19 Brunch Cocktails, From Bloody Marys to Champagne Classics

There's something for everyone, including old favorites and fresh new takes.

Grapefruit Pomegranate
Photo:

Nico Schinco

Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a leisurely Sunday, adding a cocktail to your brunch can be a delight. We’ve compiled a daytime-friendly lineup of classics and reinventions of old favorites, as well as brand-new concoctions that you may not have considered before.

There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up or a refreshing fruity cooler on a hot day. Many can be made non-alcoholic by omitting the booze completely or by swapping in a non-alcoholic substitute. Cheers!

01 of 19

Orange-Mint Margarita

orange-mint margarita
Paola + Murray

Who says the margarita isn't a brunch drink? They obviously haven't tried our sparkling version. Topped off with seltzer and and made in a pitcher rather than shaken, this one is easy to batch so you're ready for a crowd.

02 of 19

Celery-Lime Gimlet

celery-lime-gimlet
Paola + Murray

Looking for a less fruity, more tart brunch-ready cocktail? Try this big-batch take on the gin gimlet. It's super refreshing, thanks to the lime and celery used to muddle the drink.

03 of 19

Pomegranate-and-Pink-Grapefruit Punch

pomegranate-and-pink-grapefruit punch
Nico Schinco

Punch up the brunch cocktail with this ombre concoction. You can mix the grapefruit-lychee mixture ahead of time in a pitcher, then drizzle the pomegranate syrup on top of each serving—it will sink to the bottom like grenadine in a tequila sunrise.

04 of 19

Bellini

peach bellinis served in flutes
Bryan Gardner

Whether you use fresh, ripe peaches or prepared peach juice, this three-ingredient cocktail is a sweet and bubbly delight.

05 of 19

Make-Ahead Bloody Mary Mix

sparkling-wine-a130522-07-8885-md110267.jpg
John Kernick

This make-ahead mix for Bloody Marys is a brunch host's best friend. It's a big-batch drink you can prep early and let the flavors mingle. Just add the vodka for serving.

06 of 19

Pimm's Cup

cocktail pimms cup cucumber mint
Bryan Gardner

Enjoy this brunch cocktail from across the pond when craving a cool, refreshing sip. It's made with Pimm's No. 1, a gin-based, herbal liqueur brightened with cucumber slices, fresh mint, strawberries, and lemon.

07 of 19

Cherry Bounce

cherry bounce cocktail garnished with frozen cherries
Mikkel Vang

This two-ingredient rum cocktail uses the bounty of fresh sour cherries, which are at their peak in June. The cherry-rum mixture should be made at least one week in advance, which saves prep time on the morning of brunch.

08 of 19

Shaken Piña Colada

shaken pina coladas
Bryan Gardner

You don't need to break out the blender to make this recipe. While you'll be using similar ingredients as the original drink, our Piña Colada on the rocks is actually mixed in a cocktail shaker for a lighter, more refreshing version.

09 of 19

Daniel Webster's Punch

daniel-websters-punch-102802486.jpg
Meredith Jenk

Seeking something exciting and complex? Look no further than this fruity knockout punch adapted from "The Steward & Barkeeper's Manual" (1869) and made with black tea, sherry, rum, champagne, and wine. Yes—it is a classic for a strong, strong reason.

10 of 19

Smoky Serrano-Mint Margarita

Smoky Serrano-Mint Margaritas

Seeking something savory and spicy that isn't a Bloody Mary? This variation of a classic Margarita brings its heat from charred serrano chile—the perfect complement to this sweet, minty cocktail.

11 of 19

Hibiscus-Ginger Spritz

july-august-cover-drinks-alt-136-reddrinkhero-d112982.jpg
Christopher Testani

Aromatic hibiscus flowers and warming ginger are a perfect pairing in this refreshing, fizzy drink. Try our other spritz flavors next: pineapple-cucumber and spicy grapefruit.

12 of 19

Pineapple-Raspberry Bellini

pineapple raspberry bellini
Armando Rafael

If you don't want to shake cocktails to order, try making a big batch of this French-inspired bellini. We'd suggest whipping up at least two pitchers—it disappears quickly.

13 of 19

Coconut-Water Vodka Cocktail

coconut-water-cocktail-010-md110117.jpg
Jen Causey

Spike good-for-you coconut water with a little vodka—after all, it's brunch! Finish with an orange twist.

14 of 19

Lillet Rosé Spring Cocktail

lillet-rose-cocktails-mld108276.jpg

Grapefruit juice gives this shaken cocktail its delicate pink hue. An edible flower garnish makes it elegant enough for the fanciest brunch.

15 of 19

Fresh Grapefruit-Campari Cocktails

mld105489_0510_palmsprings_cocktail.jpg

Bittersweet Campari might be best known for its role in the Negroni, but this sparkling cocktail shows its versatility. Pair it with tangy grapefruit juice and club soda for a jazzy spritzer.

16 of 19

French 75

French 75 recipe
Bryan Gardner

This light, elegant cocktail features fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine. Its bubbly effervescence goes particularly well with scrambled eggs and mushrooms.

17 of 19

Maple Irish Coffee

maple irish coffee

Start your morning off with a boozy brunch beverage that'll also wake you up. A sweetened version of a classic Irish coffee should do the trick. A combination of pure vanilla extract and maple syrup adds a delicious, dessert-like flavor to strongly-brewed coffee.

18 of 19

Stone Fruit Sangria

sangria

Although this recipe calls for peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries, you can use any in-season fruits. Ginger ale adds a slightly sharper note to offset the sweetness.

19 of 19

Strawberry-Cucumber Gin-Elderflower Spritz

strawberry cucumber gin elderflower spritz
William Abranowicz

Here's a great drink for a sunny brunch. It has a gorgeous hue and a refreshing, layered taste. Gin and the elderflower liqueur St. Germain lend a floral, herbal note, complemented nicely by garnishes of whole strawberries and cucumber slices.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles