This fun Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a festive drink that combines bubbly champagne with tart cranberry juice. It looks pretty and tastes great, perfect for holiday cheers!
Let’s be real, this drink is like a holiday party in a glass! I love serving it with brunch or just when friends drop by. It’s a delightful way to brighten up any gathering! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Choose 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor. If you prefer it sweeter, a blend with apple juice can work too! Just adjust the sparkling wine to balance the sweetness.
Sparkling Wine or Champagne: Pick a dry variety like Prosecco or Cava if Champagne is not an option. This balances the tartness of the cranberry juice well. Non-alcoholic sparkling beverages are also a fun choice for festive mocktails!
Fresh Cranberries: They add a holiday touch and are great for garnish! If they’re hard to find, you can use frozen cranberries just for decoration since they thaw well.
Sugar: Use white sugar for rimming the glasses, but feel free to try flavored sugars like vanilla or citrus for a twist. You can skip this if you’re looking to cut down on sugar.
How Can I Perfectly Rim My Glasses?
Rimming the glasses adds a lovely touch, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by mixing the water and sugar. Aim for equal amounts for a good coating.
- Briefly dip the rim of the glass in the water, ensuring it’s just coated, not soaked.
- Immediately dip it into the sugar. Twist gently to ensure an even coat.
- Let them sit upside down for a moment to let the sugar adhere better.
This simple technique makes all the difference visually and adds a sweet touch to the drink!
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably 100% juice, chilled)
- 1 bottle dry sparkling wine or Champagne (chilled)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for rimming glasses)
- 1 tablespoon water (for rimming glasses)
- Optional: orange slice or zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink requires about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a bit of time rimming the glasses and pouring the ingredients, making it quick and easy to whip up for your holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass Rims:
To make the glasses extra special, start by pouring the sugar onto a shallow plate. On another plate, pour the water. Dip the rim of each champagne flute into the water lightly, then roll it in the sugar to coat it evenly. Set the glasses aside to let them dry slightly.
2. Pour the Juice:
Next, carefully pour the cranberry juice into each flute, filling them about halfway. This tart juice is the star of the drink!
3. Top with Sparkling Wine:
Now it’s time for the bubbly! Gently top off each glass with the chilled sparkling wine or Champagne. Pour slowly to avoid any overflow or excessive fizz.
4. Add Festive Garnishes:
For a beautiful finish, gently drop a few fresh cranberries into each glass. If you want to get fancy, you can also add a small slice or zest of orange on the rim or in the glass for an extra burst of flavor and color.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Now that your drinks are ready, serve them immediately and watch your guests smile as they toast to the joyful season. Enjoy the sparkling, tart holiday cheer!
This elegant and easy Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is perfect for holiday toasts and brunches. Cheers!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, there are many fantastic sparkling juices or non-alcoholic sparkling wines available that will give you the same festive fizz without the alcohol.
How Can I Make This Mimosa Sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can mix a splash of simple syrup or use cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
Can I Prepare This Mimosa Ahead of Time?
While you can prepare the juice and rim the glasses ahead of time, it’s best to mix the mimosa right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh and lively. Just keep the cranberry juice chilled until you’re ready to pour!
How Do I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Store any leftover cranberry juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The leftover sparkling wine or Champagne is best enjoyed fresh but can also be kept in the fridge, sealed tightly, for a short time.
