Sparkling Ruby Mimosa

Embrace the vibrant spirit of the holidays with this sensational Cranberry Mimosa! Bursting with brilliant color and a delightfully sunny flavor profile, this sparkling cocktail is destined to become your go-to beverage for winter brunches and festive gatherings. Crafted with crisp Prosecco, a hint of orange liqueur like Gran Gala, and the perfect blend of orange and cranberry juices, each glass is elegantly garnished with fresh cranberries and aromatic rosemary. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration in a flute, designed to add a touch of sparkle to any special occasion.

The Perfect Holiday Brunch Cocktail

There’s an undeniable magic to waking up on Christmas morning, surrounded by the warmth of loved ones and the scent of festive cheer. What better way to enhance these cherished moments than by presenting your guests with delightful food and drink? This cranberry mimosa is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple to prepare, even when hosting a crowd. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it an impeccable choice for those cherished morning guests, allowing you, as the host or hostess, to relax and savor the occasion.

While often associated with Christmas morning, this versatile cocktail transcends a single holiday. It’s equally ideal for New Year’s Day brunch, Thanksgiving morning, or any winter celebration where you want to add a touch of elegance and festivity without the fuss. The striking ruby red hue, contrasted with the subtle green of rosemary, makes it a visually stunning addition to any holiday table setting.

Serve these easy cranberry mimosas alongside an array of delectable brunch-worthy foods. Imagine pairing them with sweet treats like homemade cranberry orange scones or classic chocolate chip scones. For a savory balance, consider a hearty simple potato frittata, or the rich, flavorful eggs in purgatory. The light, effervescent nature of the mimosa cuts through richness and complements sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced brunch experience that your guests will rave about.

Why You Will Love This Cranberry Mimosa

This Cranberry Mimosa isn’t just another cocktail; it’s a thoughtful blend of simplicity, elegance, and incredible flavor that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your next holiday menu:

• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this mimosa is incredibly easy to assemble, requiring minimal prep time and no special bartending skills.
• Vibrant & Visually Appealing: The stunning red hue from the cranberry juice, combined with fresh garnishes, makes for a truly eye-catching drink that instantly elevates any table.
• Refreshing & Balanced Flavor: The tartness of cranberry, the sweetness of orange, and the effervescence of Prosecco create a perfectly balanced, refreshing taste that’s not overly sweet.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While it shines during the holidays, its bright flavors are welcome at any brunch, shower, or casual gathering throughout the year.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the ratios of juice to Prosecco, or add more/less orange liqueur to suit individual preferences.
• Crowd-Friendly: Scalable for any party size, you can prepare a single glass or a large pitcher for effortless serving.

Key Ingredients for Your Cranberry Mimosa

Crafting the perfect Cranberry Mimosa starts with selecting quality ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each component, along with helpful notes to ensure your drink is absolutely exceptional.

• Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is our top choice for mimosas due to its delightful fruitiness and approachable price point. Its crisp, bubbly nature provides the perfect counterpoint to the juices. While Prosecco is excellent, feel free to substitute with Champagne for a more luxurious touch, or Cava for a Spanish sparkling wine alternative. Choose a Brut or Extra Dry variety to prevent the cocktail from becoming overly sweet.
• Orange Juice: For the freshest flavor, we highly recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice. It offers a brighter, more natural citrus note that truly elevates the mimosa. If fresh squeezing isn’t an option, select a high-quality, 100% orange juice with no added sugar. Decide if you prefer pulp or no pulp based on your personal preference; for a smoother mimosa, a pulp-free option or straining fresh juice is best.
• Cranberry Juice: The star of this festive mimosa! The type of cranberry juice you choose will significantly impact the drink’s tartness and color. While we often use brands like Red Jacket when available, any good quality 100% cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail blend will work. Keep in mind that 100% cranberry juice is quite tart, so you might adjust the proportions or opt for a cranberry cocktail that includes other fruit juices and some added sweetness.
• Orange Liqueur: This ingredient adds an extra layer of complexity and a subtle hint of citrus aroma. Gran Gala is our preferred choice, known for its smooth orange flavor. Excellent alternatives include Grand Marnier, a premium blend of Cognac and orange essence, or Cointreau, a triple sec with a balanced bitter-sweet orange profile. For a slightly less potent and more budget-friendly option, Triple Sec also works well. If you prefer a lighter cocktail or wish to omit the extra alcohol, you can simply leave it out; the mimosa will still be delicious!
• Cranberries and Rosemary: These are not just for visual appeal; they enhance the sensory experience. Fresh cranberries, with their glossy red sheen, add a pop of color and a festive touch. A sprig of fresh rosemary contributes a wonderfully aromatic, slightly piney scent that perfectly complements the winter theme. For an added chill, consider freezing your cranberries before adding them to the glass.

