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Brunch Cocktails: The Best Drinks to Pair with Your Belgian Waffles

By February 21, 2025March 6th, 2025No Comments6 min read
A close-up shot of the table at Taste of Belgium with a bowl of mussels, a side of fries, a small dessert, and several drinks.

Imagine a flourishing spread of an amazing brunch and you have the perfect Belgian Waffle. The enticing aromas settle deep within your senses, making it a euphoric culinary experience, enhanced by the clinking of cocktail glasses.

Cincinnati’s brunch scene is thriving, replacing the classic eggs-at-dawn routine with indulgent mid-morning feasts. What better way to elevate your brunch experience than with cocktails that perfectly complement your Belgian waffles?

Dive into the brilliant blend of brews that will delight your palate in the best possible way. 

The Rise of Brunch Culture in Over The Rhine

Over The Rhine (OTR) has established a strong foundation for an exceptional brunch culture. With its first brewery established in 1812, OTR has paved the way for the culinary innovations that Taste of Belgium promotes.

In the past two decades, OTR has evolved into a vibrant district that has revitalized food culture commendably. The growth of OTR’s brunch scene can be attributed to a population of creative and professional urban dwellers seeking high quality of life. Brunch in OTR delivered just that. 

The popularization of brunch culture can also be linked to a social and leisurely nature. OTR offers a diverse range of cuisines, including Belgian delights. At Taste of Belgium, you can savor exquisite Belgian waffles paired with cocktails that will enchant you.

The Art of Pairing Cocktails with Belgian Waffles

While satiating hunger is important, the primary focus should be on enhancing your palate’s experience. 

Achieving a balance among sweet, savory, and acidic flavors is essential for creating a harmonious blend. Belgian waffle offers a remarkable experience with its slightly crispy outer, warm and soft interiors. It is light and airy, imbibes any flavor you give, and most importantly, perfectly complements the cocktails of your choice. 

Cocktails can be both sweet, and savory. Each flavor profile pairs well with a different kind of waffle. Once you master these pairings, your dining experience can become one of the best brunches in Ohio.

Perfect Pairings: Matching Cocktails with Waffle Toppings 

Understanding which waffle pairs with which cocktail is crucial. There is no point in serving a martini with a chocolate waffle. At the same time there exist certain universal combinations that just fit! 

So, let us look at the heavenly combinations of waffles and cocktails that will elevate your brunch experience: 

Classic Combinations

Over brunch, one would hope to have a Mimosa, the perfect blend with a fruity undertone to keep the afternoon refreshing. Fruity cocktails pair best with fresh-fruit-topped waffles that enhance the cocktail’s fruity notes. From ToB’s menu, try pairing the ‘Strawberries & Cream Waffle’ with your ‘SBL.’

Savory Matches

A sweet tooth is common but a savory palate is the most exciting. With options ranging from Bloody Marys to Martinis, it’s delightful to enjoy the salty and sour undertones of cocktails alongside chicken and waffles. From ToB’s menu, pair your ‘Spicy Mary’ with the ‘Waffle Chicken’ for an out-of-the-world experience.

Indulgent Duos

There will be times when you just crave something rich and decadent, a lot of chocolate and cream paired with a brew that can rival hot chocolate. On your next visit, pair your ‘Belgian Chocolate & Crème Waffle’ with a ‘Belgian Chocolate Stout.’

A burger with bacon and a creamy sauce on a white plate, accompanied by a cocktail with an orange peel placed on a wooden table at ToB.

Signature Cocktails from Taste of Belgium to Elevate Your Brunch

Don’t know what to have when you visit ToB, worry not! Here is a selection of cocktails from ToB’s menu: 

Knight’s Reserve

  • Ingredients: Woodford Reserve, Vanilla, Brown sugar syrup, bitters
  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, caramelized, warm, oaky, aromatic, and spiced. 

This flavorful cocktail appears deep amber when served over a large ice cube, showcasing its syrupy texture and beautiful sheet

Summer Vibes 

  • Ingredients: House-infused berry rum, mango, pineapple, and orange juice.
  • Flavor profile: Sweet, citrusy, smooth, tart, and balanced.

This is a vibrant fruity cocktail served in a hurricane or tall highball glass.

Manneken Manhattan 

  • Ingredients: Maker’s Mark, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Vermouth, simple syrup and Tiki bitters
  • Flavor Profile: Caramelized, smoky, herbal & complex, rich & spiced, and balancing sweetness.

This perfect blend would appear deep amber or mahogany with a silky, smooth texture. 

Acer-Chai 

  • Ingredients: Chai Latte spiked with house-infused maple bourbon
  • Flavor Profile: Spiced, aromatic, smooth & creamy, deep caramel & smoky maple, and balanced sweetness.

A homely beverage, it is a rich and creamy beige, with a frothy, foamy top. 

Close-up of a tuna poke bowl with fresh avocado, jalapenos, paired with Queen City Rita.

Crafting the Ultimate Brunch Experience at Taste of Belgium

Brunch in OTR is an experience like no other; dining at Taste of Belgium enhances this experience significantly. As a scratch kitchen & bar you can trust us to provide you dishes made with fresh ingredients. 

ToB has a welcoming atmosphere perfect for friends and families alike—whether you’re enjoying waffles at the bar or catching up over quick bites—ToB is your ideal destination. Pair your ‘Banana & Nutella Waffle’ with a ‘Knight’s Reserve’ or get a ‘S’more Waffe’ and sip it with some ‘Acer-Chai’. 

The options are endless, take a look at our menu and pick what suits you best. However, know that ToB will never disappoint with its innovative Belgian-American cuisine. 

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Planning Your Visit: Tips for the Best Brunch in OTR 

In your next visit to OTR, make sure to visit Taste of Belgium. We are here to serve you innovative and elaborate brunches with an array of cocktails. To avoid long waits during peak hours, make reservations ahead of time. 

If you want to grab an offer look out for the following: 

Thus, the brunch in OTR is best at ToB and you just have to experience it, at least once. 

ToB: Your Next Brunch Spot in Cincinnati 

Indulging in handcrafted cocktails paired perfectly with innovative Belgian waffles at Taste of Belgium in the heart of OTR creates an unforgettable brunch experience.  Ready to elevate your taste at the next brunch? Plan a visit to Taste of Belgium and treat yourself to a culinary adventure that blends Belgian traditions with a modern twist. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking great meals (with waffles!), this is one experience you won’t want to miss!

Visit our website and explore the amazing Taste of Belgium! 

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