All About Brunch

Brunch is a meal that combines elements of breakfast and lunch and is often enjoyed during late morning or early afternoon. The origins of this popular meal are thought to go back to 19th-century England, where Guy Beringer coined the term ‘brunch’ to describe a social, late-morning breakfast on a Sunday that followed a morning hunt. By the 1920s and 1930s, thanks to its convenience, brunch had been popularized in North America, and by the middle of the century, food and drink now synonymous with brunch, such as eggs benedict, waffles, and mimosas, had been established. Today, brunch is a popular indulgence worldwide, particularly in urban areas of North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and East Asia.

Brunch is often associated with dining out, but you can also stir up a mouth-watering late-morning meal from the comfort of your own home. There is no 'wrong' brunch to serve up to your family and friends, but there are a few favorites associated with this meal that you may want to consider to help you tick all the right boxes for your guests:

• Coffee. What is any meal early in the day without an accompanying coffee? Whether you prefer an espresso, a pour-over, or a specialty coffee like a flat white or a cappuccino, a well-made cup of coffee can enhance any brunching experience.
   
• Champagne. If you're looking to add some extra merriment to Sunday brunch, Champagne and other sparkling wines have established themselves as the go-to beverage to indulge in. Enjoy your Champagne on its own from a RIEDEL Champagne Wine Glass, or as part of a fruity sparkling cocktail such as a bellini or a mimosa. Mimosas and bellinis are traditionally made with orange juice and peach purée respectively but feel free to get creative and mix things up with variations like grapefruit or pomegranate juice for your mimosa, and mango or cranberry juice for your bellini.
   
• Something sweet. There's something about brunch that brings out the sweet tooth in a lot of us. For those of you to who this applies, pastries cannot be ignored when considering sweet brunch options. Croissants, cinnamon swirls, and pain-au-chocolat are all examples of sweet baked goods that can elevate your brunching experience. Pancakes and waffles also often fall into the 'sweet brunch' category when topped with ice cream, maple syrup, or something chocolatey, but they can also be savory depending on your choice of topping. If you're approaching brunch from more of a 'sweet but nutritious angle, you may wish to consider serving up a fresh and mixed fruit salad or try topping your pancakes/waffles with a mix of berries to add some freshness to your meal.
   
• Something savory. If you are after a savory brunch, there are a few ingredients that show up time and time again in classic dishes. Eggs are a notable ingredient, with eggs benedict, royale, and florentine all being hugely popular options on many brunch menus, while quiche, omelets, frittatas, and breakfast burritos are all popular inclusions at many establishments too! Other savory brunch staples include avocado toast and fry-ups, while bacon, sausages, and breakfast potatoes are also featured in numerous brunch dishes.

So you have a good idea of some of the most popular food and drink options you can include with your brunch. Now to decide what pairs together to make the whole meal come together seamlessly, enhancing all individual components in the process.