Cocktails

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Cocktails

Best Brunch Cocktails

By Colleen Graham, About.com

Light drinks with fruity flavors make great additions to any brunch. Choosing a cocktail that matches the type of food being served is key to the mid-morning meal. A Screwdriver or Melon Patch are wonderful matches for a fresh fruit brunch while a Bloody Mary works well with heartier foods.

Screwdriver

ScrewdriverPhoto Credit: © www.CocktailTimes.com
A screwdriver is a staple for any brunch because it is easy to make and pairs well with any type of food.

Bloody Mary

Bloody MaryPhoto Credit: © Genesun Han
The tomato flavor of a Bloody Mary is an excellent choice for brunch. While this will not work well with fruity meals, it is excellent with casseroles and pancakes. Since beer is probably not a good choice for the morning, this cocktail is also a good option for watching a morning college football game.

Melon Patch

This melon flavored cocktail is a delightful treat for a light fresh fruit brunch. The Melon Patch is a favorite on summer days with a fruit salad filled with cherries, melons, pineapple and apples.

Sweet Sunrise (non-alcoholic)

The Virgin Sunrise (or Sweet Sunrise) is simple and rather logical once you think about it: orange juice and grenadine, or a Tequila Sunrise hold the tequila. It's sunrise effect adds some life to the drink and makes a great presentation to pair with a light brunch of fruits and pastries.

Bellini

BelliniPhoto Credit: © www.CocktailTimes.com
If you want to go all out for brunch, step it up with class by hosting a Champagne brunch and feature a Bellini cocktail. This peachy drink works well with fish and white meat dishes as well as light omelets.

Reno Cocktail (non-alcoholic)

The Reno Cocktail is one of the best "true mocktails" around because it truly mocks its alcoholic cousins. For a more elegant brunch atmosphere, or when you just want the feel of a cocktail without the booze, this is neat grapefruit-based drink is absolutely perfect.

Kiwi Mango Mint

Kiwi Mango Mint Mixed Drink - 42 Below Kiwi VodkaPhoto Courtesy of: © 42 Below Vodka
This mix of mango nectar and kiwi-infused vodka is light and tall and the hint of mint adds a nice wake me up for the rest of the day.

Greyhound

For a simple grapefruit cocktail a Greyhound is at the top of the list. Having both grapefruit and orange juice on hand will give your guests a choice between this cocktail and a Screwdriver.

Irish Coffee

If you are offering your brunch guests coffee or espresso anyway it only makes sense to give them the option of adding a little "spirit" to their joe. Topping the coffee with whipped cream also adds a little elegance to the average coffee mug and lessens the taste of the whiskey.

Green Grape Glacier (non-alcoholic)

For a non-alcoholic drink option a Green Grape Glacier is an absolute delight. Not only do you have a beautiful looking, great tasting drink but the frozen grape garnish adds a little appetizer to the meal.

Fun in the Sun

The season's best recipes and party ideas, plus a guide for fun things to do this summer.

Explore Cocktails

About.com Special Features

Cocktails

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Cocktails
  4. Cocktail Recipes
  5. Best Brunch Cocktails - Great Drinks for Brunch Entertaining

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.