Brunch is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to host. It’s lower pressure, a little more relaxed, and still feels like an occasion. And while I will always care deeply about what’s on the table, the drinks are what really set the mood.
I pulled together this as an easy, go-to guide for brunch cocktails. I wanted there to be something you can come back to, whether you’re planning ahead or panic-hosting (been there). There are 20 of my favorite recipes in here, plus one new pitcher cocktail (the rhubarb spritz, and she’s very yummy), along with a few simple hosting tips to make everything feel a little more effortless for you. The goal is simple, really… drinks that are fun to make, fun to drink, and kind of the reason to host brunch in the first place. Let’s brunch!
Morning Mocktails
Not everyone wants a full cocktail at 11 am. These drinks still feel fun, fresh, and very much part of the party, just without the booze commitment. If you’re hosting, this is where you can make things feel effortlessly thoughtful: set out a few pre-mixed NA bases and let guests build their own. Add a small lineup of spirits on the side for anyone who wants to spike theirs, and finish it off with simple garnishes like cucumber slices, lemon wheels, mint, or basil. It’s a thoughtful move that makes everyone feel like they’ve got exactly what they want.
- Lemon Ginger Mocktail Spritz – I love serving this as an NA option, because it almost doubles as a healthy juice. If guests want, they can add a little prosecco or champagne, too!
- Cantaloupe Martini Mocktail – It feels like an Italian breakfast (minus the prosciutto).
- Blueberry Basil Lemonade – You’ll want to sip on this one all day. If you’d like to make a spiked version, just add 1.5 oz of vodka, gin, or tequila per glass or 1 cup into a pitcher.
Fresh & Citrusy
Just sharp enough to wake everyone up. These are the drinks that make a table feel alive.
- Clementine Vodka Smash – I love this one for bridal showers or baby showers, because it’s so photogenic. Top it with some edible flowers, and you’ll be tagged in everyone’s Instagram story before you know it.
- Green Juice Margarita – You gotta get your greens in first thing! Or, keep it simple with a classic margarita. All you have to remember is 2:1:1. Two parts tequila, one part orange liqueur, one part lime. This can be ounces, cups, you name it. Just keep the ratio, and you’ll be good to go!
- French Blonde – Arguably my favorite brunch cocktail. Gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and a dash of bitters. A French 75’s chic cousin.
Elevated (& The Right Amount of Extra)
For when you want brunch to feel like an occasion. These are the cocktails that get compliments, start conversations, and make people think you are the hostess with the mostest. Slightly more effort, but worth it.
- Coconut Guava Mojito – It’s just so pretty, it is begging to be a part of your morning. Don’t love coconut or guava? Try a classic mojito instead.
- Mint Julep – Mint Juleps aren’t just for the derby. But they are a perfect excuse to host a derby-themed brunch!
- Spring Negroni – A little more boozy and direct, but still totally sippable.
- Grilled Peach Whiskey Sour – The best part about this one is that you can easily swap the peaches for other fruits. Cherries, apples, persimmons, pear… the options are endless (and all delicious).
The Brunch Classics
You can try to reinvent brunch, but these are the drinks that always make the cut. A little savory, a little caffeinated, a little boozy, a lot of yum.
- Bloody Mary – The most famous brunch beverage of all. If there’s any element of sports watching involved, or I know guests could be arriving with a hangover, this is what I’m serving. You can choose your favorite spirit: vodka, tequila, or even mezcal (I prefer tequila). Or, make micheladas instead by swapping the booze for beer!
- Irish Coffee – Duh! Caffeinated goodness that hits every single time.
- Carajillo – This recipe is technically for a Pumpkin Spiced Carajillo, and it is delicious if I do say so myself. But, if you aren’t quite feeling pumpkin, you can easily swap it for maple syrup and sea salt. You and your guests will love it.
- Espresso Martini – It’s funny that Espresso Martinis have become synonymous with late nights. Personally, I think they make more sense in the morning! If you’re planning on making espresso martinis for brunch, I’d recommend trying out a different variation. Your guests will be so impressed with any of these:
- Vanilla Almond Croissant (Paired with almond croissants?! Come on): vodka or reposado tequila, espresso, almond liqueur or orgeat, vanilla syrup, pinch of salt
- Honey Lavender: vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, lavender syrup
- Orange Espresso: vodka, espresso, orange liqueur like Cointreau
- Banana Bread: vodka, espresso, banana liqueur, maple syrup, pinch of cinnamon
- Salted Maple: vodka, espresso, maple syrup, pinch sea salt
- Mocha Mint: vodka, espresso, chocolate liqueur, tiny dash of mint extract
- Pistachio: vodka, espresso, pistachio syrup
Sparkling & Light
They’re bright, a little bubbly, and made for lingering over French toast while pretending you’re not about to have seconds (you are).
- Raspberry French 75 – If you’re hosting a larger group, make a batch to keep in your freezer door.
- Base: 750ml bottle of gin (minus 1.5 cups to make room)
- Mixer: 3/4 cups of fresh lemon juice + 1/2 cup raspberry syrup + 1/4 cup filtered water (just need some for dillution)
- Place in the freezer to chill. As guests arrive, you can pour this into glasses and top with chilled champagne! Enjoy!
- White Wine Elderflower Spritz – Basil syrup gives this one a surprisingly herbaceous hint of sweetness that will have your guests going “whoa, that’s good.”
- White Linen Pitcher – Crisp and garden-fresh. I’ve seen a few people on TikTok hosting “farmers market mornings” with their friends, where each guest brings a market item to share with the group. This drink fits right in next to fresh bread, flowers in a jar, and whatever little seasonal finds end up on the table.
- Sparkling Ginger Paloma – The perfect mix of tequila, bubbles, and that classic cocktail vibe.
- Bourbon Sparkling Punch – Bubbles and bourbon deserve each other. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise!
- Tequila Aperol Spritz – This recipe is for a pitcher, and thank goodness (because you’ll want multiple glasses). Don’t like tequila? Swap it for your favorite vodka or gin.
Bonus Recipe: Rhubarb Spritz Pitcher
Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle prosecco or sparkling rose
- 1/2 cup rhubarb syrup
- 3/4 cup dry vermouth
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 1/2 cups Aperol or strawberry-infused Aperol (see below)
- Soda water, to top
To Garnish:
- Rhubarb ribbons or twists
- Grapefruit slices
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the rhubarb syrup, dry vermouth, grapefruit juice, and Aperol.
- Add the full bottle of prosecco or sparkling rosé and gently stir to combine. Do not add ice to the pitcher (this keeps everything crisp and not watered down).
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the spritz about 3/4 of the way full.
- Top each glass with a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a rhubarb twist and a slice of grapefruit. Cheers!
A Few Closing Hosting Tips
- Batch what you can: If a recipe can be made in a pitcher, do it. It saves time and keeps things flowing (the rhubarb spritz, white linen, and the French 75 are great options). Just hold off on anything sparkling until right before serving so everything stays crisp.
- Skip the ice in pitchers: It seems small, but it makes a difference. Build your drinks ahead, keep them chilled, and pour over ice in the glass so nothing gets watered down.
- Set up a build-your-own station: Set up a few mocktail bases and put out a few spirits, and let people customize. It’s interactive, low effort, and everyone gets exactly what they want.
- Garnishes go a long way: You don’t need anything complicated. A plate of citrus wheels, cucumber slices, mint, or basil instantly makes drinks feel finished (and photogenic).
However you put it together, make it feel like you. Don’t overthink it. If it’s fun to make and even better to drink, you’re doing brunch right.