This Cranberry Orange Mimosa is a bright and bubbly drink that’s perfect for any celebration! It’s made with tart cranberry juice and zesty orange juice, topped with sparkling wine.
Honestly, nothing says “party” quite like mimosas. I love serving these at brunch—everyone always cheers when they see them! 🍊🥂 It’s a lovely way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Using unsweetened cranberry juice is best for balancing the sweetness of the orange juice. If you’re looking for a sweeter drink, opt for a lightly sweetened version. For a fun twist, consider using cranberry-pomegranate juice.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is my favorite! It adds tons of flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought juice works too, just look for one without added sugars. You can also mix it up with blood orange juice for a different flavor.
Sparkling Wine: You can use any chilled sparkling wine or champagne. Prosecco or Cava are great alternatives that are often more affordable. If you want a non-alcoholic version, try sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Garnishes: Fresh cranberries and orange slices really amp up the visual appeal. If you want to get creative, you could also use pomegranate seeds or edible flowers.
How Do You Layer the Juice and Champagne for the Perfect Mimosa?
Layering your ingredients is key to a beautiful Cranberry Orange Mimosa. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start by pouring the cranberry juice carefully into the flute until it reaches about 1/3 full. This sets the base for your drink.
- Next, slowly pour in the orange juice over the back of a spoon. This helps create the lovely gradient from red to orange.
- Finally, top with sparkling wine by pouring gently down the side of the glass. This helps maintain the bubbles!
Each step is important for both the look and taste. Take your time, and you’ll impress everyone with your stylish mimosas!
How to Make a Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine or champagne
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
- Optional: rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare these mimosas! Most of that time is just squeezing the oranges for juice. The real fun is in serving them, so get ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chill Your Ingredients:
Start by chilling the cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine or champagne. It’s important to have everything nice and cold, so they mix beautifully and stay bubbly. Just pop them in the refrigerator for an hour or so!
2. Pour in the Cranberry Juice:
Grab your champagne flutes or tall glasses. Pour the cranberry juice into the bottom, filling about 1/3 of the glass. This creates a lovely red layer at the bottom, which will look gorgeous!
3. Add the Orange Juice:
Next, slowly pour the fresh orange juice into the glass over the cranberry juice until it fills about 2/3 of the glass. Pour gently to keep the two juices from fully mixing right away and to create a stunning gradient.
4. Top with Sparkling Wine:
Finally, top off each glass with the chilled sparkling wine or champagne. Pour it slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles, giving it that bubbly, refreshing finish!
5. Garnish Your Mimosa:
Now it’s time to make your drinks eye-catching! Add a few fresh cranberries to float on top and place a slice of orange on the rim of the glass. For a special touch, you can also add a small sprig of rosemary!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cranberry Orange Mimosas immediately and enjoy the festive colors and refreshing flavors. They’re perfect for brunch or any celebration. Cheers!
Can I Use Other Juices Instead of Orange?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruity juices like grapefruit, pineapple, or mango for a unique twist. Just remember to maintain the balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the cranberry juice.
What Type of Sparkling Wine Should I Use?
A dry sparkling wine like Prosecco, Cava, or even Champagne works best. Each adds its own flavor profile, but avoid overly sweet options so you maintain the right balance of flavors in your mimosa.
Can I Make This Mimosa Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the sparkling wine with sparkling water, ginger ale, or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It’ll still be delicious and festive without the alcohol!
How Do I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any unused cranberry juice and orange juice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the sparkling wine, seal the bottle tightly and refrigerate, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum bubble experience!