21 delicious brunch cocktails that aren’t mimosas

Photo of author

| Published:

Tired of the same old mimosas at brunch? It’s time to shake things up and explore a world of delightful, alternative brunch cocktails that will redefine your weekend ritual. From vibrant cocktails infused with fresh ingredients to invigorating coffee creations, here is a diverse array of brunch drinks that will elevate your weekend gatherings to a whole new level of enjoyment.

A closeup of a garnish on a Bloody Mary made with homemade Bloody Mary mix.
Classic Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Irish Coffee

a glass mug with Irish coffee and whipped cream on top.
Irish Coffee. Photo credit: Feast + West.

A comforting choice for brunch, Irish Coffee combines hot coffee and Irish whiskey for a warming and spirited start to the day. The creaminess can be achieved with half-and-half or even Baileys Irish cream liqueur. It is a delightful alternative to mimosas at brunch if you prefer something heavier.
Get the Recipe: Irish Coffee

Blueberry Mojito

A blueberry mojito sits next to a bowl of fresh blueberries, a jar of simple syrup and a bunch of mint.
Blueberry Mojito. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The perfect summer brunch companion, the Blueberry Mojito features fresh mint and berries for a sweet and minty sip. Its refreshing flavors and garden-fresh ingredients offer a delightful departure from the traditional mimosa, though it’s still bubbly and bright.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Mojito

French 75

Two elderflower champagne cocktails in stemless champagne flutes next to sparkly confetti.
French 75. Photo credit: Feast + West.

If you still want champagne with your brunch, try a classic French 75 cocktail. It’s crafted from gin, champagne and lemon juice. Its elegant and sparkling profile makes it an ideal choice for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: French 75

Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Two dirty Shirley Temple cocktails with a jigger, a spoon and a jar of maraschino cherries.
Dirty Shirley Cocktail. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Embrace nostalgia and add a playful twist to brunch with the Dirty Shirley Cocktail. This adult version of the Shirley Temple, infused with vodka, is just as fun as a mimosa.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Bloody Derby

closeup of garnishes on a Bloody Mary.
Bloody Derby. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Bloody Marys are the obvious departure from mimosas when it comes to brunch drinks. Infused with a bacon garnish and the robust flavors of whiskey, the Bloody Derby shakes up the brunch scene. Its combination of salty bacon and tomato juice balances the bourbon’s sweetness, providing a savory alternative to the traditional mimosa.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Derby

Cape Codder

A red cape cod cocktail with ice sits in a gold rimmed glass. Another glass with the same crimson cocktail sits behind on a cutting board. Whole cranberries and whole limes are scattered around both drinks.
Cape Codder. Photo credit: Feast + West.

A versatile fruity option, the Cape Codder cocktail combines vodka and cranberry juice. It’s a good alternative to the cranberry mimosa. For added complexity, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, bringing a tangy contrast to the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cape Codder

Beermosa

Pint glasses containing a beermosa made of orange juice and beer.
Beermosa. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Is it a mimosa if it doesn’t have champagne? The beermosa is a mimosa with beer! It’s a surprising yet captivating choice that marries light beer and zesty orange juice. This unconventional blend creates a refreshing experience you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Beermosa

Espresso Martini

espresso martinis in coupe glasses on a gold tray.
Espresso Martini. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Indulge in dessert-like sophistication with the Espresso Martini. Combining fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka, and simple syrup, this luscious coffee cocktail brings an aromatic and bold alternative to mimosa mornings.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Martini

Classic Bloody Mary

A closeup of a garnish on a Bloody Mary made with homemade Bloody Mary mix.
Classic Bloody Mary. Photo credit: Feast + West.

