Three easy brunch ideas and drinks to whip up for Mum.
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Something classic: Mumm Cordon Rouge NV with eggs benedict
There's nothing, and we mean nothing, more classic on the brunch menu than eggs benny. Just take two halves of an English muffin, top them with bacon and poached eggs, then smother everything in beautiful, buttery hollandaise sauce. Outstanding. And when it comes to a classic drinking pairing – in the spirit of the occasion – there's no doubt that Mumm's the word.
That's why we recommend pairing your eggs benedict with Mumm Cordon Rouge NV, which is a fresh, vibrant Champagne made from pinot noir, chardonnay and meunier, done in a Brut style. The bubbles and bright acidity will work as a palate cleanser, cutting through the hollandaise sauce with ease and letting the toasty, nutty flavours of the wine come through. Just be sure to serve this mouth-watering combination at the breakfast table rather than attempting a breakfast-in-bed situation – hollandaise can be as messy as it is tasty.
Something fresh: Lanson Brut Rosé with smoked salmon bagels
If eggs benedict is too heavy for Mum, why not opt for a fresher approach to Sunday brunch? Not only are smoked-salmon bagels an easy-to-prepare option, they're also relatively healthy and won't leave the family feeling like they're teetering on food coma status. Spread dill cream cheese over the bagel's base then pile on the smoked salmon, a few slices of cucumber and a garnish of dill and lemon zest, and voila, brunch is served. Our one piece of advice? The bagel quality is everything, so head to a specialist bakery and get mum the good stuff.
Pairing wise, it's tough to go past a dry sparkling rosé here. Lanson is an iconic French producer that's been making high-quality Champagne for over 250 years now, even supplying the British royal family with its bubbles. The Brut Rosé has been described as a 'beautifully crafted rosé of purity and subtlety,' and 'one of the true bargains of rosé Champagne,' by critic Tyson Stelzer, thanks to its notes of cherries, apple, strawberry and rose petals. It's dry, refreshing acidity will complement both the salmon and the cream cheese nicely, while continuing to keep breakfast relatively light. Serve it in bed or in the backyard and watch Mum's face light up.
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Something unique: Ink & Sloe Berry Gin with chilli smashed avo
Have you tried sloe gin before? We're willing to bet your mum hasn't. It's a red British spirit made from sloe berries and it's becoming more popular, though the secret's not quite out yet. This example from Husk Distillers, a NSW producer, combines the sloe berries with Australian rosella flowers, as well as traditional gin botanicals like coriander, liquorice angelica and juniper berries. Though this gin is lower in alcohol than most (26% ABV), it has a fantastic tartness that's balanced by a sweet explosion of berries and cherries.
Because of the lower alcohol content and big fruit flavours, this sloe gin can be enjoyed neat or over ice, and though the temptation may be to pair it with blueberry pancakes drizzled in maple syrup, we're pushing something savoury like chilli smashed avocado. Toast some thick sourdough and load up on lemon zest for the perfect counterbalance to the gin's sweetness; better yet, sprinkle some chilli flakes on top for a sweet 'n' spicy Sunday brunch that your mum will never forget.
