This Holly Jolly Mimosa is a cheerful drink perfect for your festive gatherings. Made with bubbly champagne and bright cranberry juice, it’s refreshing and fun!
Every sip feels like a holiday celebration! I love making a big batch for brunch—nothing gets people in the spirit like a toast with these festive fizzies. Cheers! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Chilled champagne is traditional, but you can also use any sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava. I often go for Prosecco for its fruity flavor and lower cost.
Cranberry Juice: Opt for 100% cranberry juice for a bold flavor. If you want less tartness, consider a cranberry juice cocktail, but it may affect the color a bit.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor. You could substitute with a mix of orange and other citrus juices for a twist, like tangerine or blood orange juice!
Garnishes: Fresh cranberries add a festive touch, but pomegranate seeds work as an excellent substitute. Fresh mint can be a nice alternative to rosemary for a different aroma.
How Can I Make Sure My Mimosa Layers Stay Perfect?
Creating those beautiful layers in your Holly Jolly Mimosa takes a bit of care but is totally doable! Follow these steps:
- Start with a chilled glass to keep your drink cold and help maintain the layers.
- Pour cranberry juice gently into the glass first; it will naturally settle at the bottom.
- To add orange juice without mixing, use the back of a spoon to pour it slowly, letting it glide down to sit on top of the cranberry layer.
- Top with champagne using the same spoon trick to minimize mixing. Serve right away to enjoy those stunning layers!
Holly Jolly Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 1 oz cranberry juice (for the vibrant red layer)
- 2 oz fresh orange juice
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- A sprig of fresh rosemary (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink comes together in just about 5 minutes! It’s a quick and festive addition to any brunch or holiday gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start with a chilled champagne flute. You can chill the glass in the freezer for a few minutes or simply run it under cold water before drying it off.
2. Pour the Cranberry Juice:
Pour the cranberry juice into the bottom of the prepared glass. Allow the juice to settle completely at the bottom so you get that pretty red layer.
3. Add the Orange Juice:
Next, slowly pour the fresh orange juice over the back of a spoon. This technique helps keep that lovely layer from mixing with the cranberry juice below.
4. Top with Champagne:
Carefully top off your mimosa with the chilled champagne. Again, pour gently to maintain those beautiful layers.
5. Garnish Your Drink:
For a festive touch, garnish your mimosa by skewering a few fresh cranberries onto a toothpick or small skewer. Place this on top of the glass along with a sprig of rosemary for a lovely holiday look.
6. Optional Dusting:
If you like, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cranberries and rosemary to give it a frosted appearance, adding to the holiday cheer.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Holly Jolly Mimosa immediately and enjoy the festive flavors of this delightful drink with friends and family!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Ingredients?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine in place of champagne. The cranberry and orange juice will still create a delicious mocktail!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, consider adding a splash of simple syrup or using a cranberry juice blend that contains added sweetness. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired before pouring your mimosa!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
For the best results, it’s ideal to prepare each mimosa just before serving to maintain the beautiful layers and bubbles. However, you can mix the cranberry and orange juice together in advance and keep it refrigerated, then add champagne when ready to serve.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover juice mix, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember that the sparkling aspect will be lost, so add fresh champagne right before serving!