Mimosa: the easy, refreshing recipe for a beautiful brunch cocktail
Nothing says brunch like a round of mimosas. The mimosa is an easy-to-make, incredibly refreshing cocktail often served at special occasions like Mother's Day, Christmas, bridal showers, and birthday parties, as well, of course, at brunch.
Mimosas are light and citrusy, with a satisfying fizz, thanks to the sparkling wine. They're not too boozy; mimosas tend to be about 7 percent alcohol, so you can enjoy a few with your brunch. Mimosa origins are still uncertain, but it is said this cocktail was invented in 1925 by a barman at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, who gave this drink the name of the yellow flower that reminded it of its color, the mimosa.
The next time you're hosting a brunch or raising a toast for a special occasion, why not make some mimosas? They're always a huge hit!
Mimosa vs. Buck's Fizz
Mimosa cocktail and Buck's Fizz are two drinks made with the same ingredients, orange juice and sparkling wine such as champagne. Only the doses make them different. Mimosa has the same amount of orange juice and champagne, while Buck's Fizz has double the amount of orange juice.
However, both are part of the large Fizz family, the mixed drinks that perfectly pair with aperitifs, fish dishes and brunches.
Mimosa Ingredients
Mimosas are made from two ingredients: dry sparkling wine and orange juice. Do not use expensive Champagne to make mimosas. All of the flavor and nuance will be lost. Instead, use Cava, Prosecco, or other types of sparkling wine.
Typically, most mimosa recipes call for a 50/50 ratio of sparkling wine and orange juice but feel free to play around with the ratios until you find what you like best.
How to Make a Mimosa
Making mimosas couldn't be any easier. Simply pour the sparkling wine into your flutes to about halfway full. Next, top them up with orange juice. That's it!
For best results, make sure to chill your glasses ahead of time. This way the cocktails will stay nice and cool.
Can You Make Mimosas for a Crowd?
Of course! This recipe makes about eight to nine mimosas. If you have an even larger group or anticipate that everyone will want a few mimosas (and who could blame them?), just buy extra bottles of sparkling wine and squeeze extra orange juice. The average flute holds about six ounces of liquid, and a bottle of sparkling wine is 25 ounces.
Tips for Making the Best Mimosas
For sweeter mimosas, look for demi-sec sparkling wine. For dryer (not sweet) mimosas, buy brut sparkling wine.
For the best mimosas use freshly squeezed orange juice to make your mimosas. You'll taste the difference! Just make sure to strain it before making the cocktails to avoid pulpy juice. If you're short on time, you can just as easily use orange juice out of the carton.
Chill your flutes for 15 to 20 minutes before making and serving your mimosas. It'll keep the cocktail extra refreshing and cool.
Mimosa Variations
To make your special occasions even more special (or just make your weekend brunch feel a little fancier), mix up your mimosas by using blood orange juice, clementine juice, mandarin juice, or grapefruit juice instead of regular orange juice.
You can even veer away from citrus juices and try pomegranate, apple cider, cranberry, and grape, to name a few.
Add a dash of fruit liqueur or fruit puree. Strawberry, mango, passionfruit, and watermelon are all fantastic.
For boozier mimosas, add a splash of orange liqueur like triple sec or Grand Marnier.
To make virgin mimosas use sparkling apple cider or sparkling white grape juice instead of sparkling wine.
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Instructions
Fill each Champagne flute about halfway full with the sparkling wine.
Top up with orange juice.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure to chill your sparkling wine before making your mimosas. No one like warm mimosas!
