A sweet citrusy flavor, fun fizzy bubbles, and a hint of sophistication: mimosas are the go-to cocktail for every celebratory occasion. These are all great qualities in a drink, but what really makes a mimosa fabulous is that they only require two ingredients!
Whether you’re a bottomless brunch devotee or a casual at-home sipper, here’s everything you need to know about mimosas, from the classic mimosa recipe to creative variations, expert tips, and FAQs that will have you pouring like a pro at home!
What is a Mimosa?
A mimosa is a low-alcohol brunch cocktail made by combining sparkling wine and chilled juice. Traditional mimosas consist of sparkling wine and orange juice, but you can also make strawberry mimosas, pomegranate mimosas, pineapple mimosas, and more.
For more types of mimosas to try, keep scrolling!
How to Make the Perfect Mimosa
Mimosas are one of the easiest cocktails to make which is why they’re the go-to-drink to celebrate everything from Mother’s Day, to your best friend’s baby shower, or a simple gal’s brunch.
Here’s how to make the perfect mimosa:
- Chill everything – Your bubbly and OJ should be nice and cold.
- Pour the sparkling wine first – Fill the flute between ½ to ⅔ of the way with sparkling wine. Always pour the sparkling wine first. This prevents the drink from foaming over.
- Add the OJ – Slowly add the orange juice. Pouring at an angle helps.
- No stirring! – Those fizzy bubbles will do the work for you.
- Garnish (optional) – A slice of orange, a strawberry, or even mint for a fancy touch.
The Best Type of Champagne for Mimosas
Here’s a mimosa pro tip: the best type of champagne for mimosas isn’t champagne at all. While Brut Champagne makes a tasty mimosa, you really don’t need to spend champagne money on this super simple sparkling wine cocktail. Prosecco, Cava, or a domestic sparkling wine from any wine growing region in the US (Sonoma, Napa, Oregon, etc) works just fine.
The best wines to use in mimosas are:
- Prosecco – A super affordable option with light, fruity notes.
- Cava – A Spanish sparkling wine that’s dry and budget-friendly.
- Domestic Sparkling Wine – If you live in a state that produces wine, go with something local. If not, you can’t go wrong with Gruet, an inexpensive, but high quality sparkler from New Mexico. Available in most grocery stores.
- Brut Champagne – If you really, really want to go the fancy route, use a Brut Champagne. These French wines are dry, crisp, and balance out the sweetness of orange juice.
More Mimosa Recipes & Variations to Try
Because variety is the spice of life, here are some creative mimosa cocktail recipes to try at your next party:
- Poinsettia Mimosa – A popular mimosa to serve during the Christmas holidays. Swap the OJ for cranberry juice for a gorgeous red cocktail.
- Tropical Mimosa – Use pineapple or mango juice instead of orange.
- Bellini – A cousin of the mimosa, this peachy-pink mimosa is made with peach purée and Prosecco.
- Strawberry Mimosa – Sweet strawberries and bubbly make gorgeous pink mimosas.
- Apple Cider Mimosa – AKA fall mimosas, are made with apple cider and a cinnamon sugar rim. (Great for that Thanksgiving toast or to greet friends and family).
- Grapefruit Mimosa – A more tart and refreshing take on this brunch cocktail.
- Lavender Mimosa – Add a dash of lavender syrup for a floral, summer vibes.
- Pomegranate Mimosa – The ultimate Christmas mimosa combines tart pomegranate juice with sparkling wine.
Tips
- Skip the expensive Champagne – Save the expensive stuff for another occasion. A decent bottle of Prosecco or Cava is all you need for any mimosa recipe.
- Use fresh-squeezed juice – It makes a difference, trust me. If you’re short on time and need to use store bought juice, go with Simply Orange.
- Add a splash of liqueur – A small splash of Grand Marnier, St-Germain, or Chambord creates an elegant mimosa cocktail. (But just a touch!)
- Avoid overly sweet sparkling wines – Orange juice is already pretty sweet and brings plenty of sugar to mimosas.
Making a Pitcher of Mimosas
If you’re hosting a brunch or just want to make serving easier, a pitcher of mimosas is the way to go. Stick to the classic 2:1 ratio of bubbly to juice, and scale this mimosa recipe up with:
- One standard bottle (750ml) of sparkling wine + about 375ml (1.5 cups) of orange juice will yield about 6-8 mimosas.
- For a larger batch, use two bottles of bubbly and 3 cups of juice.
- No ice in the pitcher – it’ll dilute the drinks! Instead, keep everything well-chilled before mixing.
- Garnish as you pour into individual glasses for that extra touch.
- Add slices of oranges to the pitcher of mimosas for a fun presentation.
FAQs
Can I make mimosas ahead of time?
Not really. The bubbles in the sparkling wine will fizzle out quickly, so it’s best to mix the mimosa cocktails when you’re ready to serve them to your guests.
What’s the best ratio of bubbly to juice?
The classic is 2:1, but some prefer a 50/50 mix. If you’re feeling bold, go full 3:1 for mimosas that pack a little punch.
What kind of glass should I use?
Flutes are traditional, but stemless wine glasses or even tumblers work just fine. You can even use wine coupe glasses.
Can I make a non-alcoholic mimosa?
Absolutely! Swap the sparkling wine for club soda, sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic Champagne alternative.
Are mimosas just for brunch?
Not at all! They’re great for weddings, holidays (hello, Thanksgiving mimosas, Christmas mimosas, Valentine’s Day mimosas, and Halloween mimosas!), baby showers, or any time you’re in the mood to relax with an elegant cocktail.
Can you use rosé for mimosas?
Skip the rosé when making mimosas. I’ve tried this variation and using rosé sparkling wine for mimosas tastes a little weird.