What began out of convenience has become a widespread phenomenon. Brunch, popularized in much of the Western world at this point, is served typically between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM with a delicious and typically alcoholic beverage like a mimosa or a bloody Mary - juice enough to be a perfect complement to breakfast, but spiked enough to notice it’s a cocktail.

Brunch didn’t originate recently, even though the rise in the tide of pictures of mimosas and buffets has all but taken over Instagram on any given weekend morning or early afternoon. Open the app at noon on Saturday, and your feed will be filled to the brim with bottomless mimosas served by the pitcher. Originally, it was coined as an English (yes, England) term for a post-Church feast where families would sit down together and enjoy food and drink.

You better believe we’re still happy to take part in that affair.

Why do people love brunch? It’s an excuse to snag a bite to eat with friends, and who doesn’t love breakfast food at whatever time of day is suitable for or applicable to them. The opportunity to eat whatever you like - from donuts to steak and eggs - it’s safe to say the most popular breakfast foods will be served at whatever place you’re hoping to “brunch” at.

Of course, it’s reasonable to say there are some weekends where brunch isn’t applicable. You might be out of town, or there might be a college football game where tailgating is far more important. You can resume brunch next weekend or even the Sunday after in order to catch up with friends, hear about the events that happened the day or night before, and sip the hair of the dog that bit you.

Depending on where you’re partaking in the delightful meal, you have a variety of blended cocktails to accompany the endless amount of trips to the buffet. Here’s what you should be drinking at brunch.

Mimosas

This is the penultimate brunch cocktail.

Mimosas are delicious, especially when the orange juice is freshly squeezed. None of that juice-from-concentrate will do. The best Mimosas have a dry, bubbly Champagne that allows the orange juice to really sparkle with taste. Here's a hint: make your mimosas with a very bubbly wine. Add in a bit of triple sec or Grand Marnier to boost the flavor.

Bloody Marys

Did you know there are restaurants and diners who are awarded for their Bloody Marys? Some brunch spots have make-your-own Bloody Mary bars where you can head on up, create your drink, and garnish it as you please.

This cocktail is a brunch staple, but it can be dressed up in a variety of ways. Sweet, or salty, mild or hot, or even with a pickle on top, these days, Bloody Marys are a creative, delicious cocktail.

Peach Bellinis

Prosecco, the Italian cousin of the French Champagne, is becoming more and more popular. Besides, it's a little less pricy to splurge on good Prosecco than it is to splurge on good Champagne. Regardless, the real peaches added to this drink give it a sweet zest. Some bartenders are even known to add in a bit of mango nectar to liven the drink up!

Irish Coffee

Bailey's Irish Cream is pretty reputable. Most coffee-drinkers know the brand, or at least they're aware of what they make and probably have tasted it before.

Coffee with an extra kick of whiskey can be delicious. Many supermarkets even stock Bailey’s Irish Cream - sans alcohol, of course. Creamer helps lessen the taste of whiskey, but who is really complaining?

Champagne Mules

The Moscow Mule is one of the most popular cocktails around right now, but this twist lessens the bite of the drink and makes it a great accoutrement to brunch as a meal. The good news about creating your own Champagne Mule is that it doesn't require the same kind of quality bubbly that a pitcher of Mimosas might. Any kind of Champagne will do!

What's your favorite drink to pair with brunch?