Don your most extravagant hats and charming pastels, because Easter brunch is coming up. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or just trying to get through a family meal, one thing is abundantly clear: you’re going to need booze. But forget drinking a mimosa for the ten-thousandth time and up your game with these five original, but still simple, brunch cocktails. Bless your soul, are you ready?
Honey, Do Tell Me More
Melon has got to be one of the most underrated cocktail ingredients, and I have no idea why. Especially during the sunny, crisp start of Spring, semi-sweet honeydew is perfect for a brunch aperitif.
What You’ll Need:
2 Cubes Honeydew
2 Cubes Watermelon
2 Oz London dry gin
½ Oz Midori or Bols melon liqueur
Prosecco to top
In a shaker, muddle the melon, then add ice and the first four ingredients. Shake, and strain in champagne flute and top with prosecco.
Not-So-Bloody-Mary
Bloody Mary’s have a standing reservation as a brunch staple. The problem? Not everyone likes the combination of Tabasco, tomato juice, pepper, and worcestershire sauce. And why should they? It’s kind of a peculiar combination, so we’ve taken it down a notch. This recipe still has a little of that tomato kick while adding a little sweetness.
What You’ll Need:
2 Oz Vodka
4 Oz Cranberry Juice Concentrate
1 Tbsp Tomato Juice
1 Celery Stick
Pinch of salt, pinch of pepper
In a lowball filled with ice, add the liquid ingredients and stir. Sprinkle the the salt and pepper on top, and garnish with the celery stick. Cheers!
Easter Egg Shot
For those who have a sweet tooth, this is an excellent, cute liquid appetizer to whet your palate before consuming copious amounts of bunny shaped chocolate.
What You’ll Need:
½ Oz Baileys Irish Cream
½ Oz Creme de Cacao
½ Oz Tequila blanco
Whipped cream, to top
Rainbow sprinkles
In a shaker (no ice necessary), shake the Baileys and Creme de Cacao briefly, then pour into a shot glass. Top with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. Sinful, but oh so good.
Disapproving Aunt
This cocktail is dry, acidic, tart, and a little chilly – just like that one aunt you have. For those of you in more fortunate situations, be grateful for your luck and have a chuckle, and a sip, of this crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need:
3 Oz Grapefruit Juice
2 Oz Bourbon
½ Oz Lime Juice
½ Oz Simple Syrup
Orange rind for garnish
Salt for the rim
Beforehand, dip a lowball in water then in the salt. Set aside. Shake all of the remaining ingredients except the orange rind. Twist the orange rind (this brings out the rind’s oils), and zest (rub) the rim of the glass with it. Then stick the rind in the cocktail Serve with a look of disdain.
Nordic Sunshine
Aquavit is a Scandinavian spirit spiced with caraway and other herbs. It’s very strong, but when balanced with mild sweetness like coconut milk and jam, the spices are tamed without being completely dulled.
What You’ll Need:
2 Oz Coconut Milk
1 Oz Aquavit
Barspoon of Currant of Blueberry Preserves
Berries (for garnish)
In a shaker filled with ice, shake all the ingredients together and strain into a champagne coupe. Garnish with berries and sip like you’re in the (supposedly) happiest region on earth.