Refer to the comprehensive recipe card further down for precise information on ingredients and their respective quantities for a single serving or batch preparation.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Mimosas

While making a Cranberry Mimosa is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your drink from good to truly exceptional:

• Chill Everything Thoroughly: Since mimosas are typically served without ice to avoid diluting the sparkling wine, it’s crucial that all your ingredients – the Prosecco, orange juice, and cranberry juice – are VERY cold. This ensures a crisp, refreshing cocktail from the first sip to the last.
• Frozen Cranberries for Double Duty: For an extra chill and a beautiful presentation, use frozen cranberries as your garnish. They act like edible ice cubes, keeping your drink cold without watering it down, and look stunning as they float in the glass.
• Strain Fresh Orange Juice: If you opt for freshly squeezed orange juice, consider passing it through a fine-mesh strainer. This removes any pulp, resulting in a smoother, more refined mimosa texture that many prefer.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The sweetness level of your mimosa can vary depending on the type of cranberry juice and orange juice you use. Feel free to play around with the ratios of cranberry to orange juice. For a sweeter drink, use more orange juice or a cranberry cocktail blend. For a tarter kick, lean towards 100% cranberry juice.
• Choosing the Right Glassware: While any glass can hold a mimosa, a classic champagne flute is preferred. Its tall, slender shape helps to showcase the bubbles and vibrant color, enhancing the drinking experience.
• Batching for Efficiency: As mentioned, when serving a crowd, pre-mix the orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a pitcher. Keep this mixture refrigerated until guests arrive, then simply pour into flutes and top with cold Prosecco right before serving to maintain effervescence.
• Experiment with Orange Liqueurs: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of orange liqueur. Beyond Gran Gala, Grand Marnier, or Cointreau, consider Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur for a slightly different citrus profile, or a good quality Triple Sec for a more economical option. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a lighter drink.

Delicious Variations to Explore

While the classic Cranberry Mimosa is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for creative experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try these delightful variations to keep your brunch menu exciting:

• Non-Alcoholic Festive Sparkler: For guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, simply substitute the Prosecco with sparkling cranberry cider, sparkling grape juice, or even a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The vibrant flavors will still shine through, making it inclusive for everyone.
• Ginger Cranberry Mimosa: Add a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer (non-alcoholic) along with the Prosecco, or infuse your orange juice with a few slices of fresh ginger for a subtle, warming spice.
• Spiced Cranberry Mimosa: Muddle a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves in the orange liqueur before adding the juices for a deeper, autumnal spice note that complements the cranberry beautifully.
• Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup: For a more intense rosemary flavor and a touch of sweetness, make a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) and steep fresh rosemary sprigs in it as it cools. Add a teaspoon of this syrup to each mimosa.
• Mint & Lime Cranberry Mimosa: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves with a squeeze of lime juice in the flute before adding the other ingredients. This adds a bright, zesty, and refreshing twist.
• Berry Blast Mimosa: Introduce a medley of other berry juices, such as raspberry or blackberry, alongside the cranberry for a richer, more complex berry flavor profile.
• Orange Slice Garnish: In addition to cranberries and rosemary, a thin slice of fresh orange or an orange twist draped over the rim adds another layer of citrus aroma and visual appeal.

Beyond the Brunch: When to Serve This Delightful Drink

While synonymous with brunch, the Cranberry Mimosa’s versatility and festive appeal make it suitable for a wider array of occasions beyond just a morning meal. Its beautiful color and refreshing taste are perfect for:

• Holiday Gatherings: Christmas Eve parties, New Year’s Eve countdowns, or even Thanksgiving appetizers. It’s a wonderful welcoming drink as guests arrive.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Any winter-themed party, festive cocktail hour, or cozy evening by the fire.
• Special Occasions: Bridal showers, baby showers, engagement parties, or anniversary celebrations, where a light, bubbly, and elegant drink is desired.
• Weekend Indulgences: Elevate a simple weekend breakfast or a lazy afternoon with friends with this easy-to-make sophisticated cocktail.
• Game Day Refreshment: Believe it or not, a pitcher of Cranberry Mimosas can be a surprisingly refreshing choice for watching sports, offering a lighter alternative to heavier beers or spirits.

Cranberry Mimosa

by
James Delmage

5 from 1 vote

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Total:

5 minutes
mins

Servings:
1

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This delightful and bubbly twist on the classic Mimosa will be sure to make your holiday gatherings merry, sunny and bright! Super simple to make with flavors adored by all, and garnishes that are sure to be a hit in your home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
• 2 ounces orange juice
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup prosecco fill the glass to the top
• 1 handful cranberries for garnish
• 1 sprig rosemary for garnish

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Instructions

• To a champagne flute, add the orange liqueur, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
• Stir these ingredients together gently.
• Fill to the top with chilled Prosecco.
• Add cranberries and a rosemary sprig for garnish.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!

Notes

• Since we don’t use ice for this drink, make sure all your ingredients are VERY cold for the best experience.
• Freezing your cranberries beforehand is an excellent way to give them double duty as both an attractive garnish and a natural chilling agent.
• If you are using fresh squeezed orange juice and prefer a pulp-free mimosa, consider straining the juice through a fine-mesh sieve.
• For entertaining a large group, feel free to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe by mixing the juices and liqueur in a pitcher and topping with Prosecco per glass.
• Experiment with the ratio of cranberry juice to orange juice to find your preferred balance of sweetness and tartness.
• While Gran Gala is suggested, you can easily substitute with other orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, or even Triple Sec. This liqueur can also be omitted entirely for a less alcoholic version.

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcal

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Carbohydrates: 18g

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Protein: 0.4g

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Fat: 0.1g

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Sodium: 1mg

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Potassium: 171mg

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Fiber: 1.1g

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Sugar: 16.9g

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Calcium: 5mg

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Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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