Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by April
Brunch is a time to relax, enjoy good company, and explore new flavors. The right drink can really take your brunch up a notch and play well with all sorts of dishes.
With a mix of classic favorites and some clever twists, you’ll find brunch drink ideas to fit just about any mood or crowd. Whether you’re craving something bright, bold, or booze-free, there’s something here for everyone.
Classic Mimosa
A classic mimosa is just chilled sparkling wine and orange juice—no ice needed, just make sure everything’s cold. Pour the wine into a flute, then top with OJ to keep those bubbles lively. Usually, it’s a 50/50 split, but honestly, adjust however you like.
Pulp-free orange juice works best. Want to mix it up? Try a splash of orange liqueur or swap in another juice.
Bloody Mary with Horseradish
Adding horseradish to a Bloody Mary gives it a punchy depth and a gentle kick. You’ll need tomato juice, vodka, grated horseradish, lime juice, celery salt, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce. Garnish with celery and sip away.
Bellini with Prosecco and Peach Puree
A Bellini is all about chilled dry Prosecco and peach puree—a real brunch refresher. Add the puree first, then pour Prosecco slowly and let it settle before a gentle stir.
White peaches are traditional, but canned work if that’s what you’ve got. For more, see this Prosecco Peach Bellini recipe. Garnish with peach slices or mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol spritz is an Italian favorite—Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of club soda. Its bold orange color pretty much shouts “refreshing,” with a slightly bitter, sparkling vibe.
Just fill a wine glass with ice, add equal parts Aperol and Prosecco, then a splash of club soda. Orange slice on top, and you’re set.
Play with the ratios if you want it more mellow.
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a cozy blend of strong coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with lightly whipped cream. The trick is to float the cream on top, not stir it in.
Pour hot coffee over sugar, add whiskey, then carefully layer the cream.
Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is a crowd-pleaser with vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso (or cold brew), and a bit of simple syrup. Shake it all with ice for that signature frothy top.
Fresh espresso is best, but cold brew works in a pinch. Garnish with coffee beans in a coupe or martini glass.
Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
This one’s a looker—Empress 1908 Gin, lemonade, limoncello, and lavender simple syrup come together for a cocktail that’s both tasty and pretty. The gin’s purple color really stands out.
Serve over ice, top with tonic water, and finish with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of dried lavender.
Strawberry Basil Mojito
For a fresh spin, try a strawberry basil mojito. Muddle strawberries and basil, then add white rum and strawberry simple syrup for extra flavor. Top with club soda and you’re done.
Pineapple Ginger Punch
Pineapple Ginger Punch is a breeze—just pineapple and ginger beer for a cool, zingy drink.
Pick your spirit: tequila, vodka, or gin all work. It’s simple and summery. Here’s the recipe for Pineapple Ginger Punch if you want to dig in.
Grapefruit Rosemary Fizz
Fresh grapefruit juice, gin, and rosemary simple syrup make this crisp cocktail. Shake with ice, then top with club soda or grapefruit sparkling water. Add a rosemary sprig or cucumber for garnish.
Spinach and Cucumber Green Juice
Spinach and cucumber green juice is light, crisp, and just a little sweet thanks to green apple and kiwi. Juice everything together—spinach, cucumber, green apple, and kiwi. Add lemon juice if you want more zing.
Spiced Chai Latte with Rum
This hot drink pairs spiced rum with chai concentrate and milk. Warm the chai and milk, stir in rum, and pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream if you like.
Cucumber Mint Gimlet
Cucumber Mint Gimlet is crisp and easy—just muddle cucumber and mint, add lime juice, simple syrup, and gin. Prefer vodka? Go for it, though the flavor will shift.
Peach Bourbon Smash
Peach Bourbon Smash is all about fresh peaches, bourbon, mint, and a splash of lemon. Muddle the peaches and mint, add ice, and you’re good to go. Serve over crushed ice in a short glass.
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Cranberry Gin Fizz is bright and lively, mixing fresh cranberries, gin, citrus, and ginger ale. Muddle cranberries, lemon, and orange, add gin, then strain over ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with candied cranberries and mint.
Watermelon Basil Margarita
This one’s simple—fresh watermelon and basil, agave, lime juice, and tequila. Muddle watermelon and basil, add the rest, shake with ice. Rim your glass with salt or tajin, garnish with a basil leaf.
Rosemary Greyhound
Fresh grapefruit juice, vodka, and rosemary syrup make this twist on the classic greyhound. The rosemary gives it a nice herbal touch against the tart grapefruit. Pour over ice and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Matcha Iced Latte
Matcha Iced Latte is a nice change from coffee. Mix matcha powder with a little hot water, whisk, then add cold water and chill. Pour over ice, then add your favorite milk—oat or almond work great.
Virgin Mary
The Sugar-Free Virgin Mary is a nonalcoholic classic—tomato and lemon juice as a base. Spice it up with black pepper, celery salt, and hot sauce to your liking.
Go for organic, low-sodium tomato juice if you want to keep it light.
Rose Sangria
Rose Sangria is a crisp blend of dry rosé, limoncello, and fresh berries with citrus. Toss raspberries, strawberries, orange, and lemon slices in a pitcher, pour in the booze, stir, and chill.
Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice
Carrot Ginger Turmeric Juice is bright, a little spicy, and loaded with color. Carrots, ginger, turmeric, apple, orange, and lemon all get juiced together.
Use a juicer or blender—just peel the ginger and turmeric first, and cut everything small for easier blending. Heads up: turmeric stains, so be careful.
Salted Caramel White Russian
Salted Caramel White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly salty riff on the classic. Swirl caramel sauce inside your glass for a rich base, then mix vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream with ice. Pour over more ice, add a drizzle of caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
Pineapple Coconut Mojito
A Pineapple Coconut Mojito brings together lime juice, pineapple, and coconut milk for a light, creamy twist on the classic cocktail.
You start by muddling fresh mint and lime, then add coconut rum and pineapple juice. Shake with ice, top it off with club soda, and toss in some fruit for that extra tropical vibe.
Honeydew Mint Cooler
This Honeydew Mint Cooler uses just melon, fresh mint, lime juice, and soda water. Just blend the melon, mint, lime, and a splash of water until smooth, pour over ice, and add sparkling water.
No added sugar here, so it’s a vegan pick that fits plenty of special diets. It’s a good one for brunch, picnics, or even a summer mocktail.
Pomegranate Sparkler
This drink mixes sweet pomegranate juice with sparkling wine for a festive touch. It’s just two ingredients and takes barely any time to throw together.
If you want it to look extra fancy, pour the sparkling wine in slowly to keep that pretty ombre effect. Toss in some ice cubes with pomegranate arils and a sprig of rosemary.
Vanilla Almond Coffee
Whip up a cozy Vanilla Almond Coffee at home in just five minutes—it’s honestly easier than you’d think. All you need is some strong coffee, steamed milk, a splash of vanilla syrup, and a hint of almond extract. The result? Pretty comforting, if you ask me.
If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped almonds.
