8 Best Brunch Cocktails

Sometimes a little hair of the dog is what you need to get you through brunch. Other times, a boozy brunch beverage is less medicinal and more about enhancing the dining experience. Either way, here are eight worth sipping.

Oolong Lady Cocktail at Briggs Kitchen + Bar

You drink tea in the morning, so no harm in sipping on this cool little drink made up of vanilla oolong tea, gin, lemon, rosemary and grapefruit bitters with some silky smooth egg whites on top.

317 10 Ave. S.W., 587-350-5015, briggskandb.com, @briggskandb

Salad Cocktail at The Coup

Not to be confused with a Caesar, this cucumber-forward drink is made with muddled basil, citrus, fennel pollen-infused vermouth and sliced cherry tomatoes. Refreshing is an understatement.

924 17 Ave. S.W., 403-541-1041, thecoup.ca, @thecoupcalgary    

White Somer at Craft Beer Market

Beer mash-ups are a natural match for brunch, and this blend of Kronenbourg Blanc and cider is as sweet as the summer weather outside.

345 10 Ave. S.W., 403-514-2337, craftbeermarket.ca, @craftbeermarket

John Daly at Diner Deluxe

A mix of lemonade, iced tea and bourbon is perfect to sip alongside a sweet dish like the signature Maple Fried Oatmeal.

804 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-276-5499; 350 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., 403-457-3000, dinerdeluxe.com, @diner_deluxe 

El Caesar at Local on 8th Avenue

Generous spices, a pepperoni stick and a boot-shaped glass  help this spin on a classic stand out from the pack.

310 8 Ave. S.W., 403-264-7808, localon8thave.com, @localon8thave     

Night in Dublin at Notable

If this bright combination of chai tea, Jameson, B&B, lemon, ginger and apple juice can’t wake you up in the morning, nothing will.

4611 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-288-4372, notabletherestaurant.ca, @notablecalgary   

Gluten-Free Beer at OEB Breakfast Co.

Okay, it’s not exactly a cocktail, but for the wheat-intolerant beer drinker, this is a welcome thirst-quencher with which to start your day. There’s also a selection of fruit beers.

824 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-278-3447, eatoeb.com, @oeb_breakfast

Boozy Milkshakes at Red’s Diner

Nothing lays down a base for a decadent breakfast and a nap post-haste like a rich and creamy milkshake with peppermint, Baileys, banana, Kahla, Chambord, Frangelico or any combination thereof.

1415 4 St. S.W., 403-266-3448; 1101 8 St. S.E., 587-353-1188, redsdiner.com