Brunch and booze is a recipe for our weekend morning delights

A wise person once said, ‘cocktails are the elixir of good times and great memories’. While we may not exactly know who this man or woman was, what we do know is that he was most definitely speaking the truth. I mean think about it, don’t some of your most crazy and exciting stories start with a ‘well we were sipping on a couple *insert drink name*’? Now any alcoholic drink can get you there, but cocktails are the pros. One moment you are sipping on juice and the next you are bursting into a fit of laughter over the most insignificant things. And that's what we love about cocktails. Hence this piece that is now at your service, the next time you call people over for a hearty brunch (or even for happy hour)!

Prepare yourself for a refined journey into the realm of mixology, where we unveil ten exquisite cocktail recipes that will transform your weekends into a sophisticated celebration of taste and craftsmanship. From timeless classics that exude elegance to daring concoctions that push the boundaries of flavour, this guide promises to elevate your spirits to new heights. With shakers in hand, ice on the side and an appreciation for the art of cocktails, let us embark on a weekend of refined spiritual indulgence.

Raise your glass to a weekend filled with conviviality, flavour, and exceptional libations. Cheers!

Herbs Smash
Elevate your brunch experience with the "Herbs Smash" - a captivating fusion of botanical delights and spirited elegance. This concoction artfully blends the earthy infusion of herbal tea with the boldness of Gin, complemented by the subtle sweetness of Vermouth and a touch of citrus. Stirred to perfection, it's a symphony of flavours that harmonise beautifully in an old-fashioned glass.

What you will need:
45ml gin infused with herbal tea
15ml sweet Vermouth
15ml simple syrup
20ml citrus

What you need to do:
Stir up all the ingredients and serve in an old fashioned glass with a garnish of mint leaves

Blueberry Sour
A cocktail that brings together the richness of gin, the fruity explosion of blackberry crush and the silky texture of egg white, this Blueberry Sour is a visually captivating libation that packs a fruity and boozy punch. To complement this concoction at brunch, pair it with an array of savoury dishes like a classic eggs benedict with a creamy hollandaise sauce, or a savoury quiche and a fruity salad. Make your pick wisely for a balanced contrast.

What you will need:
45ml gin
25ml blackberry crush
15ml lime juice
1 egg white

What you need to do:
Dry shake the ingredients (shake without ice) to air the cocktail well and garnish with dry lime or blackberries in an old fashioned glass

Silk Route
Silk Route is the embodiment of refreshment and vibrancy, making it the perfect companion for any moment of the day. Its unique profile and lively character make it an ideal pairing with Asian cuisine, enhancing the culinary experience with each sip. If the theme for your next brunch is to go all out and experiment with new bold flavours, here’s a little something you must feature on the menu.

What you need:
45ml vodka
15ml aperol
5 drops of lavender tea bitters
15ml fresh lime juice
10ml sugar syrup
Tonic water

What you need to do:
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker, pour in a glass and top it off with tonic water. Serve it chilled with a garnish of grapefruit or edible flowers.

Maya-Berry
Crafted with the finest Pistola Repasado, this concoction combines the richness of black tea with the sweet allure of mulberry syrup, balanced by a zesty hint of lime juice and agave nectar. What sets it apart is the refreshing touch of fresh celery leaves, muddled to perfection. Rimmed with celery salt and garnished with a plump mulberry, the Maya Berry is not just a drink; it's a brunch companion that adds a touch of sophistication and fun to your gathering.

What you need:
60ml Pistola Repasado
45ml black tea
15ml mulberry syrup
15ml lime juice - 15ml
10ml agave nectar
6 fresh celery leaves
Celery salt (for garnish)
Mulberry (for garnish)

What you need to do:
Muddle the celery leaves in a shaker and pour in Pistola Repasado, black tea, mulberry syrup, lime juice, and agave nectar and shake well with ice. To serve, rim the glass with salt and pour over ice. Use mulberries for garnish.

Bloody Maya
A delightful fusion of Pistola Joven and clarified tomato juice forms the base, with the addition of Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish sauce, and a zesty touch of lime juice. This recipe by Maya Pistola packs a punch with every sip, making it a must-try for those who appreciate a little kick in their brunch routine. Rimmed with spicy salt, the drink is a sensory delight, and the garnish of nachos, sour cream, jalapeños, and olives adds a playful twist to the traditional Bloody Mary.

What you need:
60ml Pistola Joven
90ml clarified tomato juice
7-8 drops of Tabasco sauce
3-4 drops of Worcestershire sauce
A dash of horseradish sauce
20ml lime juice
Spicy Salt (for garnish)
Nachos (for garnish)
Olive (for garnish)
Sour Cream (for garnish)
Jalapeño (for garnish)

What you need to do:
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker along with ice. Rim an old-fashioned glass with spicy salt and pour all the contents in the glass. Garnish with nachos and sour cream, jalapeños and olives.

Now that we've let you in on our top 5 recommended spirits, have you planned your boozy brunch yet?