This Cranberry Orange Mimosa is a refreshing drink that adds a burst of fruity flavor to any gathering. It’s a fun mix of bubbly and sweet-tart cranberry juice with bright orange juice!
Every sip feels like a little celebration. I love to serve it for brunch or just as a little pick-me-up. Plus, you can impress your friends with how easy it is to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice to keep the drink tart. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can use pomegranate juice; it will give a similar color but a unique taste.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought orange juice is fine, but look for 100% juice without added sugar for a more natural taste. You might even try substituting with a mix of blood orange juice for a stunning color!
Sparkling Wine or Champagne: For budget-friendly options, try prosecco or cava; they have great bubbles and flavor. If you want a non-alcoholic version, sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine works well, just add a little extra juice to keep the flavor balanced.
How Can I Achieve Those Beautiful Layers in My Mimosa?
Creating a lovely layered look is all about pouring technique. After you pour the cranberry juice, do so gently while tilting the glass slightly. That way, the orange juice can float on top instead of mixing right away.
- Start by pouring cranberry juice down the side of the glass.
- Next, slowly pour the orange juice using a spoon to help split the flow and reduce mixing.
- Finally, pour the sparkling wine over the back of a spoon to create a gentle pour that helps keep the layers distinct.
This technique takes a little practice, but it makes your drink so visually appealing! Don’t worry if it mixes a bit; it will still taste great.
How to Make a Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine or champagne
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cranberry Orange Mimosa takes around 10 minutes to prep. Most of that time will be spent chilling the ingredients and preparing your garnishes. Once everything is ready, you’ll shake up a whole batch of mimosas quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chill Your Ingredients:
Before you start mixing, make sure all your ingredients are chilled. This will keep your mimosas nice and refreshing!
2. Pour the Cranberry Juice:
Grab a champagne flute and pour in the cranberry juice first. This should sit at the bottom of the glass—it’s what gives your drink that stunning gradient effect. Pour slowly for the best results!
3. Add the Orange Juice:
Next, take your orange juice and gently add it on top of the cranberry juice. To keep the beautiful layers visible, pour the orange juice slowly down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon.
4. Top with Sparkling Wine:
Now, it’s time to add the fizz! Top off the glass with chilled sparkling wine or champagne. Pour gently to avoid mixing the layers too much.
5. Garnish Your Mimosa:
To make your drink extra special, add a few fresh cranberries on top, a slice of orange on the rim, and if you’re feeling fancy, a tiny sprig of rosemary for that aromatic touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your beautiful mimosas right away to enjoy that bubbly freshness. Perfect for brunch or any celebration!
Can I Make This Mimosa Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! You can easily turn this into a non-alcoholic drink by replacing the sparkling wine with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. Just add a bit more juice to maintain the flavor balance!
Can I Prepare the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cranberry juice and orange juice a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. This way, when you’re ready to serve, you can just mix and pour without any hassle!
How Do I Store Leftover Mimosas?
Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them. However, keep in mind that the carbonation will dissipate, so they’ll lose their fizz. Aim to consume within a few hours for the best experience.
What Other Garnishes Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Besides cranberries and orange slices, you can use thin lemon slices, pomegranate seeds, or even mint leaves for a refreshing twist. It’s all about personal preference!
