5 not-so-basic brunch drinks

Brunch has become a serious business here in San Diego and equally as serious are the plethora of tasty and unique drinks that go along with the meals. Beyond a basic bloody or glass of champs to toast to the weekend, we wanted to highlight some of the more daring brunch beverages that are delightfully different in every way.

Here are a few of our favorite more-than-basic brunch drinks:

Sparkling strawberry screwdriver

Fig Tree Café

This cult-favorite drink is strong yet sippable and reminiscent of a Southern California sunset in color. The well-loved strawberry screwdriver is made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, strawberries, champagne and vodka. Cheers to the weekend, am I right?
Various locations. figtreeeatery.com

Whiskey Sunny Side Up

Breakfast Republic

For those who are ready to go at brunch, this whiskey drink made to resemble a fried egg is just the ticket. The Whiskey Sunny Side Up is made with Koval American Oat Whiskey, lemon, cane sugar, red wine and egg white. Have your breakfast and drink it, too.

Various locations. breakfastrepublic.com

Italian-Irish Coffee

Monello

What’s better than an Irish coffee for breakfast or brunch? Sipping one that’s made with Italian espresso from a legit Italian restaurant in Little Italy. In this combo-approach on the classic drink, you’ll find a shot of Illy espresso, Frangelico, Kahlua and a dash of nutmeg, all topped with whipped cream.

750 W. Fir St., Little Italy. lovemonello.com

The Barn Yard

Farmer’s Table

Holy moly, this one is HUGE! If you want a decadent choice that’s big enough to serve the masses, hit Farmer’s Table in La Mesa and order The Barn Yard. Served in a pitcher, this massive Bloody Mary is made with roasted seasonal veggies, bacon-wrapped shrimp, pickled veggies and mozzarella and tomato skewers. Oh, and yep, that’s an entire roast chicken sitting atop the drink.

8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. farmerstablelamesa.com

Spicy Apricot

Parc Bistro-Brasserie

When you want something sweet but not over-the-top fruity, opt for this delicious drink to pair with your brunch at Parc Bistro-Brasserie in Bankers Hill. This spicier take on a fruit-based cocktail is made with ancho chile, apricot liqueur and bourbon. Bottoms up!

2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. parcbb.com