MICHAEL KRAUS
Drinks

21 Brunch Cocktails to Start Your Morning Right

Wake up with a bit of a buzz

By SAVEUR Editors


Published on May 9, 2013

While we tend to associate cocktails with hours 5 p.m. and beyond, on special occasions, weekends, or even the occasional rough Thursday morning, there's nothing like starting off a lazy day with a drink. From Old Bay-tinged Bloody Mary's to tart grapefruit spritzes, these boozy drinks will kickstart your day—or help you fall right back to sleep.

Gone in 60 seconds Iced Coffee with lime and peach nectar
Gone in 60 Seconds

This recipe treats iced coffee like a cocktail, adding peach nectar and lime juice to amp the beans’ citrus and other fruit notes. Get the recipe for Gone in 60 Seconds »

Boston Bloody Mary
Boston Bloody Mary

This Bloody Mary gets a briny kick from freshly shucked oysters.

Fermented Bloody Mary, Tasmania
Fermented Bloody Mary

Fermented Bloody Mary

The Charleston Fizz
The Charleston Fizz

The floral flavor of gin is a natural match for bright grapefruit and elderflower liqueur in a refreshing cocktail. Fresh tarragon adds an aromatic, peppery anise note.

Deconstructed Bloody Mary
Deconstructed Bloody Mary

This Bloody Mary is chock-full of chopped vegetables and flavored with fresh herbs. Get the recipe for Deconstructed Bloody Mary »

French 75
Arnaud's French 75

This elegant libation of cognac, lemon, and champagne is served at the historic bar attached to Arnaud’s restaurant, which dates to the late 1800s. See the recipe for Arnaud’s French 75 »

Fizzy Lifting Drink

This bubbly, pink concoction of Champagne dosed with fruity crème de cassis and spicy ginger liqueur is inspired by the mysterious drink of the same name from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. See the recipe for Fizzy Lifting Drink »

Heirloom Tomato Bloody Mary
Heirloom Tomato Bloody Mary

The Union Square Cafe in New York City makes this Bloody Mary using heirloom tomatoes from the nearby farmers’ market.

Lady Stone Heart
Lady Stoneheart

For this ode to the Game of Thrones noblewoman, Punt e Mes—the dark and bitter quina-vermouth hybrid—is softened with a long pour of champagne. Get the recipe for Lady Stoneheart »

Rhubarb Fizz
Rhubarb Fizz

This bubbly cocktail makes the most of rhubarb season. Get the recipe for Rhubarb Fizz »

Michelada Bloody Mary
Michelada Bloody Mary

Chef Rick Bayless suggested this recipe for a bloody mary made with beer, citrus, and tequila.

The Moonwalk

Joe Gilmore, legendary Head Barman at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar, invented this cocktail in 1969 to commemorate the first moon landing. The drink—a combination of grapefruit, orange liqueur, and a hint of rosewater, topped with Champagne—was the first thing Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin sipped upon returning to earth.

Old Bay Bloody Mary
Old Bay Bloody Mary

Old Bay gives this Bloody Mary an extra savory kick. Get the recipe for Old Bay Bloody Mary »

Moto Guzzi Spritz Cocktail
Moto Guzzi Spritz Cocktail

Moto Guzzi Spritz Cocktail

Original Bloody Mary
Original Bloody Mary

A combination of vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire, and fresh ground spices is simple, classic, and always delicious. Get the recipe for Original Bloody Mary »

Frozen Bloody Mary
Frozen Bloody Mary

The recipe for this Bloody Mary is based on one in the Esquire Drink Book (Harper and Row, 1956).

The Parasol

Honey, Lillet, and St. Germain join prosecco in a light, herbaceous, and citrusy brunch drink. See the recipe for the Parasol »

Gazpacho Bloody Mary
Gazpacho Bloody Mary

This refreshing Bloody Mary features yellow tomatoes, celery, and carrots.

Ginger-Absinthe Mimosa

Imparting a festive green glow to the de rigueur citrus and Champagne brunch cocktail, absinthe lends a noticeably herbal bite and serves as a natural aperitif.

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