Day Drinking is definitely a thing – here is how to do it right – and to add a flair!
The modern version of drinking in the morning has become more common, but are you doing it right? Â Brunch, sporting events, an early morning flight, big music and other types of festivals all lend themselves to grabbing a cocktail. Â But do you do it right? Â Here is the ultimate guide to day drinking.
First, within the correct bounds of drinking before noon, what is the norm are Bloody Mary’s, rosĂ©, mimosas, screwdrivers, and beer.  Wine, bourbon, shots will all gain you a side eye from the people around you.  Of course, Bloody Marys have other options than vodka – Bloody Maria (tequila), Red Snapper (gin), and the Bloody Shame (non-alcoholic).  Also, the Mimosa comes with variety. The most popular is a change of the juice…but there is the Manmosa – which is champagne, juice and vodka.  Definitely a morning wake up.
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But if you are creative and serve it in a fun glass – you can break out and here are some fun ideas.

Erik Hakkinen, Head Bartender, Zig Zag, Seattle
“My favorite two low-octane drinks are Campari and grapefruit juice (2 oz Campari, 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice), and then Bonal and tonic (2 oz Bonal, 2-4oz good tonic, like Fever Tree, East India Imperial, squeeze of lime). So simple, so delicious! I like both served as long drinks.”
Ramon Garcia, Bar Director, Alchemist, San Francisco
KISS N’ TELL
- 1 oz Manzanilla Sherry
- 1 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
- .5 oz Rosemary syrup
- .25 oz Lemon juice
- 1 bar spoon Laphroaig 10yr Whisky
- 1 small pinch of salt
- 4 oz La Croix Peach Pear sparkling water
Shake all ingredients with ice except La Croix Peach Pear and double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top off with La Croix Peach Pear Sparkling Water. Garnish with 3 pear slices and a rosemary sprig.
Rosemary syrup:
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 3 Rosemary sprigs
Bring water to a boil and add sugar, then simmer until sugar dissolves add the rosemary sprigs and let them steep for 30 mins. Strain the Rosemary and store in a nonreactive containers.

Morgan Weber, Co-owner, Eight Row Flint, Houston
ALL DAY LONG
- 3 oz Lillet Rosé
- 2 oz Topo Chico
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon
- ¼ oz Rich Simple
- 2 dashes grapefruit bitters
Build in Collins glass full of ice. Garnish with fat grapefruit peel, oil expressed into glass.
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Krissy Harris, Creative Director, The Wren, NYC
RUBY ROSE SPRITZ
“This cocktail is currently on our brunch cocktail menu (also, that’s my daughters name).”
- 1 oz Martin Miller’s Gin
- ¾ Aperol
- ¼ Giffard Black Rose Liquor
Shake & Strain into a Highball glass. Top with Schofferhofer Grapefruit Bier.
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HIGH ROAD
“I like to pre-spice the tequila by slicing 1-2 jalapeños and adding them to the full bottle of tequila. I taste every hour or so until I get to the desired heat level. That way, it’s a consistent drink every time. This was on our brunch cocktail menu and will come back!”
- 1 oz El Jimador Blanco or Herradura Silver
- ½  oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- ¼ oz Agave
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 3 slices Jalapeno
Add all ingredients to a shaker, add ice and shake. Pour into a salt rimmed rocks glass.
