Specialty coffees and classic Caesars are de rigeur brunch orders when you need a pick-me-up and a plain old cup of joe just won’t cut it. While we wouldn’t turn down either of those, these more inventive wake-up cocktails pack a flavourful punch.
Chili Coconut Margarita
Anejo
all photographs by jared sych
What do you get when you balance just the right amount of sweetness, spiciness and booziness? The perfect morning pick-me-up! Aejo’s chili coconut margarita is complex and refreshing and makes for a great breakfast dessert.
2116 4 St. S.W., 587-353-2656, anejo.ca
Salty Dog
Bar C
The Salty Dog has grapefruit as its base and everyone knows grapefruits are a healthy way to start the day. The addition of vodka and a salted rim make for a simple, sippable morning tipple.
340 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-3667, bar-c.ca
The Mall Rat
Blue Star Diner
A boozy rendering of an Orange Julius? Don’t mind if we do. The Mall Rat at the popular Bridgeland diner mixes up vodka, orange juice, almond milk and a bit of vanilla for an updated – and adult – take on the mall classic.
809 1 Ave. N.E., 403-261-9998, bluestardiner.ca
John Daly
Diner Deluxe
Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer lends his name to the virgin mix of iced tea and lemonade, but the one named after John Daly adds bourbon. Sweet and sour with a bit of booze, it’s no wonder it’s named after the less country club-ified of the two golfers.
804 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-276-5499, dinerdeluxe.com
Top of the Morning
Kensington Riverside Inn
Everything about this boutique hotel is refined and civilized, including the Top of the Morning cocktail, with Bombay Sapphire gin, Earl Grey tea, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
1126 Memorial Dr. N.W., 403-228-4442, kensingtonriversideinn.comÂ