28 Brunch Cocktail Recipes That Break the Bloody Mary Mold

Recipe: Big-Batch Bloody Marys

If you're hosting brunch for a crowd, there's no sense in mixing up individual Bloody Marys for each guest when you can make one batch for everyone! Set up a toppings bar for guests to enjoy their favorite add-ons.

Recipe: Grapefruit-Rosemary Mimosas

If you think we're calling this a Grapefruit-Rosemary Mimosa just because it has grapefruit juice and a rosemary garnish, you are incorrect. This flavorful cocktail includes a homemade rosemary simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and a few dashes of peach bitters for a flavor profile that's more complex than your average sparkling brunch sipper.

Recipe: Fizzy Cider Punch

If you haven't heard, apple cider and champagne is the cocktail combo you need for fall. This big-batch drink is so easy to throw together but looks pretty enough for a holiday brunch.

Recipe: Elderflower-Champagne Cocktail

Leave it to Nashville entertaining pro Katie Jacobs to create the prettiest spring cocktail for a crowd as part of an al fresco Easter party. Freezing edible flowers in ice cubes is the easiest hostess hack for an Instagram-worthy drink.

Recipe: Bloody Bull Cocktail

We'd like to introduce you to what our Test Kitchen lovingly calls "the beefier cousin of a classic Bloody Mary." Stay with us here: The addition of a tiny bit of beef broth concentrate adds just the right amount of umami flavor that will have your guests begging you for the recipe.

Recipe: Sweet Tea Mint Julep

Have you ever heard of a more Southern cocktail than one that combines sweet tea and mint juleps? Perfect for a Derby Day spread or any summer porch party, you'll rely on this recipe again and again.

Recipe: The Best Paloma

If you love margaritas, you'll love this fruity (and pink!) drink that's made with grapefruit juice. We prefer ours with Twist of Grapefruit or Twist of Lime Topo Chico for extra flavor and fizz.

Recipe: Pomegranate Mimosa

We gave your usual mimosa a festive upgrade for Christmas brunch with this lovely rendition of the recipe. The addition of Aperol ensures this cocktail isn't overly sweet.

Recipe: Southern Living Bloody Mary

This is our Test Kitchen's be-all, end-all of Bloody Mary recipes. If you need more convincing to make it than that, just remember that it has a Bacon Salt Rim. Bacon salt, y'all.

Recipe: Watermelon Sangría

This fun cocktail is preferably enjoyed by the pool. Rosé lovers have to try this summery take on sangria.

Recipe: Spiffed-Up Orange-Rosé Spritzer

This pretty, sparkling drink is a favorite of Test Kitchen pro and Hey Y'all host Ivy Odom, and it knocks a plain mimosa way out of the competition.

Recipe: Cucumber-Mint Mojitos

This refreshing cocktail tastes like a trip to the spa. A cucumber ribbon spiral makes for elegant presentation.  

Recipe: Grapefruit Margarita

Atlanta mixologist Tiffanie Barriere knows how to make a good drink, and this season, she updated the classic margarita with a floral twist that's perfect for spring.

Recipe: Easter Punch

Even though our Test Kitchen created this bright, fruity cocktail with Easter celebrations in mind, you can enjoy it all spring and summer long. Serve from your favorite vintage punch bowl or a large pitcher, and your bartending duties are done.

Recipe: Southern Sunrise

Any sunrise will be sweet when this photo-worthy tequila cocktail is waiting for you at brunch that day! Pair with your go-to breakfast casserole recipe and you'll have a happy crew.

Recipe: Blushing Mimosas

We upped the ante on the classic mimosa with the addition of pineapple juice and grenadine for added flavor and a pretty hue that's perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Recipe: Tarragon-Hibiscus Gin Spritzer

This herby and light cocktail has what our Test Kitchen pros called that "can't-quite-put-a-finger-on-it" flavor from underappreciated tarragon. A base of hibiscus tea gives it a lovely hue and bright feel.

Recipe: French 75 Cocktail

This classic sparkling cocktail is refreshing enough to enjoy on a hot day at brunch. Lemon peels and rosemary sprigs make beautiful garnishes.

Recipe: Bourbon Bloody Marys

Southerners don't save bourbon for the winter, or even the nighttime (hello, Mint Juleps!), and these Bourbon Bloody Marys make the argument for enjoying it at brunch, too. Mix it up the night before your brunch for the best flavor.

Recipe: Carolina Peach Sangria

Consider this your Southern-ized sangria recipe for summer gatherings. Fresh peaches and raspberries give this big-batch recipe sweet flavor and beautiful presentation.

Recipe: Champagne Punch

This classic big-batch cocktail is served at practically every shower and luncheon in the South. Frozen fruit is a fun add-in that won't water guests drinks down. You can also add in flavored simple syrups or juices for pops of color on your bar cart.

Recipe: Garden Pleasures Cocktail

Atlanta mixologist Tiffanie Barriere loves using fresh, seasonal produce in her creative cocktail recipes. This gorgeous treat is perfect for an al fresco brunch during spring.

Recipe: The Dogwood Cocktail

With flavors like white grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and rosemary sprig and lemon slice garnishes, this light and breezy cocktail screams spring.

Recipe: Watermelon-Ginger Mojitos

Homemade mint simple syrup makes this cocktail taste like it was made by a professional mixologist. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Recipe: Lemon-Basil Spritzer

This refreshing cocktail recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients that you can have on hand all summer for weekend brunches and porch sitting.

Recipe: Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea

These two beloved Southern ingredients, bourbon and sweet tea, go together beautifully in this big-batch cocktail that's the ideal way to use up any leftover peaches from your farmers' market haul that didn't make it in the cobbler.

Recipe: Cranberry Sangría Punch

Christmas brunch has met its merry companion! This sparkling punch is a pretty and refreshing pairing for your annual holiday brunch.

Recipe: Cucumber-Jalapeño Gin Coolers

If you're looking for a cool cocktail that also carries a kick, swap your go-to spicy margarita recipe for these refreshing Cucumber-Jalapeño Gin Coolers. Sliced cucumber ribbons make for easy but special presentation.