This Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a cheerful drink, perfect for your holiday gatherings. It combines bubbly champagne with tangy cranberry juice for a festive flair!
I love serving these at brunch—everyone brightens up when they see the sparkly drinks! Plus, they’re super easy to make. Just mix and toast to the season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice for the best balance. If you’re looking for a twist, consider using pomegranate juice as a substitute; it adds a rich color and flavor.
Sparking Wine or Champagne: Any dry sparkling wine works well, such as Prosecco or Cava. If you’re on a budget, go for a good quality sparkling wine instead of Champagne, and it will still be delicious!
Fresh Cranberries: These are great for garnish, adding a festive touch. If fresh cranberries are hard to find, frozen ones can work too—just make sure they’re thawed first.
Orange Liqueur: For an extra flavor kick, orange liqueur is a nice addition. If you don’t have any on hand, you can skip it or add a splash of fresh orange juice instead.
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Garnish for My Mimosas?
The garnish is key for making your mimosas look festive! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by mixing a little water or orange juice in a shallow dish. Dip the rim of your champagne flute into this liquid.
- Then, immediately dip the rim into sugar to create a sweet and pretty edge. This adds to the drink’s appeal and slight sweetness.
For the cranberries, just toss a few into each glass to float on top—this makes it look extra special. The orange slice can be either placed on the rim or floated on top. Remember, presentation matters, and it makes the drink feel more festive!
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 bottle dry sparkling wine or Champagne, chilled
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1 orange, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for rimming glasses)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier) for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Just gather your ingredients, mix, and serve. It’s quick and perfect for holiday events!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Serving Glasses:
Start by getting your champagne flutes ready. To rim the edges, dip them into a little water or orange juice. Then, immediately dip the rims into sugar to create a nice sugary coating. Set them aside to dry a bit while you mix the drink.
2. Mix the Juice and Liqueur:
In a large pitcher, pour in the chilled cranberry juice. If you’d like an extra touch of flavor, add the optional orange liqueur to the juice. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without creating too many bubbles.
3. Add the Sparkling Wine:
Slowly pour the chilled sparkling wine or Champagne into the pitcher with the juice mixture. Stir gently to combine everything, being careful not to lose those lovely bubbles!
4. Serve the Mimosas:
Carefully pour the mimosa mixture into each prepared champagne flute, filling them about 3/4 of the way full. This leaves room for the garnishes!
5. Garnish for Festivity:
Add a few fresh cranberries into each glass to float on top, making them look festive and inviting. Then, garnish each flute with a slice of orange—either on the rim or floating in the drink.
6. Enjoy Immediately:
Serve your Cranberry Christmas Mimosas right away so everyone can enjoy the bubbly, festive drink. Cheers to a wonderful holiday celebration!
This sparkling cocktail is sure to impress your guests while adding a cheerful, festive flair to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Ingredients?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the sparkling wine with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage or sparkling cider. You can still use cranberry juice and garnish for a delightful mocktail.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter mimosa, you can use sweetened cranberry juice instead or add a splash of simple syrup to the mixture. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
Can I Make This Drink in Advance?
While mimosas are best served fresh, you can prepare the cranberry juice and liqueur mixture ahead of time. Just add the sparkling wine right before serving to maintain fizziness.
How Should I Store Leftover Mimosas?
Leftover mixed mimosas aren’t recommended for storage since sparkling wine loses its fizz. However, you can keep any leftover juice or garnishes in the fridge for up to two days!
