5 Easy Low Proof Brunch Cocktails

5 Easy Low Proof Brunch Cocktails

Treat yourself to more than just a Mimosa or a Bloody Mary this weekend. Discover new brunch cocktails here in this roundup of our top 5 favorites. We’ve dropped in tasty little tidbits of history on them in case you need a little extra persuasion to try something new. We know change can be hard.

Kick off your weekend with one of these tasty recipes.

1. APEROL SPRITZ

Aperol Spritz Aperol Italian Amaro Prosecco
Photo by @damedyanski

This cocktail is a great pre-meal drink to open the appetite. It’s low-proof and easy to drink during an afternoon out with friends. The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian aperitivo, and was born in Venice in 1920.

The spritz is an Italian sparkling wine-based cocktail with a bitters liqueur. The Campari Spritz is a common variation and simply uses Campari instead. However, it can be more of an acquired taste than the softer Aperol. The flavors between the bitter liqueurs are considerably different.

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2. CAESAR

5 Easy Low Proof Brunch Cocktails &Mdash; The Shaken Cocktail
Photo by @lifewithsydney

Shout out to all the Canadians reading! This is their savory brunch cocktail, also known as the Bloody Caesar, or just the Caesar. It is recognized as the national mixed drink of Canada.

It is comparable to the familiar classic, the Bloody Mary, which uses tomato juice instead of the clamato (clam and tomato) juice used here. Otherwise, its recipe doesn’t deviate much using vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. You’ll find variations on the garnishes like its American cousin, ranging from simple to elaborate.

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3. Paloma

Paloma Grapefruit Juice Lime Juice Simple Syrup Bitters Soda Water Iced Cocktail
Photo by @kitera

The Paloma is a tequila based cocktail, its name meaning “dove” in Spanish. While its true origin is unknown, it is unlike other classic cocktails which pre-date prohibition. Any notes about this recipe indicate it was first published in 1953.

The tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and soda water give this drink a flavor that is nicely balanced between sweet, sour, and a little bitter. It’s low-proof, easy to drink, and refreshing. Its closest grapefruit-ingredient cousin is the more mild gin-based Greyhound.

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4. Garibaldi

Garibaldi Campari Bitter Italian Amaro Orange Juice Iced Brunch Cocktail
Photo by @abhishek_hajare

Named after the 19th century revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, who successfully united Italy. Its components represent the unification with the red Campari from the north and orange for the south, where oranges are grown. It is a simply made classic brunch cocktail but can be enjoyed as an aperitivo or an afternoon pick-me-up.

With only two ingredients, Campari and orange juice, it’s a simple choice for a lazy afternoon.

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5. Sea Breeze

Sea Breeze Cocktail Vodka Cranberry Juice Grapefruit Juice Iced Brunch Cocktail
Photo by @mstyazhkin

Dating back to the late 1920s toward the end of prohibition, the Sea Breeze has evolved from what it once was. The original pink hue was due to the use of grenadine. However, following the popularized use of cranberry juice in cocktails during the 1950s, the recipe changed.

Today’s recipe gets its color from cranberry juice instead of from grenadine. Combined with vodka and grapefruit juice, it makes for a refreshing and striking drink. The cocktail is a direct descendant of the two-ingredient Cape Cod(der) which uses just vodka and cranberry juice.

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If none of those strike your fancy, check out more brunch recipes here.

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