ZERO PROOF RIFFS ON BRUNCH CLASSICS
Brunch: the only socially acceptable time to eat hollandaise before noon and call it self-care. So much more than the world’s most popular portmanteau, brunch has become a state of mind. A moment to rally the crew, wear something linen, and pretend you don’t have unread emails waiting. But sometimes we want to brunch hard, and then actually get back to those work deadlines. Fortunately, day drinking doesn’t have to blow the rest of the day.
Whether you’re swapping out spirits for the day, the season, or forever, you'll love these five easy brunch mocktails made with Ritual Spirit Alternatives. Grab your coupe, your crew, and a croissant the size of your face; it’s time to turn up the brunch without turning down the rest of your weekend.
Why Zero Proof is the New Bottomless
Let’s be honest, traditional bottomless brunch is basically a race against time. But what if we told you that the real flex isn’t how many mimosas you can have before noon; it’s how good your brunch mocktails taste without a drop of the hard stuff?
With Ritual Zero Proof, you’re not settling. These are mocktails that carry all the flavor, complexity, and “ahh” effect of the originals, just made with Ritual Spirit Alternatives. Because the only thing that should be foggy is the window of that cute café you're sitting in.
And let’s talk freedom. Enjoying mocktails for brunch means you can go in for round two, three, or four; no side effects, no Uber budget. It’s about enjoying the entire day, not just the bite between bacon strips.
So yes, the concept of bottomless brunch mocktails might sound radical. But once you try them, you’ll never look back.
1. Sunrise and Shine and French Toast
This vibrant mocktail is a riff on the tequila sunrise, using Ritual Tequila Alternative to highlight the brightness of orange juice and the sweetness of grenadine. It’s refreshing, colorful, and ideal for late-morning sipping.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ¾ oz. grenadine syrup
- Garnish: Orange slice, maraschino cherry
How to mix: Pour Ritual Tequila Alternative and orange juice in a highball glass over ice. Stir to combine. Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon. Garnish.
Pair it with: Brioche French toast with maple syrup and citrus zest. The citrus elements from the drink and the dish mirror each other, while the sweetness of the grenadine and maple syrup creates a warm, balanced contrast.
2. Gin Bloody and Huevos Rancheros
A savory, spiced mocktail that reimagines the classic Bloody Mary using Ritual Gin Alternative. The peppery botanical notes and bold tomato base provide a rich, layered flavor with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Ritual Gin Alternative
- 4 oz. tomato juice
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes Tabasco, to taste
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 pinch celery salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- Garnish: Sausage, cheese cube, olive, assorted pickles
How to mix: Roll the moistened rim of a pint glass in celery salt. Squeeze the lemon wedge into a shaker with ice. Add remaining ingredients and shake. Strain into a prepared pint glass with ice. Garnish generously.
Pair it with: Huevos rancheros. The savory richness of tomato and spice pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of refried beans, eggs, and salsa. Plus, the botanical notes of Gin Alternative enhance the dish’s complexity without overwhelming it.
3. Bourbon Champagne Cocktail and Eggs Benedict
Inspired by a mimosa with deeper flavor, the Bourbon Champagne mocktail features the warmth of Ritual Whiskey Alternative complemented by sparkling cider and a touch of orange. It’s refined, celebratory, and effortlessly brunch-ready.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Ritual Whiskey Alternative
- ½ oz. orange juice
- 4 dashes bitters
- 4 oz. sparkling cider
- Garnish: Orange twist
How to mix: In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine Whiskey Alternative and orange juice. Shake gently. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with bitters and sparkling cider. Garnish.
Pair it with: Eggs Benedict. The light acidity and bubbles from the mocktail cut through the richness of hollandaise, while the bitters and whiskey notes echo the dish’s savory depth.
4. Ruby Rose Spritzer and Avocado Toast
This elegant Ruby Rose Spritzer combines Ritual Gin Alternative with ruby red grapefruit juice and rosemary simple syrup, creating a drink that’s tart, aromatic, and delicately herbal. It’s a clean, refreshing option for a lighter brunch moment.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Ritual Gin Alternative
- 3 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1 oz. rosemary simple syrup
- Top with: Sparkling white grape juice, tonic, or soda water
- Garnish: Grapefruit slice, rosemary sprig
How to mix: Shake the first three ingredients with ice. Strain into a tall glass with additional ice and top with your chosen sparkling mixer. Garnish.
