We’ve discovered the perfect festive cocktail that’ll transform your brunch game forever – the cranberry mimosa. This stunning ruby-red twist on the classic champagne cocktail combines tart cranberry juice with bubbly prosecco for a drink that’s both elegant and irresistible.
What makes our cranberry mimosa so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that dance on your palate while delivering that gorgeous crimson color that photographs beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating New Year’s morning, or just want to add some sparkle to your weekend, this cocktail delivers sophistication in every sip.
The best part? You can whip up this crowd-pleasing drink in under two minutes with just three simple ingredients. We’ll show you exactly how to create the perfect cranberry mimosa that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe – and coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
We’ve kept this cranberry mimosa recipe beautifully simple with just a few quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and that stunning festive appearance.
For the Cranberry Juice Base
- 1 cup pure cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail blend)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
For the Mimosa Assembly
- 1 bottle (750ml) champagne or prosecco, chilled
- 4 to 6 champagne flutes or wine glasses
- Ice cubes (optional, for extra chill)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cranberries (6 to 8 berries per glass)
- Lime wedges or twists
- Sugared cranberry clusters
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Orange peel twists
Equipment Needed
Creating the perfect cranberry mimosa requires the right tools to ensure proper preparation and elegant presentation. We recommend gathering these essential items before you begin mixing your cocktails.
Champagne flutes serve as the ideal glassware for this festive drink. These tall glasses help retain the sparkling wine’s bubbles while showcasing the beautiful ruby red color of your cranberry mimosa. Wine glasses can work as an alternative if champagne flutes aren’t available.
A cocktail mixing spoon allows you to gently combine ingredients without losing carbonation. Stirring too vigorously can flatten your sparkling wine and diminish the drink’s effervescence.
A small plate or shallow bowl becomes necessary if you choose to create sugared rim garnishes. This surface provides space for rolling glass rims in sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
A citrus juicer or reamer helps extract fresh lime juice efficiently. Fresh juice delivers superior flavor compared to bottled alternatives and enhances the drink’s overall taste profile.
A small saucepan proves useful if you decide to make simple syrup from scratch. Homemade simple syrup allows you to control sweetness levels perfectly.
Kitchen tongs or a cocktail pick make handling garnishes like fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs much easier. These tools help you place decorative elements precisely without disturbing the drink’s presentation.
A cutting board and sharp knife become essential for preparing citrus wedges and orange peel twists. Clean cuts ensure attractive garnishes that complement your cranberry mimosa’s festive appearance.
Instructions
We’ll guide you through creating this stunning cranberry mimosa in just three simple steps that ensure perfect results every time.
Prep the Cranberry Base
Start by combining 1 cup of pure cranberry juice with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice in a small mixing bowl. Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors together. For those who prefer a sweeter cocktail, add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup or honey and whisk until completely dissolved. Set the cranberry base aside while you prepare the glasses.
Prepare the Glasses
Pour a small amount of water or simple syrup onto a small plate for rimming. Place sparkling sugar or sanding sugar on another small plate. Dip each champagne flute rim into the water, then immediately roll it in the sparkling sugar to create an elegant frosted edge. Allow the sugared rims to set for 2-3 minutes before assembling your mimosas.
Assemble the Mimosas
Pour approximately 2 ounces of the prepared cranberry base into each champagne flute. Fill the glass slowly with chilled champagne or prosecco, leaving about an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow. Give each drink a gentle stir with a cocktail spoon to combine the ingredients without losing the bubbles. Add your chosen garnishes such as fresh cranberries, lime wedges, or rosemary sprigs before serving immediately.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving cranberry mimosas in champagne flutes to showcase their stunning ruby-red color while preserving the delicate bubbles. The tall narrow shape of these glasses creates an elegant presentation that enhances the drinking experience and maintains the champagne’s effervescence longer than wider glasses.
Optimal serving temperature plays a crucial role in the drink’s appeal. We ensure both the cranberry juice mixture and champagne remain well-chilled before combining them. Serving the cocktails immediately after assembly prevents the bubbles from dissipating and maintains the crisp refreshing taste.
