Ladies Who Brunch

For those of us working ladies who don't have time to be "ladies who lunch," brunch is a suitable alternative. And of course no brunch is complete without libations. Here are some of my favorites and some ideas for hosting your own brunch.


DIY Mimosas Bar:

• Assorted fruit and berries: sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, blood oranges
• Assorted juices: OJ or pear (can't forget the classics), pomegranate, guava or anything else you can think of!Side note: When we go to Hawaii we always pick up a bottle of bubbly and a carton of POG juice (pineapple, orange and guava) from the grocery store. POG mimosas overlooking the beach ain't too shabby in my book.
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• Additional liquors if you need that extra punch: creme de casis (for a Kir Royale), gin (add some sugar and lemon for a French 75)

Or try some creative variations on the traditional Bloody Mary:

• Traditional = vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco, horseradish, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garnish with a celery stick
• Persian (inspired by Foreign Cinema) = balsamic vinegar instead of Worcestershire, curry powder, harissa, lime juice, with a garnish of celery, olive and onion
  
• For other variations try adding jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, cayenne...

And if you're up for another version of the Bloody Mary, try a Michelada, which is made using: Mexican beer such as Sol or Tecate, hot sauce such as Tapatio or Cholula (Tabasco would also work), Worcestershire, soy sauce, lime juice, tomato juice, salt and pepper, and maybe some cayenne for some extra kick.

Image from the New York Times.

My favorite summer morning drink has got to be Pimm's Cup. It can be made a variety of ways, so mix it up (literally!) until you find a concoction that suits your taste:

• Pimm's No. 1
• 7-up, Sprite, ginger ale or lemonade
• Garnish with cucumber, lemon, lime or orange slices

Image from Epicurious.com

So drink up Ladies Who Brunch!