5 Brunch Cocktails Essential to Your Weekend Brunch Fri, Dec 02, 22 | recipes spirits Whether it’s for a celebration or an excuse to enjoy two meals at once, brunch has become a regular occurrence on Saturdays and Sundays, especially when it can be enjoyed in nice summer weather. Friends and family get together during the late morning hours to enjoy omelets, waffles, an array of meats, and of course, cocktails. Brunch cocktails have become an essential staple to the meal. They are usually light and refreshing drinks that pair well with any of the dishes served at brunch. If you want to host your own brunch, below are some recipes for brunch cocktails that will wow your guests’ taste buds. 1. Blushing Mimosas This recipe from My Recipes is a twist to the original mimosa. The pineapple juice and grenadine add a flavorful punch to this cocktail that will sweeten up your brunch. Ingredients 2 cups orange juice (not from concentrate) 1 cup pineapple juice, chilled 2 tablespoons grenadine 1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled* Preparation Stir together first 3 ingredients. Pour equal parts orange juice mixture and Champagne into Champagne flutes. *2 (12-oz.) cans of ginger ale or lemon-lime soda may be substituted Yield: Makes 6 cups 2. Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail Despite its name, this cocktail can be enjoyed during all seasons. This recipe from Martha Stewart is light pink in color and garnished with a flower, making it the prettiest cocktail that you could serve at brunch. Ingredients 12 ounces of Lillet Rose 12 ounces Ruby Red grapefruit juice 6 ounces gin 6 edible flower blossoms Directions Step 1 – Combine 6 ounces Lillet, 6 ounces grapefruit juice, 3 ounces gin, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well chilled. Strain and divide cocktail among 3 stemmed cocktail glasses, such as Champagne coupes. Repeat. Step 2 – Garnish with flowers. Serve immediately. Servings: 6 3. Pear and Cranberry Bellini While the Bellini traditionally calls for peach nectar, this Martha Stewart recipe uses pear nectar instead. The cranberry juice adds a pink hue to the cocktail for an elegant drink to be served at brunch. Ingredients 1 cup pear nectar 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail 1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine Directions Step 1 – In a small pitcher or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine. Servings: 8 4. Tipsy Tea with Homemade Sweet Tea This sweet tea cocktail from Epicurious gives a southern flair to your brunch menu. Serve it with anything from eggs and bacon, to fried chicken and grits. Ingredients 2 ounces orange-flavored vodka, chilled 6 ounce Sweet Tea, chilled Garnish: 1/2 orange wheel (optional) Preparation Add the vodka and tea to a tall glass filled with ice; stir well. Garnish, if desired. Yield: Serves 1 5. Fresh Tomato Bloody Mary It wouldn’t be a proper brunch without Bloody Marys. This recipe from Food & Wine calls for fresh tomatoes instead of tomato juice or a pre-made mix. Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds chilled red tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup chilled vodka 1 cup ice cubes 1 teaspoon tomato paste 1/2 small red chile, seeded and coarsely chopped 1/2 teaspoon celery salt 4 medium celery ribs and 4 thin green chiles (optional), for serving Garnish 2 small celery ribs, minced 2 tablespoons minced onion 1 medium green heirloom tomato, such a a Green Zebra, minced 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Salt Make the Bloody Mary in a bowl — toss the celery with the onion, tomato, lemon zest and juice and season with salt. Refrigerate while you make the drinks. In a blender, puree the tomatoes, vodka, ice, tomato paste, chile and celery salt; pour into glasses. Spoon the garnish on top, add a celery rib and chile to each glass and serve. Servings: Makes 4 drinks Once you’ve planned out your menu, you’ll need the necessary ingredients to make your brunch cocktails. Julio’s Liquors in Westborough, MA has all the alcohol you need to complete these recipes. Stop by and grab everything you need to throw a successful brunch this weekend!
