Refreshing Cranberry Mimosa Recipe That Will Elevate Your Brunch!

Sophia

Founder of Vintage cooks

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There’s something irresistible about the sparkle of a perfectly chilled mimosa, but when cranberry joins the mix, it elevates this classic brunch favorite into something truly festive and refreshing. Last holiday season, I found myself craving a bubbly drink that felt both celebratory and a little unexpected—enter the Cranberry Mimosa. Its vibrant color and slightly tart flavor made it an instant crowd-pleaser, whether for a cozy morning with friends or a lively weekend gathering. What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients, yet delivers a flavor that feels anything but simple. If you’re tired of the usual orange juice routine or just want to add a seasonal twist to your bubbly, this is the recipe that will brighten your table and your spirits alike.

Why Try This Cranberry Mimosa Recipe?

Effortless Elegance: This Cranberry Mimosa requires minimal ingredients yet looks stunning on any brunch table. Vibrant Flavor: The tartness of cranberry beautifully balances the sweetness of sparkling wine. Versatile Occasion Drink: Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or casual gatherings. Refreshing Twist: It breaks away from the traditional orange juice mimosa with a festive flair. Crowd Favorite: Its bright color and crisp taste make it an instant hit every time.

Cranberry Mimosa Ingredients

For the Mimosa Base

Chilled sparkling wine – Choose a dry or brut variety to balance the tartness in your Cranberry Mimosa.
Cranberry juice – Opt for 100% pure cranberry juice for a vibrant color and authentic tart flavor.

For Garnishes

Fresh cranberries – Add a festive touch and slight crunch by floating a few in each glass.
Orange slices or twists – Provide a subtle citrus aroma that complements the cranberry beautifully.

Optional Sweetener

Simple syrup – Use sparingly if you prefer a sweeter mimosa without overpowering the cranberry’s natural tartness.

How to Make Cranberry Mimosa

For the Base:

Chill Ingredients: Place sparkling wine and cranberry juice in the fridge (around 40°F) for at least 1 hour to keep drinks icy cold.
Pour Cranberry Juice: Fill each flute one-third full with cranberry juice, watching for a deep red color and delicate bubbles forming at the top.
Add Sparkling Wine: Gently pour chilled sparkling wine into each glass until three-quarters full, preserving the lively fizz and balancing the cranberry’s tartness with subtle, complimentary notes.

For the Garnish:

Decorate Drink: Float 3–4 fresh cranberries in each glass and hook a twist of orange peel on the rim for a festive presentation.
Serve Immediately: Serve the drink immediately to enjoy its full sparkle and uplifting, vibrant flavor while the bubbles are at their liveliest.

Optional: Rim glasses with sugar for a touch of extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Cranberry Mimosa?

A festive brunch isn’t complete without delightful pairings to complement your bubbly drink, and the Cranberry Mimosa is no exception.

Fluffy Pancakes: Light and airy pancakes serve as a perfect canvas for syrup, balancing the tartness of your mimosa.
Savory Quiche: A rich, cheesy quiche provides a satisfying contrast to the cranberry’s zest, ensuring a well-rounded meal.
Citrus Salad: Bright, refreshing citrus segments enhance the mimosa experience, bringing both freshness and a splash of color to your brunch table.
Spiced Breakfast Sausages: The savory notes of lightly spiced sausage will harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberry mimosa.
Baked Brie with Apricot Jam: Creamy, melty brie with a touch of sweetness pairs exquisitely with the tart mimosa for a luxurious bites.

For something sweet, consider serving Mini Fruit Tarts: These delightful treats are packed with seasonal fruits that echo the flavors of your mimosa while offering a crunchy texture. It’s the ideal way to finish off a lovely brunch spread!

Light Sparkling Water: A refreshing, non-alcoholic option that mirrors the bubble and adds hydration without overpowering the flavor profile.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Mimosas are perfect for busy brunch hosts looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prep the cranberry juice in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to seal it tightly to maintain its freshness. The sparkling wine can also be chilled ahead of time, saving you those last-minute rushes. On the day of your gathering, simply pour the cranberry juice and sparkling wine into the glasses, adding fresh cranberries and orange slices right before serving. This way, you’ll have delightful, bubbly drinks ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maintain that vibrant sparkle!

