Booze @ Breakfast

Taking the lead from Taco Tuesday’s boozy piece Brunchin’ It (mimosa bombs are pure genius), I’ve set out to give a few classic morning cocktails a bit of a twist. There’s nothing much better than starting your lazy Sunday with a lil’ buzz.

Sparkling Sangria (Serves 4-5)

First off, mimosas with a punch: champagne sangria. The great thing about this one is that you don’t need to add any type of soft drink, which I find makes a sangria a bit too sweet alongside all that juice, because the fizz comes from the champagne. Also, no need to use the good stuff (check out Fizzy Fun for a quick bubbly review); as with any sangria, you can unload your cheap wine and still come out with something pretty spectacular.

2 cups of sparkling wine

1 1/2 cups of orange juice

2/3 cup of cranberry pomegranate juice

3 oz of triple sec

1 cup of frozen strawberries and orange slices

Note: Using frozen fruit in your sangria is an excellent way of keeping your cocktail cool without diluting it.

Banana Berry Baileys Smoothie (Serves 4-5)

Next up, everyone loves a smoothie in the morning, so why not get your vitamins with a thrill? Proceed with caution though, as this one is likely to sneak up on you.

1 cup of apple juice

2/3 cup of blueberries

1 cup bananas

1 cup of strawberries

1 cup of ice cubes

4 oz blueberry vodka

3 oz Baileys

Beer Sangria

Finally, the beer mimosa. I didn’t make this hidden gem up. This simple concoction is uncommon – if not unheard of – in North America but is pretty prevalent in Europe, primarily Belgium. It’s easy, delicious and goes fantastically with eggs. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, I dare you to try it; the orange juice compliments the citrus tones in the wheat beer, giving you everything you’ve ever looked for in a breakfast drink.

1 part orange juice

2 parts weisse beer

Who says you can’t have beer in the morning?

Booze with brunch: It’s all part of a balanced breakfast.