Garnish placement transforms these cocktails into festive centerpieces. We float fresh cranberries in each glass for a beautiful visual effect while adding subtle bursts of tartness. Rosemary sprigs provide an aromatic element that complements the cranberry flavors perfectly. Lime slices offer a citrusy brightness that balances the drink’s sweetness.
| Garnish Option | Visual Impact | Flavor Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cranberries | High – floating red gems | Subtle tart bursts |
| Rosemary sprigs | Medium – aromatic greenery | Pine-like fragrance |
| Lime slices | High – bright citrus color | Zesty brightness |
| Orange curls | Medium – elegant spirals | Citrus complexity |
Timing considerations ensure guests receive the perfect cocktail. We prepare the cranberry base mixture up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Adding the champagne occurs just before serving to maintain optimal carbonation levels.
Occasion pairings make cranberry mimosas versatile for various celebrations. These cocktails shine at holiday brunches alongside egg dishes and pastries. Christmas parties benefit from their festive red color that matches seasonal decorations. New Year gatherings appreciate the champagne element that adds celebratory elegance to the countdown.
Batch serving accommodates larger groups efficiently. We multiply the recipe proportionally and mix the cranberry base in a pitcher. Guests can add their own champagne portions to maintain bubble integrity throughout the event.
Make-Ahead Tips
We can streamline our cranberry mimosa preparation by completing several key steps in advance. Preparing components ahead of time ensures smoother entertaining and allows us to focus on our guests rather than last-minute cocktail assembly.
Cranberry Juice Preparation
Creating a flavorful cranberry base the night before transforms our mimosas into something truly special. We should combine cranberry juice with fresh orange zest and warming spices like cinnamon or star anise in a saucepan. Bringing this mixture to a gentle boil allows the flavors to meld before we remove it from heat and let it steep. Chilling this infused cranberry mixture overnight intensifies the flavors significantly and creates a more complex cocktail base.
Cranberry Syrup Creation
Making cranberry syrup ahead of time adds depth and visual appeal to our mimosas. We combine cranberry juice with sugar and fresh cranberries in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmering this mixture until the cranberries burst and the liquid reduces creates a beautiful ruby syrup. This concentrated cranberry syrup can be refrigerated for up to one week and adds both sweetness and intense cranberry flavor to each glass.
Decorative Ice Preparation
Freezing cranberry juice with rosemary sprigs in ice cube trays creates stunning garnishes that serve dual purposes. These beautiful ice cubes keep our drinks properly chilled while slowly releasing additional cranberry flavor as they melt. We should prepare these specialty ice cubes at least 24 hours in advance to ensure they freeze completely solid.
Garnish Preparation
Preparing our garnishes ahead saves precious time during party assembly. Fresh cranberries can be sugared by rolling them in simple syrup and then granulated sugar before letting them dry on parchment paper. Rosemary sprigs stay fresh when stored in damp paper towels in the refrigerator. Orange peel twists maintain their oils best when cut just before serving but can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead if stored covered.
Storage Guidelines
Our prepared cranberry mixture stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Cranberry syrup maintains its quality for one week under proper refrigeration. We should always chill our champagne or prosecco at least 4 hours before serving to ensure optimal temperature and carbonation retention.
Storage Instructions
We recommend storing each component of your cranberry mimosa properly to maintain freshness and quality. Proper storage ensures your cocktail ingredients remain at their peak flavor when you’re ready to serve.
Cranberry Juice Storage
Store cranberry juice in the refrigerator at all times to preserve its fresh taste and prevent spoilage. We suggest keeping unopened bottles in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Once opened, cranberry juice maintains its quality for up to one week when stored in its original container with a tight seal.
Sparkling Wine Storage
Store champagne or prosecco in a cool dark place before opening to maintain optimal flavor and carbonation. We recommend keeping bottles at a consistent temperature between 45-50°F. Once opened and properly sealed with a champagne stopper, sparkling wine can maintain its bubbles for up to 48 hours when refrigerated.
Prepared Garnish Storage
Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best quality. We find they maintain their texture and coating when kept away from moisture. For freshly made sugared cranberries, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Cranberry Base Storage
Keep your prepared cranberry base mixture refrigerated in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3 days. We recommend stirring gently before each use since natural separation may occur. Label containers with preparation dates to track freshness.
| Storage Component | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Juice (unopened) | Refrigerator | Until expiration date |
| Cranberry Juice (opened) | Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Sparkling Wine (unopened) | Cool dark place | Until expiration date |
| Sparkling Wine (opened) | Refrigerator with stopper | Up to 48 hours |
| Sugared Cranberries | Room temperature, airtight | Up to 3 days |
| Fresh Sugared Cranberries | Refrigerator, covered | Up to 2 days |
| Prepared Cranberry Base | Refrigerator, sealed | Up to 3 days |
Variations
We love how versatile the cranberry mimosa can be with just a few simple ingredient swaps. These delightful variations allow everyone to enjoy this festive cocktail regardless of their preferences or dietary needs.
