Start the New Year with Delicious Recovery in Style

After a night of champagne toasts, late-night dancing, and maybe one too many “just one more” cocktails, New Year’s Day is all about recovery. But who says you have to suffer in silence? Hosting a cozy, indulgent brunch is the perfect way to kick off the new year with good friends, great food, and the ultimate hangover cures.

1. The Essentials: What Every New Year’s Day Brunch Needs

  • Hydration Station: Offer plenty of water infused with lemon, cucumber, and mint to refresh and rehydrate. Add coconut water and electrolyte drinks to help speed up recovery. Check out these hangover remedies for more hydration tips.
  • Strong (but Good) Coffee: A self-serve coffee bar with options like cold brew, espresso, and plenty of cream and sugar for comfort. Pair it with our Coffee Martini Recipe for a fun twist.
  • Greasy (But Delicious) Comfort Foods: Sometimes, a hearty plate of carbs and fat is exactly what the doctor ordered.

2. Hangover Hero Menu Ideas

  • Breakfast Burrito Bar: Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, chorizo, roasted potatoes, cheese, avocado, and a variety of salsas. Let guests build their own masterpiece.
  • Biscuits & Gravy: Fluffy, buttery biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy—the ultimate comfort food.
  • Avocado Toast with a Twist: Top with chili flakes, feta, poached eggs, or even smoked salmon for a bougie touch.
  • Mac & Cheese (Brunch Edition): Add crumbled bacon, a fried egg on top, or mix in some roasted veggies.
  • Tiramisu French Toast Casserole: Indulgent, coffee-flavored, and perfect for brunch—get the recipe here.

3. Hair of the Dog (a.k.a. Brunch Cocktails That Work)

  • Bloody Mary Bar: Set out vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, pickles, olives, bacon strips, celery, and all the fixings. For more ideas, explore Liquor.com’s brunch cocktails.
  • Mimosas with a Twist: Go beyond orange juice with grapefruit, pineapple, or pomegranate juice options. Try our Apple Cider Mimosas for a seasonal twist.
  • Micheladas: A spicy, savory beer cocktail with lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire—perfect for a gentle re-entry into drinking.

4. Cozy Vibes & Hosting Tips

  • Keep It Casual: Pajamas optional, cozy blankets encouraged. Make it a low-key affair with minimal fuss.
  • Serve Buffet-Style: Let guests help themselves to food and drinks, so you’re not stuck playing server.
  • Add a Playlist: Something chill but uplifting—think soft indie hits, mellow jazz, or acoustic favorites.

5. The Final Touch: Recovery Favors

Send guests home with little recovery kits: mini bottles of electrolyte drinks, packets of ibuprofen, eye masks, and maybe even a cheeky note saying, “Survived Another New Year’s Eve!”

Cheers to starting the year with full hearts ❤️, full bellies 🍳, and minimal headaches 🤕!