Brunch cocktails: 4 cocktails keeping it light and effervescent

Brunch can be a leisurely way to enjoy a meal with friends. These four brunch cocktails keep the meal light and effervescent.

A leisurely weekend and brunch go hand in hand. Brunch cocktails can help make that special meal even more festive. While brunch can be a special occasion, like Mother’s Day or Easter, a libation or two is often enjoyed. Although the classic mimosa is always a popular choice, mixologists are expanding beyond the sparkling wine and juice.

These brunch cocktails focus on light and effervescent flavors. Sit back, relax and sip away your cares.

Winter Spritz, photo provided by Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter

Winter Spritz
While the weather might be getting warmer, blood orange is a delightful brunch flavor. This particular cocktail offers both sweet and savory notes. The herbaceous flavors from the rosemary adds depths to the Lambrusco and tames its sweetness. While I never would have thought about the olive, the olive’s brine flavor amps up the blood orange flavors. Definitely a brunch cocktail to try.

"Winter SpritzCreated by Maxime Belfand, Saxon + ParoleIngredients:1 oz. Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter1 oz. Martini & Rossi Ambrato1 oz. Blood Orange Juice3 Dashes of Olive BittersTop with Perrier and Lambrusco, equal partsBlood Orange Wheel, Green Olive, Single Rosemary Sprig GarnishMethod: Built and top with Lambrusco and Perrier."

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Martini & Rossi Rosé Spritz

We’ve said it before and we will say it again, rose all day is here to stay. In this light, rose cocktail, the beverage has a few tart notes from the grapefruit soda. The brightness from the grapefruit helps the cocktail cut through the fattiness of some of those favorite brunch menu items. Who wouldn’t want to sip this cocktail with an eggs benedict?

"Martini & Rossi Rosé Spritz1 oz Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter4 oz Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé2 oz IZZE Grapefruit SodaRuby Grapefruit Slice GarnishMethod: Build directly in large wine glass over cubed ice."

Little Red Corvette

While few of us are able to drive one of these fast sports cars, this brunch cocktail can make a fast impression. With the flavors of blood orange, lemon and peach, this fruit forward cocktail brings a quick refreshment. Whether enjoyed with a sweet French toast or a savory quiche, this cocktail is a great light sipper.

Brunch cocktails, Little Red Corvette, photo provided by Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur.

"Little Red CorvetteCreated by Robert Campbell, Café Birdie Mixologist1 oz Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter3/4 oz Fresh Blood Orange Juice (or Orange Juice)3/4 Fresh Lemon1/2 oz Peach LiqueurMethod: Shake and strain over rocks in Old Fashioned glass, float of Fernet on top. Garnish with candied Blood Orange Wheel."

The Martini & Rossi Negroni, photo provided by Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter

The Martini & Rossi Negroni

Negroni is always a favorite classic cocktail. This version of the classic, adds an enhanced flavors form the Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter. While this version has gin, a Negroni can be made with other spirits. It is time to rediscover this classic cocktail.

"The Martini & Rossi Negroni1 Part Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter1 Part Bombay Sapphire Gin1 Part Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale RubinoOrange Wedge GarnishMethod: Add ice and an orange wedge."

These four brunch cocktails can offer a light and effervescent touch to any brunch. Or, these cocktails are delightful on a warm Spring day. What will you raise a glass to?