This lovely Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a festive drink that sparkles with holiday cheer! It combines refreshing cranberry juice and bubbly champagne for a tasty party treat.
This drink is so pretty and festive, it’ll be the star of your holiday brunch! I love to add a few fresh cranberries for extra flair—because who doesn’t want their drink to look dazzling? 🎄🥂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice is best for controlling the sweetness of your mimosa. If you can’t find cranberry juice, you could use pomegranate juice for a similar flavor!
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Choose a good quality champagne, or opt for sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava if you’re on a budget. The bubbles are what really count!
Sugar for Rimming: Granulated sugar is traditional for the rim, but you could also use colored sugar for a fun twist. If you want a less sweet option, you can skip the rim altogether.
Garnish: Fresh cranberries and rosemary make for lovely garnishes. You can replace rosemary with mint if you prefer a different aromatic flavor!
How Do You Rim Glasses for a Beautiful Presentation?
Rimming glasses with sugar adds a special touch to your presentation. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a shallow dish of water. Dip the rim of each glass into the water to wet it.
- Then, immediately dip the wet rim into a dish of sugar until it’s well-coated.
- It’s best to do this right before pouring your drinks to keep the sugar crisp!
Don’t worry if you’re not perfect; the fun is in the holiday spirit and gathering with friends and family. Happy mixing!
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 tbsp sugar (for rimming the glasses)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs or fir sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp water (to help rim the glasses)
- Ice (optional, if you prefer colder juice before mixing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for holiday brunches or parties. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a festive drink ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by placing the sugar in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, pour in the water. This will be used to rim the glasses with sugar.
2. Rim the Glasses:
Take each champagne flute and dip the rim into the water to wet it. Next, dip the wet rim into the dish of sugar, ensuring it gets well-coated. Set aside the glasses so they’re ready for the delicious drink.
3. Add Cranberry Juice:
Now, pour cranberry juice into each flute, filling them about halfway. This juice will add a lovely color and wonderful flavor to your mimosa.
4. Add the Sparkling Wine:
Next, gently top off each glass with the chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Pour slowly to prevent too much fizz or overflow.
5. Stir Gently:
If needed, give each drink a gentle stir to mix the cranberry juice and champagne. This step helps combine the flavors without losing the bubbles!
6. Garnish Your Drinks:
Add a few fresh cranberries to each drink for a festive touch. You can also place a sprig of rosemary or fir in the glass for added decoration and aroma.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cranberry Christmas Mimosas immediately. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this delightful drink together—cheers to the holiday season!
This drink is light, bubbly, and perfect for holiday brunches or celebrations, with a beautiful deep red color and sugared rim to bring joy to your gathering. Enjoy! 🎄🥂
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, simply substitute the champagne or sparkling wine with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling cider. It will still be festive and delicious!
How to Store Leftover Cranberry Juice?
If you have leftover cranberry juice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using it again, especially if it has settled.
Can I Make This Mimosa Ahead of Time?
It’s best to prepare these mimosas just before serving for the best bubbles. However, you can mix the cranberry juice and sparkling wine in a pitcher, keeping them separate until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to pour into glasses right away so the fizz stays intact!
What Other Garnishes Can I Use?
Besides fresh cranberries and rosemary, you can also use mint leaves, orange slices, or even a twist of lime zest for a citrusy flair. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes!
