The mimosa recipe is one of the most iconic and effortless brunch cocktails in the world. Light, bubbly, and refreshing, it’s made with just two main ingredients: sparkling wine and orange juice. But within this simplicity lies a drink that can elevate any morning gathering into a celebration.
Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower, Easter brunch, or weekend get-together, learning how to make the perfect mimosa is a must.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Effortless and Elegant: Only two ingredients are needed, yet the result is sophisticated and crowd-pleasing.
Perfect for Brunch: A light and fizzy cocktail that complements eggs, pastries, and fruit.
Customizable Flavors: You can tweak it to your taste with juices, herbs, and even liqueurs.
Great for Celebrations: Ideal for holidays, baby showers, weddings, and weekend mornings.
Ingredients List
1 part champagne or any dry sparkling wine (chilled)
1 part orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed and chilled)
Optional: Orange slices or berries for garnish
Optional: Splash of orange liqueur (e.g., triple sec or Grand Marnier)
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 (adjustable for more)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mimosa Recipe
Step 1: Chill Your Ingredients
Both the orange juice and the sparkling wine must be thoroughly chilled. This keeps the mimosa refreshing without needing to add ice, which would water it down.
Step 2: Use Champagne Flutes
Choose tall, narrow champagne flutes. These preserve the bubbles and give your mimosa a classy presentation.
Step 3: Pour the Sparkling Wine First
Fill each glass halfway with chilled champagne. Pouring the wine first minimizes foam and helps preserve its bubbles.
Step 4: Add the Orange Juice
Top off the glass with an equal amount of chilled orange juice. Do not stir—let the two liquids mingle naturally for a layered, fizzy effect.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
Garnish with an orange slice, mint sprig, or even a raspberry. Serve immediately.
Choosing the Right Sparkling Wine
Champagne vs. Prosecco vs. Cava
Champagne: Classic choice, elegant and crisp, but also the most expensive.
Prosecco: Italian sparkling wine, usually fruitier and more budget-friendly.
Cava: Spanish sparkling wine, dry and excellent for mimosas without the price tag.
Dry or Sweet?
Use Brut or Extra Dry sparkling wine to avoid an overly sweet drink. Remember, orange juice already contains plenty of sugar.
Fresh Orange Juice vs. Bottled
Freshly Squeezed
Has a vibrant, tangy flavor that enhances the cocktail.
Contains natural pulp and oils that add complexity.
Store-Bought Juice
Convenient, but choose 100% juice without added sugar or pulp for a cleaner drink.
Mimosa Variations to Try
1. Blood Orange Mimosa
Use blood orange juice for a richer color and berry-like twist.
2. Pineapple Mimosa
Substitute orange juice with fresh pineapple juice for a tropical version.
3. Grapefruit Mimosa
Tangy and less sweet—pairs beautifully with savory brunch dishes.
4. Cranberry Mimosa (Poinsettia)
Great for the holidays. Garnish with rosemary and cranberries.
5. Strawberry Mimosa
Blend fresh strawberries with orange juice before adding sparkling wine.
6. Mimosa Pitcher Recipe
Want to serve a group? Mix a bottle of sparkling wine with 3 cups of orange juice in a pitcher just before serving.
Hosting a Mimosa Bar
Set up a DIY Mimosa Bar for brunch parties:
What You Need:
A variety of fruit juices (orange, mango, peach, cranberry)
Multiple bottles of sparkling wine
Fresh fruit garnishes
Ice bucket for chilling wine
Pitchers and champagne flutes
Let guests mix and match their favorite flavors—it’s fun, festive, and stress-free for the host.
Mimosa Food Pairings
Mimosas pair wonderfully with many brunch dishes:
Eggs Benedict
Avocado toast
Fresh fruit salads
Pancakes or waffles
Quiche
Smoked salmon bagels
The citrusy fizz cuts through rich, savory flavors, while also complementing sweet and fruity bites.
Tips for the Best Mimosas
Do Not Stir: Stirring deflates the bubbles. Let the juice slowly mix on its own.
Ratio Matters: A 1:1 ratio of wine to juice is standard, but you can adjust to taste.
Don’t Use Ice: It dilutes the flavor and flattens the fizz.
Serve Immediately: Mimosas are best enjoyed right after pouring.
Can You Make Mimosas Ahead?
You can pre-mix the orange juice and chill your wine in advance, but do not combine them until you’re ready to serve. Sparkling wine loses its fizz quickly, so always pour fresh.
Mimosa Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: ~100–130
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Sugars: ~10g
Alcohol Content: ~8–10% ABV (depending on wine used)
FAQs
Can I use non-alcoholic wine?
Yes! There are non-alcoholic sparkling wines available that taste great in mimosas.
What is the best champagne for mimosas?
Look for Brut Champagne or dry Prosecco. Avoid sweet or overly fruity options.
Can I use pulp orange juice?
You can, but smooth juice gives a cleaner presentation. If using pulp, strain before serving for a refined texture.
How do I keep mimosas cold?
Use chilled ingredients and keep bottles on ice. Avoid adding ice cubes to the drink itself.
What kind of glass should I use?
Always use champagne flutes. They preserve the bubbles and keep the drink colder longer.
Conclusion
Mimosas are the ultimate brunch cocktail—simple, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick with the classic combo of champagne and orange juice or branch out with creative variations, this drink adds sparkle to any morning meal. From casual breakfasts to elegant bridal showers, a well-made mimosa is always in style.
Try the recipe, set up a mimosa bar, or surprise your guests with a fruity twist—they’ll be asking for refills in no time. Cheers to effortless elegance and flavorful sips.