Brunch Pairings Beyond Mimosas: A Modern Guide to Food & Drink

This post contains alcohol pairing suggestions and is intended for readers of legal drinking age (18+/21+). Please drink responsibly.

Why Brunch Pairings Are Different

Brunch occupies a unique space between breakfast and lunch, which means its pairings must be equally flexible. Dishes can be egg-forward, sugar-driven, or richly savory - sometimes all on the same table. The best brunch drinks are balanced, refreshing, and low to moderate in alcohol, allowing flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate early in the day.

The Core Flavor Profiles of Brunch

Understanding brunch flavors makes pairing easier and more intuitive:

• Eggs & dairy: Rich, creamy, savory

• Sweet elements: Syrups, fruit, pastries

• Salt & fat: Bacon, sausage, cheese

• Acidity: Citrus, vinegar, pickled sides

• Spice & herbs: Hot sauce, chives, greens

Successful brunch pairings either cut through richness, complement sweetness, or refresh between bites.

Sparkling Wine Pairings (Not Just Orange Juice)

Dry Sparkling Wine

Best with: Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, smoked salmon
Why it works: Acidity and bubbles lift richness and cleanse the palate.

Rosé Sparkling Wine

Best with: Quiche, vegetable frittatas, berry pastries
Why it works: Gentle fruitiness complements both savory and sweet dishes.

Sparkling Wine Spritzes

Using grapefruit, elderflower, or herbal syrups offers a more nuanced alternative to classic mimosas.

Wine Pairings for Brunch

Crisp White Wines

Examples: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio
Best with: Salads, egg dishes, seafood brunch plates
Why it works: Fresh acidity balances eggs and greens.

Aromatic Whites

Examples: Riesling (dry to off-dry), Gewürztraminer
Best with: Spiced brunch dishes, waffles with fruit
Why it works: Light sweetness and aromatics bridge sweet and savory.

Light Red Wines

Examples: Gamay, Pinot Noir (slightly chilled)
Best with: Breakfast meats, savory tarts
Why it works: Low tannins keep flavors approachable.

Cocktails That Work Beautifully at Brunch

Herbal & Citrus Cocktails

Best with: Eggs, vegetables, lighter dishes
Why it works: Brightness enhances freshness without heaviness.

Coffee-Based Cocktails

Best with: Pastries, chocolate-forward dishes
Why it works: Bitterness balances sweetness.

Savory Cocktails

Bloody Mary variations with herbs, spice, or tomatillo shine alongside rich, salty foods.

Low-ABV Cocktails

Spritzes and vermouth-based drinks allow for leisurely, social brunches.

Coffee Pairings for Brunch

Light Roast Coffee

Best with: Pastries, fruit-forward dishes
Why it works: Acidity mirrors sweetness.

Medium Roast Coffee

Best with: Eggs, savory plates
Why it works: Balanced body complements richness.

Cold Brew

Best with: Spicy or smoky brunch items
Why it works: Smoothness tempers heat.

Tea Pairings for a Refined Brunch

Black Tea

Best with: Savory egg dishes, breakfast meats
Why it works: Structure and tannins mirror wine-like balance.

Green Tea

Best with: Avocado toast, light seafood
Why it works: Clean, grassy notes enhance freshness.

Herbal & Floral Teas

Chamomile, hibiscus, or mint pair beautifully with pastries and fruit.

Non-Alcoholic Brunch Pairings That Feel Special

Modern brunch menus increasingly highlight NA drinks that don’t feel like an afterthought.

Fresh Juices & Pressed Blends

Citrus, beet, carrot, or green juices pair naturally with egg dishes and salads.

Sparkling Botanical Drinks

Elderflower, rosemary, or cucumber sodas add elegance.

Kombucha & Fermented Drinks

Their acidity and complexity work especially well with rich brunch foods.

Milk-Based Drinks

Oat, almond, or dairy-based lattes pair effortlessly with baked goods.

Pairing Drinks with Popular Brunch Dishes

Eggs Benedict & Hollandaise

Best pairings: Sparkling wine, dry white wine, herbal spritz
Why: Acidity cuts through butteriness.

Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast

Best pairings: Aromatic whites, coffee, fruit-forward NA drinks
Why: Slight sweetness complements syrups.

Avocado Toast & Grain Bowls

Best pairings: Sauvignon Blanc, green tea, cucumber spritz
Why: Freshness enhances vegetables.

Breakfast Meats

Best pairings: Light red wine, savory cocktails, black tea
Why: Moderate structure balances salt and fat.

Hosting a Brunch with Better Pairings

For a well-rounded brunch menu:

• Offer one sparkling option

• Include one coffee and one tea

• Add one NA sparkling or juice-based drink

• Keep alcohol levels moderate

This creates a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.

Brunch is about ease, flexibility, and enjoyment - and its drink pairings should reflect that. Moving beyond mimosas opens up a world of thoughtful options, from crisp wines and low-ABV cocktails to coffee, tea, and beautifully crafted non-alcoholic drinks. By focusing on balance, freshness, and versatility, you can elevate brunch from a routine gathering into a truly memorable dining experience.

This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only for responsible adults of legal drinking age (18+ or 21+, depending on your location). We do not advocate for the overconsumption or abuse of alcohol. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Any recipes or pairing suggestions followed are at the reader’s own risk, and www.cookthismuch.com is not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information on this site.