Let’s be honest: brunch is one of the best parts of the week. You roll out of bed (hopefully without an alarm), slide into something comfortable, and meet your friends or family around a table laden with good food and even better drinks. For many people, brunch equals Mimosas. And while Mimosas are delicious, they are not the only game in town when it comes to day-friendly wine cocktails.
I want to take you on a little journey beyond the classic orange juice and Champagne combo. Because let’s face it, variety really is the spice of life. Keep reading to explore unique breakfast wine cocktails that will seriously up your brunch game.
Why Do We Love Breakfast Wine So Much?
Wine for breakfast? That phrase might raise an eyebrow or two, but think about it. Brunch is a special occasion, even if it happens every Sunday. It’s that magical time when you can treat yourself to something bubbly before noon without feeling a shred of guilt.
I’ve always felt that breakfast wine is less about the time of day and more about the mood. Maybe you’re celebrating a special event or just the end of a stressful workweek. It’s about gathering people you care about, indulging in comfort foods, and toasting with a drink that brings everyone closer.
But why wine, though? Wine pairs so nicely with an array of flavors—think savory bacon, sweet french toast, or spicy chilaquiles. And when you’re creating cocktails, wine’s versatility really shines.
The OG of Breakfast Cocktails: The Mimosa
For anyone who’s just emerging from a long winter’s hibernation, a Mimosa is simply sparkling wine and orange juice. Usually, it’s served in a flute with a dash of fresh OJ. It’s sweet, tangy, and wonderfully fizzy.
How did the Mimosa become such a brunch superstar? If you’re curious about its background, check out this piece on the mimosas origin. It’s always fascinating to learn how a simple drink became a must-have at Sunday brunch.
Moving Beyond the Mimosa
Now that we’ve paid our respects, let’s explore some new territory. You can still use sparkling wine in these cocktails, but feel free to experiment with other types of wine as well. White wines, rosés, and even certain reds can transform your brunch into a memorable event.
1. The Sunny Bellini Twist
The Bellini is another classic, much like the Mimosa, but made with Prosecco and peach purée instead of OJ. It’s Italian in origin and has that elegant, fruity taste that can make you feel like you’re sitting in a Venice café. That’s a bucket-list moment for me—sipping Bellinis on the Grand Canal.
But here’s a fun twist: instead of plain peach purée, consider blending peaches with raspberries, strawberries, or even nectarines. You’ll get that same lovely texture, but with a pop of extra color and flavor. Serve it in a flute or a wine glass and let those peach-berry notes dazzle your guests.
Bellini Twist Recipe Idea:
- 2 ripe peaches (or 1 cup peach purée)
- A handful of raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional, if you need extra sweetness)
- Prosecco (chilled)
Blend the peaches, raspberries, and any sweetener until smooth. Strain if you dislike seeds. Pour about an inch of puree into the bottom of your flute, then top with Prosecco. Give it a gentle stir, and you’re set.
2. Rosé Spritzer with Fresh Fruit
Rosé is something I like to call “summer in a bottle,” but who says we can’t enjoy that summery vibe year-round? This drink is lightweight, refreshing, and super easy to whip up. It’s perfect if you have a friend (or a few) who love something a bit lighter and less sugary.
What You’ll Need:
- Your favorite rosé (chilled)
- Sparkling water (flavored or plain)
- Sliced strawberries or peaches
- Optional garnish: mint leaves
Fill your glass about halfway with rosé, then top with a generous splash of sparkling water. Drop in a few sliced berries or peaches, and plop a sprig of mint on top for a burst of freshness. This drink won’t knock you off your feet, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to keep the party going without getting too tipsy.
3. Red Wine Sangria “Brunch Edition”
Sangria is often thought of as a summertime party punch, loaded with fruit and best sipped outdoors. But it’s also a fabulous choice for brunch, especially if you’re planning a menu that leans toward heartier dishes. Think steak and eggs, or a breakfast burrito loaded with spicy chorizo.
To keep it more brunch-friendly, lighten it up a notch. Use a fruit-forward red wine (like a Spanish Garnacha or a fruity Merlot) and include plenty of fresh citrus, berries, and even a splash of sparkling water or sparkling wine to give it that bubbly twist.
Brunch Sangria Recipe Outline:
- Slice oranges, lemons, and strawberries.
- Place the fruit in a large pitcher.
- Pour in a bottle of fruity red wine.
- Add a small amount of brandy or orange liqueur (if you like an extra kick).
- Let it chill overnight, or at least for a few hours.
- Top with a little sparkling water or a splash of Prosecco before serving.
Your guests will appreciate the vibrant color, refreshing taste, and the fact that it pairs well with heavier breakfast foods.
4. Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
I love lavender. I even keep a small pot of lavender on my kitchen windowsill just to smell it whenever I pass by. If you’re a fan of floral flavors, this is the cocktail for you. It’s basically homemade lavender lemonade spiked with sparkling wine. It looks gorgeous, tastes delicate, and feels fancy.
Steps to Perfection:
- Make lavender syrup by simmering water, sugar, and dried lavender. Use equal parts sugar and water, and add a tablespoon or two of dried lavender buds. Let it steep for about 15 minutes, then strain.
