a perfect brunch cocktail for peach lovers. You’ll love its mix of sweet fruit and smooth bourbon.
To make it, muddle fresh peach slices with a bit of sugar. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish your drink with a peach slice and a sprig of fresh mint. The mint adds a nice aroma and complements the peach flavor.
This cocktail is great for summer brunches. It’s refreshing and not too strong, making it ideal for daytime sipping. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.
25. Strawberry Basil Smash
The Strawberry Basil Smash is a tasty brunch cocktail that mixes sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love the blend of fresh strawberries and aromatic basil.
This drink often uses bourbon or gin as its base spirit. You can add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
To make it, muddle strawberries and basil in a glass. Pour in your chosen spirit and some ice. Top it off with a bubbly drink like ginger beer or club soda.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm days. It’s a great way to use seasonal fruits and herbs in your brunch drinks.
26. Watermelon Margarita
Sip on summer with a refreshing watermelon margarita. This cocktail blends sweet watermelon with tart lime and smooth tequila.
To make it, blend fresh watermelon chunks until smooth. Mix the puree with tequila, lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur.
Rim your glass with salt or sugar for extra flavor. Pour over ice and garnish with a watermelon wedge or lime slice.
For a frozen version, use frozen watermelon cubes instead. Blend everything together for a slushy treat.
You can easily make this a mocktail by skipping the alcohol and adding orange juice instead.
27. Raspberry Mojito
The Raspberry Mojito is a fruity twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. It’s perfect for brunch and adds a pop of color to your table.
To make this drink, you’ll need fresh raspberries, mint leaves, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Muddle the raspberries and mint in a cocktail shaker. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Shake with ice until cold. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water.
Garnish your Raspberry Mojito with fresh mint leaves and a few raspberries. This refreshing drink pairs well with light brunch foods like fresh cheeses or ceviche.
28. Lime Rickey
The Lime Rickey is a refreshing and tangy brunch cocktail. You can make it with or without alcohol, making it versatile for any gathering.
To create this drink, you’ll need fresh lime juice, club soda, and ice. For an alcoholic version, add gin or vodka.
Start by squeezing lime juice into a glass filled with ice. Pour in the club soda and stir gently. If using alcohol, add it before the soda.
The Lime Rickey is perfect for hot summer days. Its zesty flavor and fizzy texture will wake up your taste buds and complement your brunch dishes nicely.
29. Grapefruit Mimosa
The Grapefruit Mimosa puts a zesty twist on the classic brunch cocktail. You’ll love this refreshing drink that combines champagne with tart grapefruit juice.
To make it, fill half a glass with fresh grapefruit juice. Top it off with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors.
For extra flair, garnish with a sprig of thyme or a grapefruit wedge. You can also add a splash of vodka for a stronger kick.
This cocktail is perfect for spring and summer brunches. It pairs well with savory dishes like quiche or eggs benedict.
30. Passion Fruit Martini
This tropical twist on a classic martini brings a burst of flavor to your brunch table. You’ll love the sweet and tangy taste of passion fruit in this refreshing cocktail.
To make it, mix vodka with passion fruit puree or juice. Add a splash of lime juice for extra zest. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For a fancy touch, garnish your drink with a slice of fresh passion fruit or a lime wedge. This cocktail pairs well with light brunch dishes and is sure to impress your guests.
31. Citrus Smash
The Citrus Smash is a bright and zesty brunch cocktail that will wake up your taste buds. This drink combines fresh citrus fruits with your choice of spirit for a refreshing start to your day.
To make a Citrus Smash, muddle lemon, lime, and orange slices in a glass. Add ice, your preferred liquor (vodka or gin work well), and a splash of simple syrup.
Top with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish your Citrus Smash with a citrus wheel or twist. The mix of sweet and tart flavors makes this cocktail perfect for sipping alongside your favorite brunch dishes.
History of Brunch Cocktails
Brunch cocktails have a rich history tied to changing social norms and dining habits. These drinks have evolved alongside brunch culture, with some becoming iconic staples of late-morning gatherings.
Evolution of Brunch Culture
Brunch emerged in the late 1800s as a meal for the upper class. It gained popularity in the 1930s when Hollywood stars stopped in Chicago for late-morning meals while traveling cross-country.
By the 1960s, brunch had become a weekend tradition for many Americans.
The rise of brunch culture led to the creation of special drinks. These cocktails were designed to be lighter and more refreshing than evening drinks. They often included fruit juices or sparkling wine to pair well with breakfast foods.
As brunch became more casual in the 1970s and 1980s, the drinks evolved too. Restaurants began offering creative twists on classic cocktails to attract customers.
Traditional Brunch Beverages
The Mimosa is one of the oldest and most popular brunch cocktails. It was invented in 1925 at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. The simple mix of orange juice and champagne quickly became a brunch favorite.
The Bloody Mary is another classic brunch drink. It was created in the 1920s and gained popularity as a hangover cure. The savory cocktail combines vodka, tomato juice, and spices.
Other traditional brunch drinks include:
- Bellini: Peach puree and prosecco
- Screwdriver: Orange juice and vodka
- Irish Coffee: Coffee, whiskey, and cream
These drinks have stood the test of time and remain popular choices for brunch menus today.
Crafting the Perfect Brunch Cocktail
Making a great brunch cocktail takes balance and quality ingredients. You’ll want to mix flavors that complement each other and choose fresh components.
Balancing Flavors
Start with a base spirit like vodka, gin, or champagne. Add fruit juices for sweetness and acidity. A splash of citrus juice brightens the drink. Use herbs or spices for depth.
Mix sweet and tart elements carefully. Too much sugar makes a drink cloying. Too much sour makes it pucker-inducing. Aim for harmony.
Consider texture too. Creamy drinks feel different than fizzy ones. Experiment with adding egg whites or cream for richness.
Test as you go. Adjust ratios until the flavors sing together. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
Ingredient Selection
Pick ripe, in-season fruits for the best flavor.
Fresh-squeezed juices taste better than bottled ones.
Use high-quality spirits – they’re the backbone of your drink.
Try unexpected add-ins like herbs or vegetables.
Basil, cucumber, or jalapeño can add interest.
Look for local, artisanal mixers and syrups.
Chill your glasses before serving.
Use large, clear ice cubes that melt slowly.
They keep drinks cold without watering them down.
Garnish with care.
A twist of citrus peel or a sprig of mint adds aroma and visual appeal.
Match garnishes to drink flavors for the best effect.