20 Best Brunch Cocktails and No-Proof Drinks

Tequila sunrise — The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

Nothing says weekend like lingering at a brunch table with friends or family. And according to me (and probably a few other folks, at least) what distinguishes a "brunch" from just a late breakfast is the presence of some festive drinks on the table. Yes, I also want bottomless coffee, but a tart, spirit forward drink or an effervescent, no-proof (booze-free) cocktail loaded with fresh mint really rounds out my lox and bagel experience. So, relax your shoulders, lean back, and consider this menu of brunch cocktails -- it's the weekend, after all, and we all deserve a little vacation in a glass.

Champagne Jello Shots

These brunch cocktails are organized from high-proof, spirit forward sippers (martinis and the like) to lower-proof wine or beer based options, all the way down to no-proof, but yes-flavorful choices. Cheers!

01 of 20

Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Spruce Eats

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a citrusy, spirit forward martini. The ingredient list includes freshly squeeze OJ, gin, Lillet, orange liqeuer, and some absinthe for good measure. If this seems too much for your home bar to tackle, keep this one in your back pocket for the next time you're brunching out and let someone else make it for you. (And for those wondering, yes, there is a No. 1 which is made with cognac, calvados, and sweet vermouth.)
02 of 20

Espresso Martini

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Making your own espresso martinis lets you control the sweetness (I skip the crème de cacao liqueur as I prefer a more bitter drink, and the coffee liqueur already adds plenty of sweetness). I add a dash or two of cinnamon and dole out half portions to my brunch guests for a kick of caffeine without the full-send booze experience.
03 of 20

Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

Lemon and lavender go together like two peas in a pod (and speaking of peas, this drink would be a phenomenal partner to our Boursin and Pea Dutch Baby). It's spring in a glass.
04 of 20

Hemingway Daiquiri

The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond

When you hear "daiquiri" your brain might immediately go to the sticky-sweet blended drink, but the true daiquiri is a citrusy, balanced sipper loaded with grapefruit and lime juice, rum and a bit of cherry liqueur. Control the sweetness of this one by opting in or out of the simple syrup.

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05 of 20

Tom Collins

The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Margot Cavin, Food Stylist: Kristin Stangl

A collins glass and plenty of ice is the first sign the strength of our brunch cocktails are down-shifting a bit. The Tom Collins is a classic with gin and what essentially amounts to a quick homemade lemon soda (fresh lemon juice, club soda, and simple syrup to your taste). It's an adult lemonade and an ideal pair to your hearty brunch plate.
06 of 20

New Orleans Fizz

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Show off your cocktail skills with the New Orleans fizz. Citrus, a shot of gin, and its creamy effervescence, this drink never fails to impress. The real secret to pulling off the Big Easy favorite is to shake shake shake.
07 of 20

Tequila Sunrise

The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

Tequila and orange juice (freshly squeezed if you can; store bought for a crowd) is a classic combo. While this drink leans on the sweeter side, a splash of club soda to cut the juice is a great thing to have on hand for guests who might prefer.
08 of 20

Bloody Mary

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

The Bloody Mary's savory tomato flavor is an excellent choice for brunch. Make it spicy or keep it mild, and mix up an entire pitcher without the alcohol to let everyone decide whether they want it spiked or not. And though originally made with vodka, tequila makes a great twist for a Bloody Maria cocktail.

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09 of 20

Beet and Aquavit Bloody Mary

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

If you like the earthiness of beets and the distinctive flavor of aquavit, try this beet and aquavit bloody mary. Roasted beets are blended with tomato juice for a pink-hued twist on the brunch classic. Come for the Scandinavian vibes, stay for the pickle and dill havarti skewer garnish.
10 of 20

Pineapple Chili Margarita

The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond

This margarita is a level-up from the classic. If a brunch of birria tacos or chilaquiles is in store, this pineapple infused marg is the perfect thing to wash it down.
11 of 20

Greyhound

The Spruce Eats / Emily Baker

Grapefruit is another popular morning fruit, and the greyhound flaunts it spectacularly. Try offering both vodka and mezcal, so guests can choose between the two.
12 of 20

Sea Breeze

The Spruce Eats / Karen Hibbard

This vodka-cranberry drink adds a touch of grapefruit juice for extra dimension without additional hassle. It's also simple enough to batch for extra-easy serving to a crowd. Garnish it with a slice of grapefruit, and a this vibrant drink is ready to serve.

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13 of 20

Midori Sour

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

A lemon-lime vodka soda gets an unexpected and particularly summery boost from the addition of Midori -- that vibrant green melon flavored liqueur you probably noticed at the liquor store, but have not a clue what to do with. It's the perfect fizzy drink with just the right level of retro-kitsch.
14 of 20

Bellini

The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

When you're tired of the mimosa, turn to the Bellini. While you could take a few shortcuts to this classic drink, a fresh peach purée keeps it authentic and ensures the freshest taste.
15 of 20

Elderflower Cocktail

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

A spritz made of champagne (or a dry Prosecco for those of us without a trust fund), elderflower liqueur, and club soda makes this an ideal brunch cocktail on a hot summer's day.
16 of 20

Michelada

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Move over Bloody Mary, the Michelada is here with it's savory flavor yet fizzy and refreshing Mexican beer topper. A rim of salty Tajine and a squeeze of lime gives the perfect compliment and will transport you to beachside brunch.

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17 of 20

Sundowner

The Spruce Eats / Nyssa Tanner

Welcome to the no-proof, alcohol free brunch cocktails that sacrifice none of the flavor or garnishes of their alcohol-based cousins. The sundowner is a combo of white grape juice, seltzer, and loads of fresh mint, making it an ideal morning wake me up.
18 of 20

Hibiscus Tea

The Spruce Eats / Nyssa Tanner

Hibiscus flowers make for slightly tangy, bitter tea with more dimension than your typical black tea leaves. Add sweetener, or don't, this tea is easy to batch and is a beautiful, jewel-toned addition to any brunch table.
19 of 20

Citrus Fizz

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

There's no reason to let that New Orleans Gin Fizz get all the attention. This non-alcoholic citrus fizz drinks like a creamsicle and uses the same dry-shake method to achieve the eggy foam topping.
20 of 20

Kiwi Lemonade

The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

This green kiwi lemonade is a tropical twist on a classic lemonade. If you want a more beautiful take on the Arnold Palmer (also known as a half-and-half) try combining the kiwi lemonade with the hibiscus iced tea for a real show-stopper.

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