Gather Your Friends and Family for Brunch—Just Don't Forget the Cocktails!
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Brunch is always a good idea whether it's a holiday party or simply a Sunday afternoon with friends. But gathering together for eggs, bacon, and pancakes just wouldn't be the same with these fun brunch cocktails. Though there are typically no rules when planning a brunch party (it can be early in the morning or later in the afternoon), one thing we could never do without is a round of fun cocktails that are perfect for brunch. That's why we've rounded up the best Bloody Marys, bellinis, and boozy coffee recipes for any brunch-time celebration. Plus, there are fun variations on mimosa recipes and other champagne cocktails, and tequila drinks for a real pick-me-up.
If you're hosting a big crowd, there are make-ahead batch cocktail ideas, including various twists on sangria, that work well as spring cocktails, book club refreshments, bridal shower brunch recipes, or even just for an afternoon on the back porch. Plenty also work perfectly for Mother's Day brunch, but a lot of these are universally delicious any time of year. All you need are a few make-ahead breakfast casseroles or muffins to make the meal complete. There are also several options here that can easily omit the alcohol if you need some mocktails for non-drinkers or underage guests. So gather up your friends and family, because there's always a reason to celebrate on a weekend afternoon.
Orange Julius
Did you know that this old-school drink dates back to the 1920s? The creamy, slushy-like concoction with orange flavor is so refreshing. Though it doesn't have alcohol in it, the drink is a fun way to dress up any brunch celebration.
Get the Orange Julius recipe.
Piña Colada
Bring some tropical flavor to your afternoon brunch with this refreshing pineapple, coconut, and rum-based drink. It's creamy and sweet and even better when topped with a cherry.
Get the Piña Colada recipe.
Aperol Spritz
This popular drink has become a sparkling sensation in recent years. The balance of bitter and sweet flavors with a hint of orange make it perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.
Mudslide
You can think of this drink like a boozy milkshake made with coffee liqueur. It doubles as a brunch and dessert cocktail in one.
Get the Mudslide recipe.
Champagne Punch
This bubbly cocktail is worthy of a celebration with friends. It's made in a punch bowl so you know it'll serve a crowd. Plus, the cranberries, strawberries, and orange slices make it so festive.
Get the Champagne Punch recipe.
Michelada
Beer lovers will appreciate this cocktail that's similar to a Bloody Mary in that it's made with tomato juice, but it's a bit lighter in both flavor and alcohol content.
Get the Michelada recipe.
Strawberry Daiquiri
This recipe doubles up the berry flavor with both fresh and frozen frozen strawberries. But don't worry, there's only a handful of other ingredients needed to make it.
Get the Strawberry Daiquiri recipe.
Hurricane
If you're looking for a sweet and fruity drink, give this rum-based cocktail a try. It's a fun mash-up of passion fruit juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
Get the Hurricane recipe.
Melon Spritzers
This mocktail gets an extra-pretty finishing touch thanks to a melon baller which makes perfect little spheres of watermelon that you can thread onto a skewer.
Get Ree's Melon Spritzers recipe.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
A mix of ice tea and lemonade is refreshing all on its own. But when you add a splash of bourbon, then brunch gets a lot more fun. Mixing everything from scratch makes it so much tastier.
Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.
Bees Knees
Honey, lemon, and gin: That's all you need to make the perfect brunch cocktail. And if you don't love gin, swap it out for vodka or bourbon instead.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
Bloody Maria
If you like the idea of a Bloody Mary but prefer something other than vodka in your drink, try her cousin. It uses tequila instead for a flavorful twist on a brunch classic.
Get the Bloody Maria recipe.
Tom Collins
If you've never had a Tom Collins, you're in for a refreshing treat. It's made with four simple ingredients―gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water―for an endlessly sippable concoction.
Get the Tom Collins recipe.
Raspberry Sorbet Spritz
There's something about balls of sorbet floating in bubbly booze that feels so festive, doesn't it? And you don't have to use raspberry either.
Get the Raspberry Sorbet Spritz recipe.
Dark and Stormy
No matter the weather, you can enjoy this cocktail. Ginger beer (or ginger ale in a pinch) gets mixed with fresh lime juice and dark rum. It's as fun to look at as it is to drink!
Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.
Tequila Sunrise
You don't need to rise with the sun to enjoy this tropical cocktail. It's just as delicious in the mid-afternoon when you serve up a tasty outdoor brunch.
Get the Tequila Sunrise recipe.
White Wine Sangria
Choosing a crisp, dry white wine for sangria is a great way to lighten things up. You can make a big pitcher of the drink and let guests help themselves.
Get the White Wine Sangria recipe.
Peach Bellini
Bellinis don't get as much attention as mimosas, but they really should. The summery drink is sweet and bubbly and perfect for celebrating any occasion.
Get the Peach Bellini recipe.
Campari Spritz
This refreshing, bubbly drink made with orange juice might look sweet, but it actually has a hint of bitterness from the Campari. Don't worry, though, it's a flavor that's uniquely satisfying.
