Cranberry Mimosa Recipe

I don’t know why. But for some reason fun festive cocktails are my favorite during the holidays. The only thing I can think of, I guess it makes me feel like a grown up.

Sometimes I think in my mind I’m still stuck at the “kids table.” haha

But not anymore, I’m a big girl with big girl drinks filled with big bold flavors. And this Festive Cranberry Mimosa is no different! Cranberries can definitely be tart so I thought a way to counteract that tart flavor was to add a sugar rimmed glass – it’s perfect with a hint of lime! You will absolutely love it and so will your guests!

What is a mimosa?

A mimosa cocktail usually has champagne and chilled orange juice unless otherwise specified. Although, a lot of modern versions use a variety of juices. Mimosas are traditionally served in a tall flute glass and are very popular at brunch.

What kind of champagne is good for mimosas?

A Cava (which is Spanish) or dry Prosecco (Italian) is a great choice, as well as a true Champagne – preferably Brut which is extra dry.

La Marca Prosecco
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut
Zonin Prosecco
Josh Cellars Prosecco
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label
Domain Chandon Brut

What is the difference between a bellini and a mimosa?

A traditional Bellini, which is Italian bases, uses Prosecco which is a dry or extra-dry sparkling wine and peach purée or nectar . Mimosas on the other hand, which are a French based cocktail, uses sparkling Champagne and citrus juice. In some recipes, a splash of Grand Marnier cognac is used to accentuate the cocktail’s orange flavor.

What is the difference between cranberry juice and cranberry juice cocktail?

Cranberry juices that are labeled “100% juice” are sweetened with other fruit juices—such as apple, grape or cherry—instead of corn syrup. Meaning, these juices are not 100% cranberry juice but 100% juice blends, make sense? Cranberry juice cocktails have about the same amount of calories and sugar as cranberry juice sweetened with fruit juices. It is totally up to you what you’d prefer to use!

What is the perfect ratio for mimosas?

A great way to start is 50/50 ratio of your juice and sparkling wine. Although I like to do 2 to 1 ratio. I use 2 parts sparkling wine and 1 part of my juice. I find this to be the best balance where I can really taste the wine with a slight hint of the juice.

How to make the best mimosa recipe?

Start with everything chilled. A cold mimosa is a lot more refreshing than a warm one.
Get your Champagne Flute glasses ready! Because we are using champagne or sparkling wine, the best glasses to use in order to retain the “bubbles” are flute glasses.
Pour the juice first. I like to have the fun “ombre” look. Just be careful when pouring the champagne so it doesn’t overflow.
The perfect pour! The best way to pour champagne is to hold your glass at a slight tilt and then pour. This preserves the carbonation and will help you not make a mess!
Garnish! I love to garnish my mimosas to give them that eye appeal!

Can I make mimosas in a pitcher?

Sure. You definitely can. I would just add equal parts of juice and sparkling wine. However, just keep in mind that the carbonation will probably fade if mimosas are put in a pitcher because they are not in a glass that helps retain the carbonation.

Not only are these Cranberry Mimosas before to look at with their “ombre” appearance but they are pretty darn tasty too! You’ll love this fun mimosa variation and I know your guests will too!

I hope your enjoying the holiday season as much as we are! Cheers Friends!

And remember, if you’re making any #joyfulhealthyeats this holiday season make sure to tag me on the Gram and I’ll reshare it in my stories!

Other Cranberry Cocktails you need to make: