There’s something so cheerful about a Good Morning cocktail-it’s light, bubbly, and full of citrusy zing. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to treat yourself to a sunny sip, this drink brings a little sparkle to your morning. I’ve made this one countless times, and it never fails to impress with its balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors.
Good Morning
What You’ll Need
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
– 60 ml (2 oz) freshly squeezed orange juice
– 5 ml (1 tsp) grenadine
– 90 ml (3 oz) chilled sparkling wine (like prosecco or cava)
Optional garnish:
– Orange twist or a sprig of mint
– Skewered cherry (for a fun pop of color)
Tools
– Champagne flute or white wine glass
– Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
– Juicer (if using fresh oranges)
Method
- Start by pouring the orange juice into a champagne flute or wine glass.
- Slowly add the grenadine. It’ll sink to the bottom and give the drink a lovely sunrise effect-don’t stir yet!
- Top it off with chilled sparkling wine. Pour gently to keep the bubbles from overflowing.
- Give it a gentle stir if you want the flavors more blended, or leave it layered for a pretty presentation.
- Garnish with an orange twist or cherry if you like. Serve immediately while it’s still bubbly and bright.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh orange juice if you can-it makes a big difference in flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but go for a no-pulp, low-sugar option.
– Chill your sparkling wine well before serving. Warm bubbly loses its fizz fast.
– For a less sweet version, reduce the grenadine or skip it entirely. You’ll still get that citrus sparkle.
– I like to use a white wine glass when I want to enjoy more of the aroma-it gives the drink a little room to breathe.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the orange juice and grenadine in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just wait to add the sparkling wine until right before serving so it stays nice and fizzy.
Storage
If you’ve got leftover sparkling wine, use a sparkling wine stopper and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay bubbly for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
The Good Morning cocktail pairs beautifully with brunch favorites. Here are a few of my go-to combos:
Avocado Toast
The creamy avocado and crunchy toast are a perfect match for the cocktail’s brightness.
Smoked Salmon
The citrus cuts through the richness of the salmon for a clean, elegant bite.
French Pastries
Flaky croissants or fruity Danishes bring out the sweetness in the drink-such a treat.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer brunches on the patio. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful in the glass, and always gets people talking.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with your Good Morning! Here are a few fun twists:
Sunny Citrus Burst
– Use a mix of orange, lemon, and grapefruit juice
– Keep the sparkling wine and grenadine the same
– Adds a more complex citrus kick
Berry Sunrise
– Muddle a few raspberries or strawberries in the glass before adding juice
– Top with orange juice and sparkling wine, then drizzle grenadine
– Adds a fruity layer and beautiful color
Tropical Morning
– Swap orange juice for pineapple or mango juice
– Keep the rest of the recipe the same
– A sweet, beachy twist
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Use sparkling water or club soda instead of wine
– Everything else stays the same
– A fun, fizzy drink for kids or anyone skipping alcohol
Ingredient Swaps
– Grenadine: No grenadine? Try raspberry syrup or pomegranate juice for a similar effect.
– Orange juice: Grapefruit juice gives a sharper, more grown-up flavor.
– Sparkling wine: Prosecco is the most common, but cava or a dry sparkling rosé works great too.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
– Don’t add sparkling wine too early-it’ll go flat before serving.
– Avoid over-stirring once the bubbly is in; you’ll lose those lovely fizzing bubbles.
– Too much grenadine can make the drink overly sweet. A little goes a long way!
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh juice gives the best flavor. If using bottled, choose one without added sugar or pulp.
Can kids drink a Good Morning?
Only the non-alcoholic version! Just swap the sparkling wine for sparkling water.
When’s the best time to serve it?
It’s perfect for brunch, but honestly, it’s lovely any time you want a light, citrusy drink-mid-morning, early afternoon, even at a bridal shower or baby sprinkle.
Can I make a big batch?
You can mix the juice and grenadine in a pitcher ahead of time. Just add the sparkling wine right before pouring individual glasses.
How do I keep it fizzy?
Use well-chilled sparkling wine, and don’t stir too much. Serve it right away to keep the bubbles lively.
Any garnish ideas?
Try a twist of orange peel, a fresh mint sprig, or even an edible flower for an elegant touch.
The Good Morning cocktail is a little burst of sunshine in a glass. It’s simple, joyful, and full of flavor-and once you’ve made it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular brunch rotation. Cheers to bright mornings and even brighter sips!
