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
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.
2. CAESAR
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.
3. Paloma
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.
4. Garibaldi
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.
5. Sea Breeze