- Mix the syrup with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and water to your taste (adjust sweetness as you go).
- Fill a glass halfway with your lavender lemonade, then top it with chilled sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of lavender.
The best part? The aroma is calming, which is ideal if you’ve had a late night or a stressful workweek.
The Best Wines to Use in Breakfast Cocktails
If you’re new to the idea of wine-based morning drinks, you might wonder which wines are best. The truth is, there’s a lot of freedom. Many of these cocktails call for something bubbly, so Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne are classic picks. However, you don’t have to stick to sparkling wines only. Certain whites, reds, and rosés can work wonders.
Key Tips:
- Choose a dry or semi-dry sparkling wine if you’re mixing with sweet juices or syrups. Otherwise, the final drink might be too sweet.
- For lighter cocktails, opt for crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Riesling.
- If you’re going for a brunch Sangria or a red wine spritzer, pick a fruity, low-tannin red to keep things smooth.
Pairing Breakfast Wine Cocktails with Food
I love a good pairing. It’s like matching your shoes with your outfit—when you get it right, you feel unstoppable. The same goes for matching wine cocktails with your breakfast or brunch feast.
- Savory Dishes: Quiches, omelets, or eggs Benedict often pair well with sparkling or crisp white wine-based cocktails. That effervescence can cut through the richness of eggs and cheese.
- Sweet Treats: French toast, waffles, pancakes, or pastries might do better with fruit-forward cocktails or lightly sweet wines. Think a fruity rosé spritzer or a White Sangria.
- Spicy Options: If you’re ordering chilaquiles, breakfast tacos, or a spicy skillet, balance that heat with something a bit sweet or slightly acidic. A Mimosa variant, Bellini twist, or even a sweet-ish wine spritzer can work well.
How Much Is Too Much?
Let’s get real for a moment. Day drinking can be a blast, but it’s also easy to overdo it, especially when the drinks are sweet and fruity. Make sure you pace yourself. Have a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume. Trust me, your head will thank you later.
I like to set out a pitcher of water infused with cucumber or lemon on the table. It not only looks pretty, but it makes it easy and appealing to hydrate in between cocktails.
Adding a Personal Touch: DIY Cocktail Stations
I love hosting brunches at home. The smell of sizzling bacon, fresh coffee, and homemade pastries in the oven gets me excited to wake up early on a weekend (and I’m not an early bird by any stretch).
One of my favorite hosting tricks is to set up a DIY cocktail station on my kitchen island. It takes a little preparation, but it’s worth it. Here’s what I do:
- Pick Your Theme: For instance, if we’re focusing on unique breakfast wine cocktails, I’ll have small stations for the Bellini Twist, Rosé Spritzers, and maybe a Sparkling Lavender Lemonade setup.
- Gather Your Tools: Make sure there are jiggers or measuring cups, cocktail stirrers, and plenty of ice.
- Label Your Ingredients: If you have lavender syrup, peach purée, or special garnishes, label them. That way, your guests feel confident mixing their own drinks.
- Encourage Exploration: Let your friends tweak the recipes to their liking. Someone might add a little extra simple syrup, or skip the mint. It’s all good.
Your guests will love the hands-on experience, and you’ll spend less time behind the bar. It’s a win-win situation.
A Note on Presentation
People eat (and drink) with their eyes first. You don’t need to be a professional mixologist to make these cocktails look Instagram-worthy. A few small touches can elevate your beverages:
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs (mint, basil, rosemary) or edible flowers add a pop of color.
- Fruit Slices: Sliced citrus, strawberries, and peaches look beautiful floating in a glass.
- Glassware: Champagne flutes are great for sparkling cocktails, but don’t underestimate the charm of mason jars for a casual vibe.
I once served a brunch cocktail in little mason jars with colorful paper straws. The crowd loved it because it felt relaxed and festive at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover wine for these cocktails?
Absolutely. If you have a half-finished bottle of white or rosé, brunch cocktails are a perfect way to use it up. Just make sure the wine is still fresh. If it’s been sitting open for a week, it might not taste its best.
Q: Do I need expensive wine to make good brunch cocktails?
Nope. In fact, it’s often better to use a mid-range or budget-friendly wine for mixed drinks. The juice and other ingredients will mask some of the wine’s finer details. Save your pricier bottles for sipping on their own.
Q: What if I prefer non-alcoholic options?
You can still join the fun. Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine, or even sparkling water plus fruit juices, syrups, and garnishes. You’ll still get a lovely, colorful drink.
The Final Sip
Stepping beyond the classic Mimosa opens up a whole world of morning-friendly wine cocktails. It’s about welcoming creativity, trying new flavors, and maybe even discovering a new favorite that replaces your usual OJ and bubbly.
The next time you host (or attend) a brunch, consider bringing something a little different to the table. Maybe it’s a Bellini with a berry twist, or a lavender lemonade spiked with sparkles. Or perhaps you’ll go bold with a red wine Sangria that perfectly complements the savory side of breakfast.
Remember, brunch is more than just a meal. It’s an experience. It’s that sweet spot between breakfast and lunch where the rules bend and the laughter flows freely.