Brunch or weekend brunch has risen to fame in recent years. It’s not just a meal but a whole culture that deserves attention, especially from business owners in the hospitality industry. If you happen to run your own bar, restaurant, or brunch cafe, you need to stay up to date with the current trends and make your brunch menu more desirable.
Now that Memorial Day weekend is coming up, you need to set up your brunch offers for success. Since this is one of the first warmer weekends for a large part of the United States, it’s time to bring out the best refreshing drinks and food that will complement them. You can enrich your menu with the Memorial Day cocktail recipes we shared already or come up with your own custom drinks.
For those of you looking for ideas and inspiration for brunch drinks that can be served during the Memorial Day weekend, we have prepared a list. Below, you will find the names of all cocktails we believe deserve a spot on your menu. We will also tell you about the different pairings you can make with popular brunch foods. Let’s jump right into it!
Brunch Drinks for an Unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend
People typically put a lot of thought into what to wear to brunch. They will surely be bringing out some of their best outfits this Memorial Day for a brunch at their favorite local spot. If you happen to be running a business with a brunch menu, what you need is to plan the food and the brunch drinks. Here are the best brunch drinks that will make the experience even better for your customers!
Key Takeaway: Many popular brunch drinks will help you make Memorial Day weekend at your restaurant or cafe even more special. Experiment with garnishing and change up some ingredients until you achieve the desired look and taste.
1. Mimosa Variations
When you think about brunch, isn’t the cocktail Mimosa one of the first things you imagine? This cocktail drink, which is also the most popular champagne cocktail, has become a true staple of all brunch menus. It’s typically made with equal parts champagne and orange juice. However, you can make it in other ways, too. For example, you can easily switch the champagne to prosecco wine or any other type of sparkling wine you prefer. When it comes to the juice, you can experiment even more! Some of the best Mimosa variations include lemonade, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, etc.
2. Bloody Mary
We can’t talk about brunch drinks without mentioning one of the best savory cocktails in the world. The super popular Bloody Mary drink features vodka, which is among the most widely consumed types of alcohol. A way you can make the cocktail more unique is by using craft vodka with different flavors.
3. Bellini
Prosecco cocktails in general are great brunch drinks that customers commonly order. If you want to serve the best ones, don’t skip the Bellini! Because of the peach puree and nectar in the cocktail, it’s sweet and goes well with various brunch foods. If you want to make it look more unique, experiment with the cocktail garnish.
4. Sangria Blanco
The traditional sangria is a favorite for many people around the globe. When we are talking about brunch drinks, however, white sangria, also known as sangria blanco, is recommended. The white wine makes the drink lighter and a better pair for most brunch food options. Use a variety of citrus fruits, sliced peaches, and orange liqueur for a refreshing taste. Read how to make sangria for more useful insights.
5. Irish Coffee
Spiked coffee is perfect for brunch! It will give people both the caffeine and alcohol kick they desire. The recipe is easy and the cream on top makes this type of coffee more Instagrammable! If you want to take its looks to the next level, add some sprinkles or small candy on top. You can experiment with other garnishes to create show-stopping brunch drinks!
6. Grapefruit Rosemary Sparkler
This sparkler is a truly refreshing drink that needs a special spot on your brunch menu. Most brunch drinks are sweet, but there should be variety so don’t overlook the Grapefruit rosemary sparkler. You are going to need freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with some fresh rosemary, vodka, and sparkling water. The best part of this simple drink is that you can garnish it easily too - just add a rosemary sprig to it and you are done!
7. Peach Prosecco Punch
For the lovers of punch, we have another delicious suggestion to try. This peach prosecco punch is among the best brunch drinks you can make and it will go with most of the foods on your menu. All you need is peach nectar, prosecco, peach schnapps, and some lemon juice. Add a few slices of peach and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Brunch Foods to Pair with The Best Brunch Drinks
Wondering what goes best with the brunch drinks we recommend? We got you covered! Here’s our list of the best brunch food options that will pair perfectly with the aforementioned drinks.
- Platters of fresh fruit - focus on ripe berries, slices of melon, chunks of pineapple, and citruses.
- Brunch bites - breakfast sliders, mini quiches, bacon-wrapped dates, and avocado on toast are perfect to pair with popular brunch drinks.
- Fresh pastries - what is brunch without a selection of freshly baked goods? Muffins, scones, croissants, and Danish pastries. These treats complement perfectly the taste of any brunch cocktail.
- Egg dishes - it’s recommended to have a nice selection of egg-based dishes, including frittatas, quiches, or scrambled eggs with herbs and cheese.
- Cheeses and charcuterie boards - artisan cheeses, cured meats, and crackers are both great with brunch drinks and a great food option. Spreads, olives, and breadsticks are delicious options, too.
- Fresh salads - light and refreshing salads with seasonal greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crisp veggies are a must. Simple vinaigrette dressings pair perfectly with brunch cocktails!
Frequently Asked Questions about Brunch Drinks for Memorial Day Weekend
If you have more questions about the best brunch drinks for Memorial Day weekend, read the following section. There, we share even more useful information!
How Can I Ensure That My Memorial Day Brunch Drinks Are a Hit with Guests?
To ensure that your Memorial Day brunch drinks are a hit with guests, consider offering a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Provide plenty of ice, experiment with garnishes, and even with the glassware. Make sure you share your offers ahead of time online and at your bar, cafe, or restaurant.
How Can I Make My Memorial Day Brunch Drinks More Festive and Patriotic?
You can make your Memorial Day brunch drinks more festive and patriotic by incorporating red, white, and blue ingredients or garnishes. Consider using fresh berries, sliced fruit, or themed drink stirrers to add a patriotic touch to your cocktails.
How Can I Incorporate Seasonal Ingredients into My Memorial Day Brunch Drinks?
Incorporating seasonal fruits, herbs, and flavors into your Memorial Day brunch drinks can add a fresh and vibrant twist to classic recipes. Use fresh berries, citrus fruits, mint, basil, or cucumber to infuse your cocktails with seasonal flair.