Weekend Brunch Ideas That Go Way Beyond Mimosas

Brunch is the one meal where nobody judges you for drinking before noon. It is also the meal most likely to be exactly the same every time you have it. Eggs, toast, a mimosa made with bottom-shelf prosecco and grocery store orange juice. You deserve better.

Rethink the Drink

The mimosa is fine. But it has become the default, and defaults are boring. Here are alternatives that wake up a brunch table:

A gin and citrus cocktail over ice. Light, refreshing, and botanical. It pairs beautifully with eggs, smoked salmon, and fresh fruit. The Bee's Knees from Deko Cocktails is ideal for this — the honey and lavender work with brunch food the way mimosas wish they could.

A michelada. Beer, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and a salted rim. It is savory, spicy, and the best thing that has ever happened to a hangover.

A French 75. Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, topped with champagne. More elegant than a mimosa, more interesting than straight champagne.

Coffee cocktails. Cold brew with a splash of bourbon, a little cream, and a touch of maple syrup. This counts as both your coffee and your drink, which is efficient and delicious.

The Food

Shakshuka. Eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce with peppers and onions. It takes one skillet, looks impressive, and feeds a crowd. Serve it in the pan with crusty bread for dipping.

A frittata. The most forgiving egg dish in existence. Saute whatever vegetables you have, pour beaten eggs over them, cook on the stove, finish under the broiler. It works with almost any combination of ingredients.

Overnight French toast bake. Prepare the night before, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven in the morning. Thick-cut bread soaked in a custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, baked until golden and puffy. Top with maple syrup and berries.

A grain bowl. Not everything at brunch needs to be heavy. Quinoa or farro with a soft-boiled egg, avocado, pickled onions, and a tahini dressing. Light enough to keep the day going.

Hosting Brunch Well

Set up a drink station. Put the coffee, cocktails, juice, and sparkling water in one spot so people can help themselves. This frees you from bartending duty and lets guests customize their own drinks.

Serve at least one thing that can be eaten with hands. Pastries, muffins, or sliced fruit. People need something to grab while the main dish is coming together.

Start late. The whole point of weekend brunch is that there is no rush. A ten or eleven o'clock start time gives everyone a chance to sleep in and show up relaxed.

And play music from the beginning. A quiet brunch table feels awkward until enough people arrive. Music fills the gap and sets the energy before conversation takes over.