10 Brunch Cocktails That Make Any Day Feel Like a Special Occasion

Give our best cocktails a try at your next brunch.

Spanish Gin Tonic
Photo: Victoria Pearson

Our best brunch cocktail recipes hit that sweet spot between light and boozy thanks to happy-making ingredients like berries, cherries, bubbles, herbs, and just-right spirits. We have sippable sangria, spiked sweet tea, and more to serve guests at your next midday gathering.

01 of 10

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch
Karla Conrad

The best brunch cocktails are not only mood-lifters but eye-openers as well. Here, fresh ginger adds a perk-you-up flavor that will bring even the sleepiest of sleepyheads back to life. Learn how to cut and peel pineapple to make gorgeous fresh fruit garnishes.

02 of 10

Spanish Gin Tonic

Spanish Gin Tonic
Victoria Pearson

Find great inspiration for easy brunch cocktails right in your own backyard! Gather the freshest-looking herbs and prettiest edible flowers and add them to this Spanish version of a classic cocktail. To make these pretty brunch cocktails even prettier, learn how to make floral ice cubes.

03 of 10

Strawberry-Basil Smash

Strawberry-Basil Smash
Matt Armendariz

Here's one of our most versatile brunch cocktails ever. Make it with vodka, gin, rum, or tequila. Simply whip up the fruity base (an immersion blender works wonders) and let guests spike their drinks with their favorite liquor.

04 of 10

Ginger-Peach Bellini

Ginger-Peach Bellini
Karla Conrad

One cool sip and this peachy-keen cocktail will have you dreaming of sweet sunrises in Venice. The city's signature drink calls for Prosecco, peach schnapps, and homemade ginger syrup.

05 of 10

Apposta Cocktail

Apposta Cocktail
Andy Lyons

When you're on the hunt for brunch cocktails for a crowd, you know you're on the right track when there's a pitcher in the picture. With gin, vermouth, and Campari, plus grapefruit soda and lemon juice, this winner offers an invigorating blend of bitter, sweet, and sour flavors with a little uplifting sparkle.

06 of 10

Honeydew-Coconut Cocktails

Honeydew-Coconut Cocktails
Karla Conrad

On the hunt for refreshing brunch cocktails to serve when temperatures climb? Cut open some cooling honeydew melons and break out the blender. Mix up with fruit juices, cream of coconut, melon liqueur, and vodka for a refreshing taste of the tropics. Stemless martini glasses (similar to these Better Homes & Gardens Clear Stemless Cocktail Glass, $3, Walmart) give this cocktail an upscale vibe.

07 of 10

Hot Orange Sipping Tea

Hot Orange Sipping Tea
Jason Donnelly

This spiked and spiced hot cinnamon-citrus tea is perfect for blustery fall mornings. Boil a batch in less than 10 minutes. Brunch guests will love the vanilla vodka and orange liqueur additions.

08 of 10

Cherry Sangria

Sweet Cherry Sangria
Blaine Moats

Sangria ranks high on our list of favorite brunch cocktails you can make for a crowd. And with plenty of orange juice, this one was made with a.m. sipping in mind. To deepen the sip's ripe cherry flavors, be sure to choose a fruity wine, such as Beaujolais or Zinfandel.

09 of 10

Sweet Tea Swagger

Sweet Tea Swagger
Andy Lyons

If caffeine is a must in your brunch cocktails, here's your recipe! Brew up some seriously strong black sweet tea and chill overnight. Serve with rum, lime, and club soda for a rousing and refreshing a.m. sip.

10 of 10

Celery Tonic

Celery Tonic
Andy Lyons

Celery might not sound like the sexiest ingredient for brunch cocktails, but celery juice is another matter entirely! Combined with simple syrup, it makes a fascinatingly bright, fresh, sweet foil to gin and lime.

Test Kitchen Tip

Though we love electric juicers, you don't need one to juice the celery. A food processor and some cheesecloth will do.

Dishes to Serve with Brunch Cocktails

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles