Brunch Cocktails To Try This Weekend In Pasadena

Few cities can brunch like Pasadena. The lazy mornings of our weekends are sacred here—a time when we leave spreadsheets and supervisors far behind to indulge in croissants, cappuccinos, and long conversations. It’s a fantastic way to spend a morning among friends and it's only made better by a well-crafted cocktail. Lucky for us, there are a few spots around town that feel the same way.
 

Bloody Mary, Magnolia House
Sharp and spicy, the bloody mary has been a brunch menu staple since the first caveman woke up too late for breakfast but still wanted eggs Benedict. And while there are many places to find this deliciously potent drink, Magnolia House should be your first stop. The house-made mix of tomato juice and bold spices is top secret, a family recipe that goes back generations. They won’t tell you what makes it so good, but they’ll gladly bring you a second round.
 

Ramos Fizz Gin, The Raymond 1886
It’s difficult to find a bartender still mixing this New Orleans classic, much less mixing it well, but The Raymond comes through in spades with house-made orange-blossom water and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice. With each sip, the gin cocktail breaches the sweet head of foam, finishing in an airy, vanilla-orange blend that pairs perfectly with the breakfast dishes crowding the table. And, if the ingredients are in season, you might be offered a mango or strawberry-kiwi version of this delightful drink.

Bottomless Mimosas, Plate 38
Brunch invitations extended to friends and family are forever met with the same question: “Are the mimosas bottomless?” And it’s a valid question. The bubbly union of champagne and orange juice is an absolute standard, made only better when you don’t have to worry about the shock of a sky-high bill at the end of the meal. Plate 38 offers 100 percent fresh-squeezed orange juice and a dry, soft California Brut for its mimosas. And where other restaurants skimp on champagne, Plate 38 indulges with generous pours of the bubbly.

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Bear Espresso-Ties, Great Maple
If you’re having trouble waking up and joining the conversation, Great Maple has you covered with its brunch cocktail, the Bear Espresso-Ties. This drink is a wonderfully balanced jolt of Baileys, Kahlúa, vodka, and espresso served in a bear-shaped glass. But don’t let its cute appearance fool you—the drink inside is strong, and with enough of a caffeine kick to have you up and moving in no time.

Originally published in Pasadena Magazine

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