“Breakfast is brunch, and it comes with champagne, a dress code, and a hundred of our closest friends.”-Gossip Girl. I’ve always said that what makes brunch great is the excuse to drink in the morning. Whether you elect for a mimosa (or just the prosecco with some OJ on the side if you’re like me), a bloody mary, or the signature cocktail, there is no better way to start off a weekend. I’d say some f’rose in the summer is my top brunch cocktail. A new study by Eat This Not That revealed the most popular brunch cocktail in each state. And North Carolina’s favorite brunch cocktail? Well, it isn’t what you would think.
At least it wouldn’t be my guess. Cocktails that made the list by winning a state include of course the mimosa your classic OJ and prosecco. Sex on the Beach also made an appearance. I can’t say I’ve ever considered one for breakfast but to each their own! An expresso martini, madras (never heard of this one!), Irish coffee, sangria and more. But North Carolina’s favorite brunch cocktail? It’s none of those. I do consider it a classic brunch drink, just one that tends to slip my mind. In fact, maybe I’ll order one the next time I go to brunch. You know, for research.
Most popular brunch cocktails were determined by search data for each state.
Alabama: Bellini
A twist on a mimosa a bellini is made with prosecco and peach puree.
Alaska: Tequila Sunrise
Nothing like tequila to wake you up. A tequila sunrise features OJ, grenadine, and tequila. Cheers!
Arizona: Tequila Sunrise
Arkansas: Screwdriver
OJ and vodka make up this popular cocktail.
California: Paloma
Now this will be my order my next brunch. A Paloma is tequila, grapefruit soda or seltzer, and lime juice.
Colorado: Irish Coffee
Any good morning begins with caffeine. And adding whiskey to your coffee, now that’s perfect!
Connecticut: Sea Breaze
Perhaps more ideal for a warmer climate, the Sea Breeze features grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and vodka!
Delaware: Irish Coffee
Florida: Mojito
Mint, white rum, and club soda make up this refreshing cocktail.
Georgia: Mimosa
Ten states in the classic finally make an appearance. Georgia, you’re basic but we love it!
Hawaii: Pina Colada
When in Hawaii, have a pina colada for brunch. What’s better than rum, coconut, and pineapple on a beach? The answer is nothing.
Idaho: Screwdriver
Illinois: Mimosa
Indiana: Tequila Sunrise
Iowa: Screwdriver
Kansas: Screwdriver
Kentucky: Mint Julep
It’s no surprise the home of bourbon prefers the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.
Louisiana: Daquiri
When in Louisiana. Go big or go home with the frozen daquiri.
Maine: Sea Breeze
Maryland: Sangria
Wine, fruit, and rum make up this refreshing drink.
Massachusetts: Sangria
Michigan: Screwdriver
Minnesota: Sex On The Beach
While not the drink I think of when I think of Minnesota, they love their sex on the beach. The classic beach cocktail is made of vodka, orange juice, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice.
Mississippi: Screwdriver
Missouri: Screwdriver
Montana: Sex On The Beach
Nebraska: Dirty Shirley
Nebraska, you’re young at heart and we love you for it. A Dirty Shirley is a take on the classic Shirley Temple (ginger ale or lemon lime soda) and grenadine. The boozy version also ads vodka.
Nevada: Mimosa
New Hampshire: Mudslide
Dessert for breakfast? In New Hampshire, it’s a win! The state’s most popular cocktail is a mudslide, which usually includes vodka, coffee liqueur, Bailey’s, and heavy cream.
New Jersey: Sangria
New Mexico: Screwdriver
New York: Prosecco
Why worry about mixers when you can just drink the prosecco straight. New York, I’m with you on this one!
North Carolina: Screwdriver
I’ve honestly never ordered a screwdriver at an NC restaurant. But clearly, a lot of y’all are!
North Dakota: Sex On The Beach
Ohio: Screwdriver
Oklahoma: Screwdriver
Oregon: Madras
Oregonians love the madras which is vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice!
Pennsylvania: Spiked Tea
Sweet Tea and alcohol. Surprised this isn’t the choice of the south!
Rhode Island: Expresso Martini
Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sweetener. This is the kick you need to get your morning started.
South Carolina: Tequila Sunrise
Ok, SC!
South Dakota: Fuzzy Navel
You have to like sweet drinks to like this. Vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and grenadine.
Tennessee: Screwdriver
Texas: Mimosa
Utah: Screwdriver
Vermont: Painkiller
A twist on a Pina Colada, the painkiller also features orange juice.
Virginia: Irish Coffee
Washington: Mojito
West Virginia: Screwdriver
Wisconsin: Bloody Mary
I’m shocked we are just now seeing the bloody mary on this list. Spicey or not, an entire meal of garnishes, build your own? The options are endless.
Wyoming: Sex On The Beach