Cranberry Mimosa has become my go-to drink for making any morning feel special, especially during the holidays. I remember the first time I tried this combination; it was at a friend’s Thanksgiving brunch, and the vibrant color and festive fizz instantly captured my attention. The tartness of the cranberry juice perfectly balances the sweet orange and the dry champagne, creating a delightful sensory experience. This Sparkling Cranberry Mimosa is so easy to whip up, it feels like a little bit of magic in a glass. It’s the perfect way to elevate your weekend, and I especially love making this Holiday Cranberry Mimosa for Thanksgiving. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Mimosa
This isn’t just another brunch drink; it’s a little glass of happiness!
- Taste Sensation: A perfect balance of tart cranberry, bright orange, and bubbly champagne.
- Lightning Fast Prep: Ready in under 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Festive Flair: Its gorgeous ruby color adds instant elegance to any table.
- Budget-Friendly Bubbles: Impress guests without breaking the bank.
- Family Friendly (Sort Of!): Easily adapt it into a mocktail for all ages.
- Effortless Elegance: The Easy Cranberry Mimosa is perfect for any occasion.
- Classic Combo: Enjoy the delightful pairing of a Champagne and cranberry juice cocktail.
- Versatile: Works beautifully for holidays, special occasions, or just because.
Cranberry Mimosa Ingredients
Gathering these simple Cranberry Mimosa ingredients is all it takes to create this delightful drink. You’ll want everything chilled for the best results and to keep that fizz alive!
- 3 oz (100 ml) chilled cranberry juice – This is the star, providing that beautiful color and tartness. For an amazing Orange Cranberry Mimosa, make sure it’s a good quality, unsweetened or lightly sweetened variety.
- 1.5 oz (50 ml) fresh orange juice – Freshly squeezed is best here; it adds a lovely sweetness and bright citrus aroma that complements the cranberry.
- 3 oz (100 ml) chilled champagne or sparkling wine – The bubbles are key! A dry brut champagne or prosecco works wonderfully.
- Optional garnishes: Sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or orange slices – These add a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
How to Make a Cranberry Mimosa
Whipping up this festive drink is incredibly simple, making it the perfect easy Cranberry Mimosa recipe for any occasion. The key to a great Mimosa is starting with chilled ingredients, which helps preserve the bubbles and ensures a refreshing sip every time.
- Step 1: Chill Everything Thoroughly. Before you even think about mixing, make sure your cranberry juice, orange juice, and your champagne or sparkling wine are ice-cold. I like to pop them in the fridge at least an hour beforehand, or even chill the glasses themselves in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This ensures your drink stays bubbly and crisp, not warm and flat.
- Step 2: Pour the Juices. Grab your favorite champagne flutes. Carefully pour 3 oz (100 ml) of chilled cranberry juice into each glass. Follow this with 1.5 oz (50 ml) of fresh orange juice. You’ll notice the beautiful ruby and orange layers starting to form – it’s already looking festive!
- Step 3: Add the Bubbles. Now for the magic! Slowly and gently pour 3 oz (100 ml) of chilled champagne or sparkling wine over the juices. Tilt the glass slightly as you pour to help maintain as much fizz as possible. Watch as the bubbles dance their way up, naturally mingling the flavors. This is the most satisfying part of how to make a Cranberry Mimosa.
- Step 4: Garnish and Serve Instantly. For the ultimate presentation, add your optional garnishes. A few sugared cranberries, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or a thin orange slice adds a lovely visual and aromatic touch. Serve your gorgeous, bubbly creations immediately to enjoy them at their peak. This truly is an easy Cranberry Mimosa recipe that impresses every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Mimosa
Want to elevate your bubbly game? These tips will ensure your Cranberry Mimosa is absolutely perfect every single time.
- Always use chilled ingredients – this is non-negotiable for the best fizz.
- Don’t stir the drink after pouring the champagne; let the bubbles do the work.
- Experiment with different sparkling wines to find your favorite base.
- Rim your glasses with sugar or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
- Consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau for a sophisticated twist.
What’s the secret to a perfect Cranberry Mimosa?
The real secret lies in the quality of your bubbles and maintaining that chill! For the best sparkling wine for Mimosa, I recommend a dry brut Champagne or Prosecco. Keeping everything super cold ensures the flavors meld beautifully without losing their sparkle. For more on selecting wine, check out this guide to choosing wine.
Can I make Cranberry Mimosa mix ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can mix the cranberry and orange juices up to 24 hours in advance and store them in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator. Just add the champagne right before serving to keep it wonderfully fizzy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Mimosas?
The most common pitfalls are using warm ingredients, which kills the fizz, and over-stirring, which also deflates the bubbles. Also, avoid using overly sweet cranberry juice; a tarter variety creates a more balanced drink.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Mimosa
This vibrant Cranberry Mimosa is more than just a drink; it’s an experience, perfect for elevating any gathering. Imagine serving this beautiful Holiday Cranberry Mimosa at your next festive brunch – it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and set a cheerful tone.
- Brunch Perfection: As a classic Cranberry Mimosa brunch cocktail, it pairs wonderfully with a spread of pastries, fruit salads, and savory dishes like quiches or a breakfast casserole. The tartness cuts through richer flavors beautifully.
- Party Starter: Serve these bubbly delights at holiday parties or New Year’s Eve gatherings. They look stunning in a champagne tower or simply offered as guests arrive.
