We all know the saying… “April showers bring May flowers,” and with that, comes a whole sleuth of things we love about spring. Mouthwatering barbecue, colorful cocktails, brunch on the town, we could go on and on. While May in 2020 is looking a little different to us all, we know one thing will remain tried and true, our love for dining and sipping outside when mother nature starts showing off. To celebrate May in all her glory, we’ve teamed up with Watershed Distillery in Columbus, Ohio to give you a step by step guide to having a fabulous backyard brunch. Refreshing drinks and yummy eats, all while social distancing and supporting great local businesses, we’re definitely winning at staying at home!
Before we dive into cocktail making at its finest, we encourage you to search Yelp for breakfast and brunch near you! You can’t brunch without delicious bites and grabbing carry out is a great way to support your local breakfast and brunch establishments. Want to step your backyard brunch experience up a notch? Check out Watershed’s food pairing suggestions with each of our featured cocktails.
Next up, gather a few tools and ingredients you’ll need to make and enjoy your drink. Grab what’s available in your fridge or swing by the grocery for an itemized list, either way we know one thing is for certain, a high quality spirit is a must! Check your local liquor store or search Yelp for a distillery in your region to grab our star ingredients.
Supplies:
- Pint Glass
- Champagne flute or wine glass
- Mug, rocks glass, or ball jar
- Shaker tins or jar/container with lid that can be sealed to prevent leaking
Shopping list:
- Spirits: vodka, gin, and bourbon
- Simple syrup
- Lemon peel and lemon juice
- Champagne, prosecco, or cava (any sparkling wine)
- Bloody mary mix of your choice
- Pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Horseradish (optional)
- Orange juice
- Cranberry juice
- Ginger beer
And now, the final step to the backyard brunch of your dreams… Delicious and easy-to-make cocktail recipes compliments of Watershed Distillery. These three “morning cocktail” recipes are certain to upgrade your brunch routine. You’re just a splash of booze, squeeze of citrus, and a dash of sugar away from soaking up the best of brunch, safely at home in your own backyard.
Pro tip: Shake the ingredients together and pour into a champagne or wine glass for a standout presentation!
Food pairing suggestions: Blueberry pancakes, veggie omelettes, and french toast with strawberries
Pro tip: After pouring into a pint glass, garnish with leftovers in your fridge! Celery is just so basic, why not skewer some cheese cubes, a slice of bacon, and a couple pickles.
Food pairing suggestions: Denver omelette, biscuits and gravy, steak & eggs, loaded hash browns, cornbeef hash, and carnitas burritos
Pro tip: Garnish with an orange peel after pouring into a copper mug for that fresh from the bar feel.
Food pairing suggestions: Chocolate chip pancakes, breakfast tacos, thick griddle french toast, and Baja omelette
And there you have it! Every necessary component to pull off a five star backyard brunch. We hope you’re inspired to take advantage of the beautiful weather, amazing local brunch and breakfast establishments near you, and crafty easy-to-make cocktails!
Interested in joining us for Yelp’s Backyard Brunch in real life on Saturday, May 16th? Watershed’s very own Alyssa M. will demonstrate how to make their French 75 and Bloody mary cocktails during our virtual experience at 11AM EST. Grab some supplies, plan to order from your breakfast go-to, and RSVP here today!
Looking to try the Watershed Distillery spirits used in these recipes? Purchase from your local liquor or grocery store, grab curbside, or search to find online here.
