5 Refreshing Brunch Cocktails
By: Kelsey Ganes
Published: May 3, 2011

What is a traditional brunch without a cocktail or three? While champagne cocktails (like the Mimosa) and Bloody Mary are typical, why not mix things up a little bit? Start thinking about a Mother's Day brunch with these classic and refreshing before-5-o'clock cocktails!

Bloody Mary & Maria Verde Classic Bloody Mary Makes 1 cocktail 1 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 cup tomato juice 2 tsp fresh lemon juice Worcestershire sauce to taste Tabasco to taste 1 celery stick for garnish 1 lemon wedge for garnish Combine the vodka, tomato and lemon juices, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and salt and pepper (to taste) in a shaker with 1 cup of ice. Shake well to combine and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with celery stick and lemon wheel. Maria Verde From the Cafeteria in NYC / Makes 1 cocktail Green Mary base EQUAL PARTS yellow tomatoes, chopped tomatillos, husks removed cucumber, peeled and chopped green apple, peeled and chopped Cocktail 1 1/2 oz vodka 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 3-4 dashes green jalapeno Tabasco 1/2 tsp white horseradish 1/4 tsp celery seed 1 splash olive juice Blend the tomatoes, tomatillos, cucumber and apple until smooth. In a cocktail shaker, combine the puree with the rest of ingredients 1 cup of ice. Shake and strain into a 12 oz glass. Finish with a pinch of salt and float a few grounds of black pepper on top. Garnish with celery heart, cucumber slices, lime, and green olives.

Bellini Makes 1 cocktail This classic Italian cocktail calls for Prosecco, a sparkling Italian wine, but champagne can be substituted equally well. 2 oz peach puree or juice 4 oz Prosecco or Champagne Pour peach juice into a champagne flute, slowly top with sparkling wine. Serve chilled.

Mimosa Makes 1 cocktail The Bellini's close cousin, the Mimosa is a classic brunch-time cocktail that pairs well with white meats, fish and omelets. 1 1/2 oz fresh squeezed orange juice 3 oz champagne 1/2 oz triple sec or Grand Marnier (optional) Orange wheel Combine orange juice and optional liqueur in a champagne flute. Slowly add champagne. Serve chilled, garnish with orange wheel.

Screwdriver & Greyhound Screwdriver Makes 1 cocktail The non-sparkling OJ-based cocktail option, the Screwdriver is pretty straightforward and packs a little bit more of a punch than a Mimosa... 2 oz vodka 4 oz orange juice (fresh squeezed is preferred) Orange wheel Combine OJ and vodka in a collins glass. Stir well. Garnish with orange wheel. Greyhound Makes 1 cocktail The Screwdriver's ruby red cousin, the Greyhound gives your guests an option in the age-old brunch battle between OJ and grapefruit juice. 2 oz vodka 4 oz grapefruit juice Combine vodka and juice in a collins glass, stirring well. Garnish with lemon or lime wheel. Serve chilled. Add salt to the rim of the glass and you have a Salty Dog!

Irish Coffee Makes 1 cocktail 6 oz hot black coffee 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey Sugar, optional Whipped cream, optional In a mug or other heatproof glass, combine coffee and whiskey. Stir well. Add sugar to taste. Top with whipped cream. Photos by  Joe Shlabotnik , missmeng, midwestgrrl, Jeff Keen, Stuart Webster and Okko Pyykkö