- Cozy Morning Treat: Enjoy a glass alongside a stack of pancakes or French toast on a lazy weekend morning. The bright flavors make any day feel a little more special.
Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Mimosa
This festive drink is light and refreshing, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Enjoy this Cranberry Mimosa guilt-free as part of your next celebration!
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Mimosa
Even though this bubbly drink is best served fresh, you can absolutely prepare elements ahead of time to make serving truly effortless. These tips will help you keep your Cranberry Mimosa tasting fantastic, whether you’re prepping for a big holiday brunch or just want to have a glass ready for a quiet moment. It’s a great way to manage your time when preparing other easy holiday brunch drinks.
- Cooling and Containers: Always let any pre-mixed juice base cool completely before storing. Pour the cranberry and orange juice mixture into a clean, airtight glass pitcher or bottle. This prevents any unwanted flavors from transferring and preserves the juice’s freshness.
- Refrigeration: The juice base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the chilled juice into glasses and top with cold sparkling wine or champagne.
- Freezer Options: For longer storage, you can freeze the juice base for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating (for Mocktails): If you’ve made a mocktail version with sparkling cider or soda, it can be stored and served chilled as is. If you need to warm a mocktail base, gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, then let it cool before adding any sparkling elements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Mimosas
What is a Cranberry Mimosa?
A Cranberry Mimosa is a festive twist on the classic brunch cocktail. It’s made by combining tart cranberry juice and bright orange juice with crisp, bubbly champagne or sparkling wine. It’s essentially a sparkling wine cocktail that swaps some or all of the traditional orange juice for cranberry juice, giving it a beautiful color and a delightful tart-sweet flavor profile.
Why add cranberry to Mimosa?
Adding cranberry juice to a Mimosa brings a wonderful tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the orange juice and the dry bubbly wine. It also gives the drink a gorgeous, festive ruby-red hue, making it perfect for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. This variation offers a refreshing change from the standard Mimosa and adds a lovely fruity depth.
Can I use cranberry juice cocktail instead of 100% cranberry juice?
You can, but I highly recommend using 100% cranberry juice or a less sweetened cranberry blend if possible. Cranberry juice cocktail is often very sweet, and using it might make your Cranberry Mimosa overly sweet, overpowering the delicate flavors of the sparkling wine and orange juice. If you do use it, consider reducing or omitting the orange juice.
How do I make a Cranberry Mimosa mocktail?
Creating a non-alcoholic Cranberry Mimosa is super simple! Just replace the champagne or sparkling wine with chilled sparkling cider, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda. You’ll still get that wonderful bubbly texture and fruity flavor. It’s a fantastic way to include everyone in the celebration, offering a delicious easy holiday brunch drink alternative.
Variations of Cranberry Mimosa You Can Try
The basic Cranberry Mimosa is fantastic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! These variations offer exciting twists on the classic, ensuring there’s a perfect bubbly drink for everyone, no matter their preference. Exploring these fruity Mimosa variations is part of the fun!
- Cranberry Orange Mimosa: For an extra burst of citrus, simply increase the fresh orange juice to 2 oz and reduce the cranberry juice to 2 oz. This classic combination is always a winner and offers a slightly sweeter profile.
- Cranberry Ginger Mimosa: Add a spicy kick by incorporating ginger! Use 2 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz orange juice, and a splash (about 0.5 oz) of ginger syrup or ginger liqueur. Top with champagne for a warming, zesty treat.
- Sparkling Cranberry Rosemary Mimosa: Muddle a small sprig of fresh rosemary in the bottom of your glass before adding the juices. The herbaceous notes of rosemary pair surprisingly well with the tart cranberry and bubbly wine.
- Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail: For a non-alcoholic version, replace the champagne with chilled sparkling apple cider or a good quality ginger ale. This makes for a delightful easy holiday brunch drink that everyone can enjoy.
Cranberry Mimosa: 1 Amazing Holiday Brunch Drink
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Mimosa recipe is a festive and fizzy holiday cocktail. It features tart cranberry juice, bright orange juice, and sparkling champagne. It is perfect for Christmas brunches, holiday parties, or cozy mornings. This simple yet elegant drink is sweet, tangy, and beautifully vibrant. You can make it in minutes for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 3 oz (100 ml) chilled cranberry juice
- 1.5 oz (50 ml) fresh orange juice
- 3 oz (100 ml) chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Optional garnishes: Sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or orange slices
- Optional for Cranberry Ginger Mimosa: Add a splash of ginger syrup or use ginger-infused sparkling wine.
- For a non-alcoholic version: Replace champagne with sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda.
Instructions
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure cranberry juice, orange juice, and champagne are well chilled before assembling.
- Pour Juices: Add cranberry juice and orange juice into each champagne flute.
- Add Bubbles: Slowly pour in champagne or sparkling wine to preserve the fizz.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with sugared cranberries or a rosemary sprig and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients to maintain carbonation.
- Do not stir; let the bubbles naturally blend the drink.
- You can mix juices up to 3 days in advance; add champagne just before serving.
- For a mocktail option, use sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda.
- Rim glasses with sugar for extra holiday sparkle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cranberry Mimosa, Holiday Mimosa, Christmas Cocktail, Orange Cranberry Mimosa, Cranberry Ginger Mimosa, Sparkling Wine Cocktail, Brunch Drink, Festive Drink, Easy Mimosa Recipe, Holiday Brunch