Get the Campari Spritz recipe.
Cranberry Mimosa
Here's a fun twist on a classic brunch drink: Instead of simply using orange juice and champagne, this variation is tart and sweet thanks to cranberry juice and pineapple-orange juice.
Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
Mojito
This rum-based cocktail is loaded with fresh, sweet flavor thanks to the mint and sugar. But it's also so refreshing from the bubbly club soda.
Get the Mojito recipe.
Sparkling Margarita
What says "brunch" better than a cross between a mimosa and a margarita? Yum! It's light and refreshing, which is perfect to sip on during the day.
Get the Sparkling Margarita recipe.
Classic Bloody Mary
A little bit salty, a little bit spicy, this quintessential brunch cocktail brings out the savory side of sipping. Plus, who doesn't love all the endless edible garnish options? Make it with vodka, gin, or tequila depending on your preference.
Get the Classic Bloody Mary recipe.
Red Sangria
If you want something to make ahead for a crowd, sangria is the way to go. It's a super flexible recipe, where you can vary the fruit, wine, and liquor used for endless brunch ideas.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Orange Crush Cocktail
If you like screw drivers or mimosas, you'll love this citrusy cocktail. Everything from the juice to the booze contains something orange flavored, making it a burst of sunshine with each sip.
Get the Orange Crush Cocktail recipe.
Paloma
Another twist on the classic margarita is this grapefruit-based drink. If you use red grapefruit juice, it ends up as the prettiest pink cocktail for a brunch with your girlfriends. You know, just in case you needed a reason to invite them over.
Get the Paloma recipe.
Espresso Martini
Brunch is one of those times of day when you might be craving your morning iced coffee still, so why not make a cocktail to satisfy your needs? Get a kick of caffeine while sipping on this vodka-based trendy drink.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Marg-a-Ree-ta
Try Ree's spin on a classic margarita: Use cucumber, cilantro and mint to spice it up. It's refreshing and surprising, just what your brunch guests will want.
Get Ree's Marg-a-Ree-ta recipe.
French 75 Cocktail
Another great batch cocktail to try is the French 75. Mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and then when you're ready to serve, distribute and top off with sparkling wine. Isn't everything better with bubbles?
Get the French 75 Cocktail recipe.
Classic Mint Julep
Though the Kentucky Derby only happens once a year, that doesn't mean you can't make its signature cocktail all year round. Fresh and minty, it packs a punch thanks to the bourbon. Worried that it might be too strong? Just adjust the proof of your alcohol.
Get the Mint Julep recipe.
Oklahoma Prairie Fire
Bold color and bold flavor: that's what this drink is all about. Pretty and sweet blood orange and grenadine are balanced by smoky mezcal and a spicy chili powder rim.
Get Ree's Oklahoma Prairie Fire recipe.
Irish Coffee
Sure, it's perfect for St. Paddy's but it's perfect for any brunch, too. Late morning gatherings should have coffee available and spiking it with Irish cream and whiskey makes it a cocktail, too.
Get Ree's Irish Coffee recipe.
White Wine Spritzer
What kind of white wine do you like? It doesn't matter, because this flexible recipe is good with any of them. It's also good with any berries you like, though blackberries and strawberries look particularly colorful.
Get the White Wine Spritzer recipe.
Two-Ingredient Sangria
Hosting brunch can be hard. It requires a lot of planning, so make your life easier by making a cocktail with two ingredients. All you need is fruit juice and wine.
Get the Two-Ingredient Sangria recipe.
Ranch Water
If you're looking for a lighter cocktail (both in calories and taste), try Ree's lighter take on a margarita. Lime, tequila, and sparkling water is all you need. Oh, and a bendy straw, according to her daughter Alex.
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Raspberry Smash
Fresh, muddled berries add just the right bit of sweetness to the vodka, St. Germain, and lemon juice. Plus, they add the prettiest pop of color. They will certainly be a smash at any festive brunch.
Get the Raspberry Smash recipe.
Pomegranate Sparklers
While particularly festive and seasonal during the winter months when pomegranates are in season, these light wine-based cocktails can be made anytime of year. Pomegranate juice is easy to find at any grocery store.
Get Ree's Pomegranate Sparklers recipe.
Red Berry Frozen Sangria
This frozen cocktail is great in warm weather as an adult slushie of sorts, but you can make it anytime since it uses frozen fruit. Simply blitz in the blender with some wine, brandy, sugar, and ice.
Get Ree's Red Berry Frozen Sangria recipe.
Hawaiian Mimosas
You don't need to take a trip to the Aloha State to make this fruity mimosa. It's just a simple combination of prosecco, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Get the Hawaiian Mimosas recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Kir Royale
This classic cocktail looks luxurious enough for a special occasion, but it's surprisingly simple. In fact, you only need two ingredients: champagne and crème de cassis.
Get the Kir Royale recipe at Preppy Kitchen.
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