Refreshing Sparkling Citrus Mimosa: The Perfect Brunch Cocktail

There's no better way to kick off a weekend brunch than with a cold, bubbly mimosa. This classic cocktail is the epitome of elegance and simplicity, combining two simple ingredients to create a drink that is refreshing, bright, and universally loved. The Sparkling Citrus Mimosa is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion, from a festive holiday morning to a simple Sunday gathering.

The beauty of a mimosa is its versatility. While the classic is made with orange juice, you can easily customize it with a variety of citrus juices to create a drink that is uniquely yours.1 With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful and delicious cocktail that will impress your guests and make any morning feel special.

Refreshing Sparkling Citrus Mimosa

The Perfect Brunch Cocktail

Yields: 6-8 mimosas

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of chilled, dry sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or Brut Champagne)

  • 1 ½ cups cold, fresh-squeezed citrus juice (orange, grapefruit, or blood orange)

  • For Garnish (optional):

    • Thin citrus slices (orange, lemon, or lime)2

    • Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries)

    • A sprig of fresh mint

Instructions

1. Prepare the Citrus Juice

  1. Squeeze: The key to a great mimosa is fresh juice.3 Squeeze your oranges, grapefruit, or blood oranges and make sure the juice is well-chilled.

2. Assemble the Mimosa

  1. Add Juice: Pour the chilled citrus juice into the bottom of a Champagne flute, filling the glass about one-third of the way.

  2. Add Sparkling Wine: Slowly top the juice with the chilled sparkling wine. The carbonation will create a beautiful, foamy head.

  3. Garnish: If desired, add a thin citrus slice, a few fresh berries, or a sprig of mint to each flute for an elegant touch.

3. Serve Immediately

  • Serve the mimosas immediately while they are at their fizziest and coldest. You can also set up a mimosa bar with different juices and garnishes for guests to create their own perfect drink.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Mimosa

  • The Right Ratio: A classic mimosa ratio is 1 part juice to 2 parts sparkling wine. You can adjust this to your liking, but a good starting point is about one-third juice and two-thirds wine.

  • Choose a Dry Wine: A dry sparkling wine, like a Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, is best.4 The dryness of the wine will perfectly balance the sweetness of the fruit juice.

  • Keep It Cold: Make sure both the juice and the sparkling wine are well-chilled before you start. This will keep the drink cold without needing ice, which can water it down.

  • Fresh Juice is Best: Freshly squeezed juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice. It makes a huge difference in the final taste of the mimosa.

  • No Twisting: When you open the sparkling wine, hold the cork and twist the bottle to avoid the loud "pop" and to preserve the bubbles.