Virgin Cranberry Mimosa
Our non-alcoholic version delivers all the festive appeal without the champagne. Replace the sparkling wine with club soda or sparkling water while keeping the cranberry base exactly the same. We recommend using 2 to 3 ounces of cranberry juice per glass and filling to the top with your chosen sparkling non-alcoholic beverage. Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs work beautifully as garnishes to maintain that elegant presentation. This mocktail option ensures every guest can participate in the celebration while enjoying the same bright cranberry flavors.
Spiced Cranberry Mimosa
Warm spices transform our classic recipe into a cozy winter treat perfect for cold weather gatherings. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg directly to the cranberry base before mixing with champagne. We also enjoy incorporating a dash of ground ginger for subtle heat and complexity. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness while creating deeper flavor notes that complement the tartness of the cranberries. These aromatic additions make each sip feel like a warm hug during holiday celebrations.
Pomegranate Cranberry Mimosa
This stunning variation creates a deeper red color and more complex flavor profile by blending two powerhouse fruits. Combine equal parts cranberry juice and pomegranate juice in your base mixture before adding the sparkling wine. We find that 1½ ounces of each juice per glass provides the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. The pomegranate adds sophisticated depth while maintaining the cranberry’s bright acidity. Garnish with pomegranate seeds alongside fresh cranberries for a visually striking presentation that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you how to create the perfect cranberry mimosa that’ll elevate any celebration. This stunning cocktail delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort making it our go-to choice for entertaining.
The beauty lies in its versatility – whether you’re hosting an intimate brunch or a large holiday gathering there’s a variation that fits your needs. From the virgin version for designated drivers to the spiced option for cozy winter mornings each adaptation maintains that signature cranberry appeal.
With our make-ahead tips and storage guidelines you can prepare components in advance and focus on enjoying time with your guests. The cranberry mimosa isn’t just a drink – it’s an experience that brings people together around something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cranberry mimosa?
A cranberry mimosa is a festive cocktail that puts a vibrant twist on the classic champagne drink. It combines cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and champagne or prosecco to create a beautiful ruby-red drink with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This elegant cocktail is ideal for holiday brunches and celebrations.
How many ingredients do I need for a cranberry mimosa?
You only need three main ingredients to make a cranberry mimosa: 1 cup of pure cranberry juice, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and a chilled bottle of champagne or prosecco. Optionally, you can add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
What equipment is essential for making cranberry mimosas?
The essential equipment includes champagne flutes or wine glasses to retain bubbles and showcase the drink’s color, a cocktail mixing spoon for gentle stirring, and a citrus juicer for fresh lime juice. Optional items include a small plate for sugaring glass rims and a small saucepan for making homemade simple syrup.
Can I make cranberry mimosas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components in advance. Make the cranberry juice base by infusing it with orange zest and spices, prepare cranberry syrup ahead of time, and create decorative ice cubes. However, only combine with champagne right before serving to maintain carbonation and freshness.
What are some popular cranberry mimosa variations?
Popular variations include the virgin cranberry mimosa (using club soda instead of champagne), spiced cranberry mimosa (adding cinnamon and nutmeg), and pomegranate cranberry mimosa (blending cranberry and pomegranate juices). These options cater to different preferences and dietary needs while maintaining the festive appeal.
What garnishes work best for cranberry mimosas?
Fresh cranberries, lime wedges, sugared cranberry clusters, fresh rosemary sprigs, and orange peel twists make excellent garnishes. These additions enhance both the visual appeal and flavor profile of the drink, making it more festive and Instagram-worthy for special occasions.
How should I serve cranberry mimosas?
Serve cranberry mimosas well-chilled and immediately after assembly to maintain carbonation. Use chilled champagne flutes, pour the cranberry base first, then top with champagne. Add garnishes just before serving and consider batch preparation for larger gatherings to streamline the process.
