Augusta’s Alternative Brunch Cocktails
We are deep into the season of holiday festivities (i.e., the season for overindulging, i.e., the season for stretchy pants and naps), and therefore at the point where we simply cannot make one more sandwich out of leftovers nor can we stomach washing one more pot or pan. Such occasions call for dining out. Soothe your seasonal malaise with a relaxing weekend brunch—and brunch cocktails—at some of Augusta’s finest spots.
I decided to explore brunch-y drink options that were not mimosas and not bloody marys. I charged some of my fave bartenders to think outside the proverbial box—beyond the obv go-to brunch cocktails. The result? Read on to see what they produced.
Mary at Oliviana prepared for me the Augusta 75, the restaurant’s riff on a French 75. She mixes Fruitland Peach Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and sparkling wine, and then pours it in a sexy pre-chilled coupe. She then garnishes it with charred lemon to release the citrus’ oil. Light, florally fragrant and refreshing, this cocktail is a delight.
Mary at Oliviana serves up the Augusta 75. 
Brunch at Oliviana is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
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DiVino also features a peach-y brunch cocktail: the bellini. Rumor has it that bellinis originated in Italy, so what better place to enjoy one than Divino Ristorante Italiano in North Augusta? Bellinis are comprised of chilled peach puree and Prosecco. They are fizzy, sweet and refreshing, a perfectly light weekend sipper.
Brunch at DiVino is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Elias at Finch & Fifth chose to make the Flight to Vegas: Koval cranberry gin with muddled lemon and lime, cranberry juice and cilantro. It is refreshingly sweet and tart and quite easy to sip. (P.S. If you’re not Team Cilantro, no fear. Elias can make this cocktail with or without the herbaceous muddle.)
Flight to Vegas Elias at Finch and Fifth serves up a Flight to Vegas. Photo by Ann Beth Strelec
Brunch at Finch & Fifth starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
The Best Intentions is what Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen served to meet my specific parameters. It’s a tasty composition of Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey, Domain de Canton, Carpano Antica and lemon. A bit heady, this substantial cocktail takes its job seriously. You’ll probably only need one of these beauties, but who am I to judge?
Arsenal opens on Saturday at 11 a.m., serving a non-typical brunch during a typical brunch hour. No worries, though. The tots and grilled cheese sandwiches are probably the best in Augusta.
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Bodega Ultima’s answer to the non-traditional brunch cocktail question is the Aperol Spritz: Prosecco, Aperol and soda water. This cocktail, which resembles the brilliant hue of a Mediterranean sunrise, originated in the Côte d’Azur and Italian Riveria. If you drink two of these beauties and close your eyes, you’ll be instantly transported to a faraway sunbed with a personal cabana boy.
Saturdays and Sundays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. are the weekend hours at Bodega.
My mission to find alternative brunch cocktails did not disappoint. I sipped a slew of libations, some sweet, some heady, others zesty and fruity. All delightful. So especially during this season where festivities and celebrations and anti-dieting abound, treat yourself to a boozy brunch. No dishes. No stress. Just a fabulous way to relax and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean