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Mimosa

Fridge: Store any leftover Cranberry Mimosa in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep the sparkling wine and cranberry juice separated to maintain fizz.

Freezer: While it’s not recommended to freeze mixed mimosas, you can freeze cranberry juice in ice cube trays for future use. This is great for keeping drinks chilled without dilution!

Preparation: If preparing in advance, mix the cranberry juice and sparkling wine just before serving to enjoy the drink’s full flavor and effervescence.

Reheating: Not applicable, as mimosas are best served chilled and fresh. Enjoy them right after preparation for the ultimate refreshing experience.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Mimosa

Chill Thoroughly: Always chill your sparkling wine and cranberry juice well beforehand to keep the mimosa icy cold and refreshingly crisp.
Pour Gently: When adding sparkling wine, pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles and avoid overflow.
Balance Flavors: Use a dry or brut sparkling wine to complement the tart cranberry juice without making the drink overly sweet.
Fresh Garnishes: Add fresh cranberries and orange twists just before serving to enhance both aroma and presentation.
Control Sweetness: If sweetness is desired, add simple syrup sparingly to keep the natural tartness of the cranberry mimosa intact.
Serve Immediately: Mimosa’s sparkle fades quickly; serve right after preparation to enjoy the best flavor and effervescence.

Cranberry Mimosa Variations

Feel free to add your personal touch to this delightful drink, making it even more perfect for your gathering!

Berry Burst: Mix in a splash of blueberry or raspberry juice for an extra layer of fruity flavor and color. The combination of berries perfectly complements the cranberry’s tartness.
Citrus Twang: Squeeze in some fresh lime or lemon juice for a zesty kick that brightens every sip. A hint of citrus adds a new dimension to your mimosa experience.
Ginger Zing: Stir in some ginger syrup or ginger ale for a warm spiciness that pairs remarkably with the floral notes of cranberry. The extra effervescence elevates your drink with a fun fizz.
Mint Freshness: Infuse your mimosa with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal twist. Simply muddle a few leaves at the bottom of the glass before adding the juice and wine.
Sparkling Water: For a lighter version, substitute part of the sparkling wine with sparkling water. This will keep your drink bubbly while lowering the alcohol content.
Fruity Garnish: Add slices of fresh strawberries or lime as a garnish for a vibrant and colorful presentation. They bring a visual delight and can be enjoyed alongside your drink.
Explore Wine Choices: Try using a flavored sparkling wine, like peach or mango, to add an exciting twist to the classic flavor profile of your Cranberry Mimosa.
Spiced Variation: Infuse your cranberry juice with some cinnamon or nutmeg to evoke warming flavors that are perfect for seasonal gatherings. A hint of spice can make your drink feel extra cozy and festive.

Cranberry Mimosa Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my cranberry juice is the best choice for this mimosa?
Look for 100% pure cranberry juice without added sugars or artificial flavors. The juice should have a deep red color and a clear, tart aroma. Avoid cloudy or overly sweetened varieties, as they can throw off the perfect balance with the sparkling wine.

Can I store leftover Cranberry Mimosa for later?
Absolutely! Store leftover mimosa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To keep it fresher longer, I recommend keeping the sparkling wine and cranberry juice separate until you’re ready to serve, since mixing causes the fizz to dissipate quickly.

Is it possible to freeze Cranberry Mimosa or its ingredients?
While freezing the mixed drink isn’t ideal—it loses its sparkle—freezing cranberry juice in ice cube trays is a fantastic trick. These cranberry ice cubes chill your drinks without watering them down. Simply pop some cubes in your glass, then pour your sparkling wine over just before serving.

What should I do if my mimosa tastes too tart or too sweet?
If your mimosa feels too tart, gently stir in a small amount of simple syrup—start with a teaspoon and adjust gradually. If it’s too sweet, try using a drier sparkling wine next time or add more cranberry juice to balance the flavor. Taste-testing as you build your drink makes all the difference.

Are Cranberry Mimosas safe if I have dietary restrictions or pets around?
This drink contains alcohol and cranberry juice, so it’s not suitable for children or pets (cranberries can upset pets’ stomachs). For allergy concerns, check the label on the sparkling wine and cranberry juice to ensure no additives trigger your sensitivities. If avoiding alcohol, consider substituting sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine with cranberry juice for a festive alternative.