For a timeless brunch delight, opt for the Classic Bloody Mary. Bursting with savory flavors and a medley of garnishes, this staple cocktail offers a rich and savory contrast to the mimosa’s fruity simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bloody Mary

Champagne Moscow Mule

A champagne version of a moscow mule in a glass rests on a green coaster surrounded by gold cocktail tools and half a lime.
Champagne Moscow Mule. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your brunch toast with the Champagne Moscow Mule. Fusing vodka, ginger liqueur, lime juice and champagne. It’s as bubbly as a mimosa, but this sparkling concoction adds a layer of effervescence and complexity, setting it apart.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Moscow Mule

Black Velvet

a bottle of champagne pouring into a champagne flute filled with guinness.
Black Velvet. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Combining stout beer and champagne, the Black Velvet presents a harmonious blend of smoothness and tartness. A truly unique and luxurious choice, it stands out as a sophisticated departure from mimosa classics.
Get the Recipe: Black Velvet

Michelada

beer bottles, rim salt and hot sauce with a michelada cocktail.
Michelada. Photo credit: Feast + West.

A savory and salty alternative to sweet mimosas, the Michelada features lager beer and Bloody Mary mix. This Mexican-inspired cocktail offers a distinct umami kick that sets it apart from other brunch drinks.
Get the Recipe: Michelada

Cold Brew Coffee

Two cups of cold brew coffee in mason jars with handles. One has milk and one does not.
Cold Brew Coffee. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Perfect for coffee aficionados, Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is an economical and customizable option. Made from your favorite beans, it adds a bold and invigorating dimension to any brunch table.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew Coffee

Peach Bellini

Two peach bellinis sit on woven coasters alongside a bowl of fresh mint, a cork and its cage and a pitcher of peach juice.
Peach Bellini. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Bellinis aren’t mimosas: Mimosas are made with champagne and bellinis are made with prosecco. With a Peach Bellini, celebrate the sweetness of summer year-round. The fusion of prosecco and peach nectar brings a fizzy and fruity elegance, a delightful change from the traditional orange juice mimosa.
Get the Recipe: Peach Bellini

Blueberry Lemonade

Two glasses of blueberry lemonade garnished with lemon, blueberries and herbs.
Blueberry Lemonade. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Fresh and vibrant, Blueberry Lemonade offers the ultimate refreshment. Crafted from fresh berries and lemons, this invigorating drink diverges from the simplicity of mimosas. However, you could use it as a base for mimosas if you wanted!
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Lemonade

Pimm’s Cup

A bottle of Pimm's liqueur sits next to two cocktails.
Pimm’s Cup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your summer brunch with the classic Pimm’s Cup. Infused with gin and adorned with fresh berries and cucumber ribbons, it boasts a refreshing complexity that’s way fancier than a mimosa.
Get the Recipe: Pimm’s Cup

Coffee Old-Fashioned

A glass of coffee cocktail with ice and coffee beans on a plate.
Coffee Old-Fashioned. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Combining coffee and whiskey, the Coffee Old-Fashioned is a spirited concoction. It’s rich, robust and spirit-forward, providing a distinctive and distinguished contrast to the light and fruity nature of mimosas.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Old-Fashioned

Red Snapper

Three glasses of bloody mary with vegetables and a bottle of gin.
Red Snapper. Photo credit: Feast + West.

A gin-based Bloody Mary alternative, the Red Snapper’s herbal and flavorful gin complements the Bloody Mary mix perfectly. This savory and intriguing option diverges from the usual mimosa routine at brunch.
Get the Recipe: Red Snapper

Tom Collins

Two Tom Collins Sodas alongside fruit garnishes.
Tom Collins. Photo credit: Feast + West.

With its balanced sweetness and simple ingredients, the timeless Tom Collins remains an evergreen choice for brunch. Its gin-based refreshment is bubbly and bright, offering a delicate departure from the typical mimosa experience.
Get the Recipe: Tom Collins

Dalgona Coffee

a dalgona coffee on a wood board.
Dalgona Coffee. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your morning routine with the indulgent Dalgona Coffee. A fluffy treat made from instant coffee, sugar, and milk, it provides a creamy and textured alternative to traditional coffee or mimosas.
Get the Recipe: Dalgona Coffee

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon and lime pieces surround a glass of a refreshing watermelon drink.
Watermelon Agua Fresca. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Stay refreshed during hot summer brunches with Watermelon Agua Fresca. Blended with fresh melon, this crushable and flavorful beverage offers a cooling departure from an orange juice mimosa’s warmth.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Agua Fresca

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.