So, the thing about Cranberry Mimosas is that they are basically a fun little twist on the classic mimosa, and they are made with champagne and cranberry juice instead of the usual orange juice.
The nice part is that they come together really quickly, and you don’t need to spend much time preparing them because it’s mostly just pouring and garnishing. It usually takes about ten minutes, so it’s not something that feels like a big effort.
These drinks are best when you want something light and festive, and they work really well for breakfast or brunch, but honestly they can also be enjoyed later in the day as a casual drink with dinner or even as a small evening treat. They feel cheerful without being complicated.
What is Cranberry Mimosas?
Cranberry Mimosas are basically a holiday version of the classic mimosa, and instead of using orange juice, they are made with cranberry juice and champagne.
The drink is usually served in a champagne flute, and it often has a little garnish like fresh cranberries and rosemary to make it look festive. People usually enjoy it during brunch because that’s when mimosas are most common, but it also works really well as a light drink for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
It’s one of those simple cocktails that feels special without needing a lot of effort, and it’s often seen as a cheerful way to celebrate during the colder months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick to make: Cranberry Mimosas only take about ten minutes to put together, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing them when you want something fast.
Simple ingredients: The recipe uses very basic things like champagne, cranberry juice, lime, sugar, and a few garnishes, so you don’t need to go searching for anything complicated.
Beginner-friendly: Since it’s mostly about pouring and garnishing, it’s easy enough for anyone to make, even if you don’t usually mix drinks.
Festive look: The cranberries and rosemary make the drink look cheerful and holiday-ready, so it feels special without much effort.
Flexible to enjoy: You can serve Cranberry Mimosas at brunch, but they also work nicely for dinner parties or even as a light evening drink.
Ingredients Needed:
When you make Cranberry Mimosas, you really don’t need a lot of things, and most of them are very simple. Each one has a small role that helps the drink taste good and look nice, so it all comes together without much effort.
- Champagne – this is the base that makes the drink bubbly and refreshing.
- Cranberry juice – adds the sweet and tart flavor that gives the holiday twist.
- Lime – helps coat the rim of the glass and adds a little fresh taste.
- Sugar – sticks to the lime on the rim and gives a light sweet touch.
- Fresh cranberries – used mainly for garnish to make the drink look festive.
- Rosemary sprigs – also for garnish, adding a nice holiday feel and a bit of aroma.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Cranberry Mimosas:
Step 1: Prepare the glasses
First, you want to get your champagne flutes ready because that’s what makes the drink feel a little more special. Take a lime and run it gently around the rim of each glass so the edge feels slightly sticky. Then dip the rim into sugar so it coats evenly. This gives the glass a nice frosted look and adds a light sweetness when you take a sip. It’s a small step, but it makes the drink look polished and festive.
Step 2: Add the cranberry juice
Next, pour cranberry juice into each glass. The juice should sit at the bottom and look bright and colorful. It’s good to pour slowly so it doesn’t splash too much, and this way the drink looks neat. The cranberry juice is what gives the mimosa its holiday flavor, so make sure it looks smooth and even in the glass.
Step 3: Top with champagne
Now, carefully add champagne on top of the cranberry juice. Pour it slowly so the bubbles rise gently and the drink doesn’t overflow. The mix of the red juice and the golden champagne looks cheerful, and the bubbles make it feel light and refreshing. You’ll notice the drink looks glossy and sparkling, which is exactly what makes it feel festive.
Step 4: Garnish with cranberries and rosemary
Finally, take a few fresh cranberries and thread them onto a rosemary sprig. Place the sprig into the glass so it stands nicely as a garnish. The cranberries add a pop of color, and the rosemary gives a little aroma that feels like the holidays. This garnish is simple but makes the drink look like it belongs at a celebration.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Sugar rim control: When you coat the rim with lime and sugar, make sure the glass is not too wet, otherwise the sugar can clump instead of sticking evenly.
Pour slowly: Add champagne gently over the cranberry juice so the bubbles rise smoothly and the drink doesn’t spill over.
Juice choice: If you don’t have sweetened cranberry juice, you can use unsweetened and just add a little sugar to balance the taste.
Cold ingredients: Keep both the champagne and juice chilled before making the drink, because it tastes fresher and keeps the bubbles longer.
Garnish balance: Don’t overload the rosemary sprig with too many cranberries, otherwise it can sink or look heavy in the glass.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Orange twist: Swap cranberry juice with orange juice to go back to the classic mimosa style.
- Pomegranate version: Use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for a slightly sweeter and deeper flavor.
- Herb change: Replace rosemary with thyme or mint if you want a different aroma that still feels fresh.
- Holiday sparkle: Add a splash of ginger ale or flavored sparkling water for extra fizz and sweetness.
- Low-sugar option: Use diet champagne or sparkling water mixed with juice if you want fewer calories.
- Summer idea: Try lemon juice with fresh berries instead of cranberries to make it lighter for warm weather.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Brunch gatherings:
Cranberry Mimosas are perfect for brunch because they feel light and refreshing, and they pair well with simple breakfast foods like waffles, pancakes, or even a plate of eggs.
2. Holiday dinners:
Serve with roasted meats or festive sides, since the cranberry flavor matches nicely with turkey, chicken, or even ham, making it a cheerful drink for holiday meals.
3. Casual evenings:
Pairs well with light snacks like cheese boards or finger foods, so you can enjoy it as a small evening drink without needing a full meal.
4. Celebrations:
Perfect for parties or get-togethers, because the garnish makes the drink look festive and adds a little sparkle to the table.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: Cranberry Mimosas don’t really store well once mixed, because the champagne loses its bubbles quickly. It’s best to enjoy them fresh within the same day.
- Best storage method: If you want to prepare ahead, keep the cranberry juice chilled separately and only add champagne right before serving. This way the drink stays fizzy.
- Simple reheating advice: Since this is a cold drink, there’s no reheating needed. If it sits out too long, just add fresh ice or chill the glass again before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I use a different juice instead of cranberry?
Yes, you can swap in pomegranate or even orange juice if you want a different flavor, and it still works fine.
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Can I make Cranberry Mimosas ahead of time?
It’s better not to mix them too early because the champagne will lose its bubbles, but you can chill the juice and prep the garnishes in advance.
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What if the drink tastes too tart?
You can add a little extra sugar or use a sweeter juice to balance the flavor.
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Is this recipe okay for people avoiding alcohol?
You can replace champagne with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink, and it will still feel festive.
Cranberry Mimosas
Description
Cranberry Mimosas are a simple holiday twist on the classic mimosa. They are made with champagne and cranberry juice, then garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive touch. Quick to prepare in just ten minutes, this drink is perfect for brunch, holiday dinners, or casual celebrations when you want something cheerful without much effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Run the cut side of 1 lime half around the rim of each of the 4 champagne flutes, then dip rims into 2 tablespoons sugar until coated evenly.
- Pour ¼ cup sweetened cranberry juice into each prepared glass, letting it settle at the bottom.
- Slowly top each glass with chilled champagne (from the 1 bottle) until the flute is nearly full, pouring gently to keep bubbles steady and avoid overflow.
- Thread 3 fresh cranberries onto each of the 4 rosemary sprigs using a toothpick if needed, then place sprig into each glass as garnish.
- Serve immediately while bubbly and fresh.
Notes
- Chill both champagne and cranberry juice before serving for best flavor and fizz.
- Use unsweetened cranberry juice if you prefer a tart version, but add a little sugar to balance.
- Garnish lightly so the rosemary sprig doesn’t sink or overpower the drink.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 glass
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 225kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 12mg1%
- Potassium 191mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 16g
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 37 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