Pair it with: Avocado toast with feta and chili flakes. The herbal complexity of the rosemary and the grapefruit’s natural bitterness balance the creamy texture and salty punch of the toast.
5. French 75 and Almond Croissant
A refined, citrus-forward mocktail with a sparkling finish, the French 75 uses Ritual Gin Alternative to provide a crisp base, elevated by lemon juice and balanced with a hint of sweetness. Finished with NA sparkling wine, it’s a brunch staple with a lighter, elegant twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Ritual Gin Alternative
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- Top with: NA sparkling wine
- Garnish: Lemon twist
How to mix: Shake Ritual Gin Alternative, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with NA sparkling wine. Garnish.
Pair it with: Almond croissant. The bright citrus of the drink enhances the nutty, buttery richness of the pastry, creating a pairing that’s both balanced and indulgent.
Tips for Your DIY Bottomless Brunch Mocktail Bar
If brunch is a vibe, then a self-serve mocktail bar is the playlist. With a little prep and a lineup of Ritual Spirit Alternatives, you can turn your brunch table into a zero proof cocktail lounge without a bartender or a single regret.
Set the Stage
Choose a central space, like a kitchen island, bar cart, or countertop, and set up your ingredients in clearly labeled sections. Keep it organized with designated areas for each Spirit Alternative, mixers, garnishes, and tools.
Stock the Essentials
Offer a selection of Ritual Spirit Alternatives, such as Gin Alternative, Tequila Alternative, Whiskey Alternative, and Rum Alternative. Include a variety of fresh juices (orange, grapefruit, tomato, pineapple), sparkling mixers (tonic, soda water, NA sparkling wine, sparkling cider), and sweeteners like simple syrup or flavored syrups (lavender, rosemary, ginger).
Garnish Like You Mean It
Display herbs (mint, basil, rosemary), fresh fruit slices (lemon, lime, orange, berries), pickled vegetables, and edible flowers. Not only do these complete the drink, they make the entire bar visually inviting.
Offer Recipes for Inspiration
Provide printed cards or a framed sign with 3-5 featured mocktails for brunch and how to mix them, including pairing suggestions. This helps guests get started while still allowing for customization.
Glassware and Tools
Provide a variety of glass types (flutes, highballs, coupes, and rocks glasses) and make sure essentials like shakers, jiggers, bar spoons, and strainers are within reach.
This DIY bottomless brunch mocktails setup makes everyone feel part of the process, while still leaving you free to actually enjoy your own event. Which, frankly, is the biggest flex of all.
Cocktail Hour with Carley: Gin Bloody
Want to see the magic happen in real time? Watch as we mix up the Gin Bloody using Ritual Gin Alternative, layering bold spices, fresh ingredients, and zero proof flavor into one unforgettable brunch classic. Trust us, it’s even better when you see (and sip) it for yourself.
Brunch Boldly without the Buzz: Shop Ritual Zero Proof Today
Brunch is about more than what’s in your glass; it’s about the ritual, the flavors, the moments shared around the table. With Ritual Zero Proof, you don’t have to trade complexity or celebration for clarity. These brunch mocktails offer all the nuance and balance of traditional cocktails, minus the alcohol, so you can enjoy the experience without limits.
So here’s to a new kind of brunch: one that’s just as vibrant, just as flavorful, and 100% on your terms. Pour something bold, gather your people, and make it a Ritual. Shop now or find a store near you to stock up on your favorites and start your own Ritual today.
Shop All Spirit AlternativesFrequently Asked Questions: Mocktails for Brunch
Got questions about brunch mocktails? We’ve rounded up answers to some of the most common curiosities, so you can stir, shake, and serve with confidence.
How do I keep my brunch mocktails cold without watering them down?
Use frozen fruit or make large-format ice cubes with diluted juice or the mocktail mixture itself. This keeps the temperature right while maintaining full flavor.
What’s the best way to pair brunch mocktails with food?
Look for complementary flavor profiles: citrus to cut through fat, spice to match heat, sweetness to balance salt. The goal is harmony, not competition, between the drink and the dish.
How do I add “heat” or “bite” to a brunch mocktail?
Capsaicin (like from jalapeño or hot sauce), ginger syrup, or even spicy bitters can add heat. However, Ritual Spirit Alternatives are designed to replicate that alcohol “burn” without the alcohol itself.
