This Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a festive drink that’s both refreshing and bubbly! It’s made with sparkling wine and cranberry juice, making it a perfect holiday toast.
Every sip feels like a celebration! I love serving these at brunch or family gatherings. Trust me, they’re so tasty, you might want to make a double batch! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: For the best flavor, opt for tart or unsweetened cranberry juice. If you want a sweeter drink, consider mixing it with a bit of orange juice for balance. You can also use cranberry cocktail juice, but it will be sweeter.
Sparkling Wine or Champagne: Choose a brut sparkling wine for a less sweet mimosa. Prosecco or Cava are great alternatives to Champagne that won’t break the bank and offer a lovely flavor.
Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur: Adding this optional ingredient enhances the drink’s flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, skip this or use orange juice or sparkling orange soda instead.
Fresh Cranberries: Garnishing with fresh cranberries adds a beautiful touch. You can also use pomegranate seeds if cranberries aren’t available. They look pretty and taste great!
How Do You Master the Rimming Technique for Glasses?
Rimming the glasses with sugar adds a special touch! To get it right, follow these steps:
- First, prepare a lemon or lime wedge. Rub it along the rim of the glass.
- Next, dip the same rim into sugar on a plate, coating evenly. This not only looks nice but adds extra sweetness to each sip.
- Take your time – a well-rimmed glass makes the drink feel more festive.
The rimming step is simple and adds flair to your presentation, making your mimosa feel extra special!
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably tart or unsweetened)
- 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine or champagne (750 ml)
- 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Granulated sugar or coarse sugar for rimming glasses
- 1/2 lemon or lime, cut into wedges (for rimming glasses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cranberry Christmas Mimosa takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to assemble, so you’ll have more time to enjoy with friends and family during the holidays!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass Rims:
Start by taking a lemon or lime wedge and running it around the rim of each champagne flute. This will help the sugar stick. Next, pour some granulated sugar or coarse sugar onto a plate and dip the rims into the sugar to coat them evenly. This step adds a beautiful touch and a bit of sweetness!
2. Add the Cranberry Juice:
Now, pour the cranberry juice into a large pitcher or directly into each glass. Fill each glass about one-third full. This juicy layer will create a vibrant color!
3. Mix in the Liqueur (Optional):
If you’d like to add some extra flavor, now is the time to mix in the triple sec or orange liqueur into the cranberry juice. This is optional but adds a lovely twist!
4. Pour in the Sparkling Wine:
Slowly add the chilled sparkling wine or champagne to the glass, filling it to the top. Be gentle while pouring to keep those delightful bubbles intact!
5. Stir Gently (If Using a Pitcher):
If you’re serving from a pitcher, give the mixture a gentle stir to combine everything nicely. If you’ve poured directly into glasses, leave it as is to maintain the gorgeous layers.
6. Garnish:
For a festive touch, garnish each glass with a few fresh cranberries floated on top. They not only look pretty but add to the holiday spirit!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, all that’s left is to serve your wonderful Cranberry Christmas Mimosas immediately. Enjoy every festive sip with your loved ones!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply substitute regular sparkling wine or Champagne with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It will still taste delicious and festive!
Can I Prepare the Juice Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix the cranberry juice and triple sec (if using) in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. Pour in the sparkling wine right before serving for the best bubbles.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover mimosa, you can store the juice mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to consume mimosas fresh, as the bubbles won’t last in combination with the sparkling wine.
Is There a Good Substitute for Triple Sec?
If you don’t have triple sec, you can use orange juice for a lighter flavor, or substitute it with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!