"brunch cocktails" news and stories

Whether you're having guests for brunch or just nursing a hangover alone, the Bloody Mary is without a doubt the quintessential brunch drink. What we know today as the Bloody Mary actually started off as a simple tomato juice and vodka drink without all the seasonings. Try mixing up equal parts vodka (gin and aquavit also work well) and tomato water as a nod to the Mary's origins without all the trash. If you're pressed for time, tomato water can be as simple as opening a can of tomatoes and draining off the liquid or taking fresh tomato purée and straining the liquid through a fine sieve. Mix the vodka and tomato water over ice in your Boston shaker, pouring the mixture from glass to metal tin until chilled and thoroughly mixed (or shake if you don't mind a little foaminess). Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. If you can't resist adding more, perhaps rim the edge with smoked salt, celery salt, or a chunky salt-and-pepper mix and add a lemon wheel for garnish.

If coffee is the only way to start your day, you must try a cocktail that goes by a variety of names -- Espresso Martini, Vodka Espresso, and Pharmaceutical Stimulant. Supposedly it was created by a bartender in London after a customer asked him for a cocktail that would wake 'em up and screw 'em up.

Recipes after the jump...

• Brunch isn't all bloody mary's and mimosas -- an increasing number of bars are offering more cocktail varieties for daylight drinking.
• The cocktail heard around the world: A "rum rebellion" is happening in bars across the country, pink umbrella and all.
• One sister loved the vegan Banana Everything Cookies; the other found them chalky. And that's the way the cookie crumbles. ...
• Sam Sifton describes San Domenico's reincarnation, SD26, as "the restaurant equivalent of a second wife."
• Get in the spirit of the season with plenty of recipes for winter libations.