Urban Vibes: 5 Steps
to Plan Your Outdoor Boozy Brunch
As the
sun shines a bit brighter and the weather feels a little warmer, the
hibernating New Yorker (or Kansas Citian!) is more than ready to embrace these spring urban vibes.
And one of the best ways to ditch those lingering winter blues is to host a
rooftop boozy brunch. Need an excuse to flirt with that recently hired,
striking single man outside of the office? Or maybe you just want to enjoy the
sunshine with your closest friends. Skip the dinner party or late-night
post-bar bash — when the city temps heat up, a brunch is the best way for
urbanites to celebrate.
The Ambiance
Outdoor
space will offer the most carefree and friendly environment, especially if you
can take your brunch to the rooftop or even on the patio. You'll also need a
table for the food, along with seating for lounging. From kitchen table chairs
to beach chairs, it's all about getting cozy. For a touch of chic, decorate the
space with floral arrangements in vases or pots. Floral accents along with strung
twinkle lights are the easiest way to enhance alfresco aesthetics and really
create a scene. If you're in the mood, choose a theme for your brunch, such as
nautical, black and white or urban luau (which really equates to wearing a lei
over whatever killer outfit you have on).
The Booze
Once
you've captured the setting, the assorted alcohols is next to address
(remember, priorities). The Ketel One Vodka Bloody Mary is essential for any
discerning urbanite who brunches. Ingredients include Ketel One Vodka and
its Bloody Mary Base (which consists of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce,
salt, horseradish, black pepper and fresh lemon juice). After you mix and shake
this concoction, garnish with celery, olives, lemon wedges or bacon. And, of
course, no brunch is boozy enough without mimosas, sangria and a galvanized tin
full of ice, craft beers and bottled water for a smidgeon of hydration. Oh, and
BYOC: Bring Your Own Coffee.
The Starters
If your
Sunday brunch squad is likely to head straight to the cocktails, you'll want to
have a few brunchy appetizers on hand (as guests drinking on an empty stomach
may transform a happy host into an unhappy host). Fruit salad (or kabobs!) are
great bites that aren't only healthy, but colorfully aesthetic. For a little
more substance, go for lemon poppy seed muffins, all the fixings for bagels and
lox, deviled eggs and creamy, cool herb yogurt dip served with cut-up
veggies.
The Fare
When
you're feeding a gang, you don't have to fear the casserole. The New York Times
Cooking offers a variety of elegant casserole recipes for brunching that
will impress the palate of all your guests. The Buttery Breakfast Casserole
(buttery as in toasted croissants, yum) is a caramelized combination of browned
sausage, sage and melted Gruyère cheese. Does "herb-infused savory bread
pudding" wake up your taste buds? The Green Strata with Goat Cheese and
Herbs recipe by food columnist Melissa Clark is a delicious dish blended with
ingredients like braising greens, baby kale, bread cubes and goat cheese topped
with eggs.
The Baked Goods
If your
guests ask what they can bring, the dessert category is where they can
contribute — because even the best hostess (or host) can't play the perfect
party planner, bartender, chef and baker, right? Plus,
encourage this brunch to be an opportunity and special occasion where your
friends can finally try out that to-die-for Pinterest recipe. Don't be afraid
to unapologetically extend some sweetened brunch ideas, either. Sticky buns,
pancakes, donuts, french toast, biscuits and scones with any type of fancy
twist, preferably homemade, are all welcome.
