Level up any event with the sparkle and fresh, fruity flavor of this most classic adult beverage that’s not just for brunch!
Every party needs a little sparkle. And there’s not much that beats the dazzling radiance of champagne. When you pair that French sparkling wine with orange juice, it rises to a whole new level of sophistication!
Mimosas have been around since the 1920s—but renowned film director Alfred Hitchcock gave their popularity a Hollywood-grade promotion in the ’40s when he featured them at his high-profile house parties. Since then, the juicy drink has become nearly synonymous with brunch culture, thanks to its ease of prep and low-alcohol sippability.
This guide for how to make a perfect mimosa is your go-to for crafting next-level effervescent drinks. Whether you’re serving them at Sunday brunch, a bridal event, or a romantic date night, the proportions and tips in this tutorial will help you make perfectly personalized mimosas.
Variations on the mimosa theme
There are countless ways to tailor or tweak a mimosa. Most involve subbing in alternative juices—think grapefruit, cranberry, pineapple, and blood orange—for a flavor upgrade. Others involve fruit purée in place of juice, like mango for a tropical twist, watermelon for summer vibes, or passionfruit for an exotic boost.
For an autumn event, consider ultra-cold apple cider instead of citrus juice. To add complexity and savory notes, garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary or a couple of jalapeño slices. Or skip the champagne and use coconut rum for an island theme or whiskey for an Irish-inspired mimosa.
And for a more inclusive experience, consider offering “virgin” mimosas made with seltzer or ginger ale instead of wine.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftover mimosas in an airtight container or resealed bottle and consume within 24 hours for the best flavor and fizz. A fully assembled mimosa does not freeze well. You can freeze leftover orange juice in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. If you store leftover champagne in the fridge in its original bottle, resealed with a champagne stopper, some bubbles will remain for 1-2 days.
The best part about a mimosa is its sparkle, which dissipates quickly. That means it’s not a great idea to batch these drinks ahead of time. To prep for a party, squeeze the orange juice up to a day ahead, then keep it and the champagne chilled until guests arrive. Combine each drink just before serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve mimosas as part of a traditional brunch spread or whenever you’re making breakfast for dinner. Classic pairings include Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast, Crack Potatoes, Oven-Baked Scrambled Eggs, and this gorgeous, berry-topped Baked French Toast.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine (750ml) well chilled
- 12 ounces orange juice freshly squeezed, well chilled
- Orange slices optional for garnish
Instructions
- Make sure both the orange juice and the champagne are well chilled before preparing.
- Fill each flute about 2/3 full with champagne, pouring gently down the side of the glass to reduce fizz.
- Top each glass with about 2 ounces of orange juice. Leave a little room at the top to maintain the bubbles.
- Stir very lightly if needed, garnish with an orange slice, and serve right away.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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