Daybreak Drinking

By Jessica Mason

Start your day with a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye. Despite side-eyes from the virtuous, let it be known that there is no greater superpower than that of the cheeky breakfast livener. Never underestimate how that little brunch-time lift in a stemmed glass can make your day.

Whatever you opt for when it comes to morning-drinking, remember that indulgence of this ilk is only satisfying if it feels special and like a treat. Holidays are often the time we take ourselves out for breakfast, but if your wallet and your responsibilities keep you distanced from boutique cafés you can recreate your own decadent little paradise within your own home. Alternatively, follow these recipe suggestions and take your glassware and a twistable shaker on a hike with your cool bag and pour at leisure.

The Ultimate Breakfast Martini

You will need: A frozen coupe glass 1 generous spoon of pithy zesty citrus marmalade 50ml of your favourite gin 15ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice 15ml of Grand Marnier 15 ml of any aperitif wine or vermouth - use what you have A thick strip of orange peel to garnish

Method: For best results, pop your coupe glass in the freezer overnight and retrieve it in the morning. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and ladle in

a big spoonful of marmalade. Stir it until it melts and coats the cubes and becomes more liquid. Add the gin, lemon juice, Grand Marnier and your chosen aperitif. Shake with gusto until you’ve toned your arms and woken up your neighbours. Strain into your frozen glass. Garnish with a strip of orange peel simply zested around the rim of the glass and dropped into the coupe. Drink smugly.

The Best Bloody Mary

You will need: A tall glass 100ml of your choice of vodka: we like Dimas, but also Umami from Audemus is great. 500ml of tomato juice 15ml of sherry of your choice (optional) A squeeze of fresh lemon juice A generous shake of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce A few splashes of Tabasco sauce - spice as you prefer: we use 2-3 drops. A pinch of celery salt A pinch of black pepper A quarter of a teaspoon of horseradish sauce (optional) A celery stick and a cornichon or a slice of citrus to garnish.

Method: Fill a large jug with ice cubes and add the vodka, tomato juice, (optional) sherry and lemon juice. Add a few shakes of Lea & Perrins and Tabasco sauce along with the (optional) dab of horseradish sauce and the celery salt and pepper. Stir until the horseradish is muddled in. Strain into a tall glass and top with extra ice, a celery stick and attach a cornichon or small pickle to the celery stick with a cocktail stick or simply garnish with a slice or two of lemon or lime and a sprinkling of black pepper.

Your Morning Mimosa

You will need: A Champagne flute Chilled Champagne, sparkling wine or whatever your choice of favoured fizz Freshly squeezed orange juice

Method: Half fill your flute with your choice of bubbles and top with the freshly squeezed juice. Raise your glass and toast the day. Drink chilled, preferably alongside your favourite breakfast or accompanied by your best friends or partners in crime.