Easter brunch is a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the season. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a delicious cocktail? Whether you prefer a classic mimosa or a more adventurous concoction, we’ve got you covered with these five tips for making better Easter brunch cocktails.
Tip #1: Start Simple with Quality Ingredients
You can make a great-tasting Easter brunch cocktail with just a few simple ingredients. And by keeping things simple, you’ll save time and money while still impressing your guests with a well-crafted drink.
Here are the ingredients you need to make a great cocktail:
- Spirit: A high-proof alcoholic liquor that provides the primary flavor.
- Liqueur: A sweetened, flavored spirit, usually lower in alcohol content, that adds depth of flavor.
- Citrus or fruit juice: Fruit adds acidity and sweetness while balancing the other ingredients. We usually recommend using fresh-squeezed fruit in cocktails, but for larger gatherings, save some money and get a large bottle of Raley’s Orange Juice.
- Simple syrup: An easy mixture of equal parts sugar and water helps sweeten the cocktail and meld flavors. You can make your own or buy flavored syrups at the store.
- Bitters: A concentrated mixture of herbs, roots and spices that add complexity to your drink.
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Keep it simple to start with just one or two base spirits or liqueurs complemented by fresh citrus or fruit juice. Minimize waste and save money by choosing mixers like tonic water, club soda or ginger beer that you can use across many different cocktails.
TRY THIS: Combine vodka and cranberry juice, and top with club soda to make an easy and refreshing cocktail in seconds.
Tip #2: Elevate Your Brunch Cocktails with the Right Sparkling Wine
The fizzy effervescence of sparkling wine results in a fresh, balanced, well-rounded drink. A splash (or two or three) of sparkling wine makes a great-tasting classic cocktail.
There are two types of sparkling wine: dry and sweet. The difference between the two comes down to residual sugar content. Dry sparkling wine contains anywhere from 0 to 12 grams of residual sugar per liter, while sweet sparkling wine contains three or four times that amount.
The result? Dry wine is crisp and refreshing, while sweet wine is fruity and aromatic.
Because brunch cocktails like mimosas, bellinis and margaritas tend to be fruity, most people use dry sparkling wine in their beverages. It helps balance the flavor and prevents the drink from becoming overly sweet.
TRY THIS: Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup together, then top with sparkling wine to make a classic French 75.
Tip #3: Experiment with New Flavors
Brunch cocktails are a fun opportunity to try new flavors and experiment with different ingredients. A classic mimosa is a flavorful favorite, but branching out can make your Easter get-together a big hit.
Make Mimosas More Memorable
Mimosas are satisfyingly sweet and refreshing, but you can make this classic drink more memorable by adding a splash of grapefruit juice, adding tartness that lifts a traditional mimosa beyond measure.
Muddle Mint and Other Fresh Herbs and Spices
A muddler is every cocktail lover’s secret weapon. Use it to gently press the juices and oils from herbs, spices and fruits at the bottom of a shaker or cocktail glass. Muddling mint or basil, for example, releases their essential oils and natural flavors, which infuse your cocktail with a fresh herbaceous flavor.
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Create Your Own Syrups
Making homemade syrups is a fun way to add unique flavors to your cocktails. Simple syrups are easy to make. Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small pot and simmer. Add your favorite fresh fruit or berries, strain this mixture into a bowl and use it to sweeten your drinks.
TRY THIS: Combine a dry bubbly with orange juice, and a splash of grapefruit juice for an amazing mimosa with a flavorful zing.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget About Mocktails
Mocktails can be just as delicious and refreshing as their boozy counterparts. The keys to making a great mocktail are the same as making a great cocktail: quality ingredients. A flavorful mocktail will consist of the following:
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Flavored syrups, or a sweetener like agave or honey
- A splash of something bubby like club soda or ginger beer
- Garnishes such as fresh herbs, spices or fresh fruit
TRY THIS: Combine your favorite espresso, heavy whipping cream, vanilla simple syrup and vanilla extract to make an elevated espresso martini mocktail.
Tip #5: Presentation Makes Perfect
One way to make Easter brunch even better is with creative cocktail presentations. The best way to do this is with unique, Easter-themed garnishes. A few garnishes you can try include:
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate eggs
- Fruit flavored candies
- Sliced blood oranges
- Sliced lemons
- Hard rock candy, broken into pieces, around the glass rim
Fun and colorful garnishes go a long way toward making your Easter even more memorable.
TRY THIS: In tulip glassware, combine blueberries, raspberries, peach nectar and prosecco to make a fruity and bubbly prosecco punch cocktail.
Easter brunch is a great way to enjoy time with friends and family, and mixing cocktails or mocktails is a satisfying way to spend the day. Raley’s has everything you need, from spirits to mixers and fresh fruit, to help you make simple yet delicious cocktails this Easter!
