How To Make A Classic Mimosa

Champagne and orange juice—so simple and classic, yet so delightfully refreshing. The mimosa is the ultimate easy cocktail to have on hand, whether you’re putting together breakfast on Christmas morning or a fabulous Mother's Day brunch.

Chances are you’re going to be doing some entertaining through the year, as friends and family gather for birthdays, anniversaries, and of course the holidays. Hosting is always made easier when you know you’ve got the cocktails under control, and the mimosa is your saving grace when it comes to keeping glasses full and people happy.

What Are Mimosas Made Of?

Mimosas are traditionally made from two ingredients: orange juice and sparkling wine.

Because this drink has so few ingredients, it's a good idea to get good quality ingredients. In this case, that means fresh-squeezed orange juice and a bottle of sparkling wine, Champagne, Proseeco or cava that is middle of the price range, not in the bargain section of the wine aisle.

In a pinch, of course, bottled orange juice will work. In the wise words of Ina Garten, “Store bought is just fine.” Pulp-free orange juice is ideal for mimosas, too. The pulp isn't exactly attractive sticking to the sides of a beautiful Champagne flute.

What kind of juice goes in mimosas?

Orange juice is the traditional juice of choice for a mimosa. But don't hesitate to get creative. Especially during the winter, when citrus fruits are at their prime, you might try blood orange juice or grapefruit juice.

You can also try different types of juice entirely, like pomegranate, guava, or even apple cider in fall. This recipe for Blushing Mimosas uses orange juice, Champagne, pineapple juice, and grenadine, a pomegranate syrup.

What Is the Best Bubbly for Mimosas?

Traditional mimosas use a dry sparkling wine, like a brut Prosecco or brut Champagne. The less sweet wine balances the sweeter orange juice for a cocktail that's perfectly bright, not sugary or sour. If you like a sweeter cocktail, you can certainly use a sweeter wine.

Even though you can use any sparkling wine, remember that super cheap sparkling wine is likely to leave your guests with a headache. A Prosecco in the $12 to $15 range is usually a safe bet.

How To Make the Best Mimosas

Typically made with Champagne and orange juice, a mimosa works just as well with any sparkling wine you have on hand—but you must make sure to keep both ingredients chilled. The key to a great mimosa is very cold bubbles.

The Perfect Ratio for Mimosas

There’s not a hard-and-fast recipe to follow when it comes to making a mimosa. Most people prefer a 1:1 ratio with about 2 1/2 ounces of orange juice and 2 1/2 ounces of sparkling wine.

If you like a little more bubbles to OJ, opt for a 2:1 ratio. So if you’re serving a mimosa in a 6-ounce flute glass, you’ll aim for about 4 ounces of bubbles and 2 ounces of juice for a nice balance.

Of course, if you like just a hint of wine, flip that ratio and go for 1 part sparkling wine to 2 parts orange juice.

If you're serving to a crowd, you can let guests pick their own ratio, so they can choose to add more or less juice any time. Just be sure to have plenty of juice and sparkling wine on hand to accommodate their pours.

Make Mimosas for a Party

While it only takes two ingredients to make a perfect mimosa, it’s still a cocktail with which you can opt to have a little fun. Mimosas are a great way to give your guests the chance to create their own experience.

Consider creating a build-your-own-mimosa bar for your guests. It’s an easy way to make your party’s drinks both unique and self-serve.

Start with a few bottles of bubbles in well-packed ice buckets (remember, cold sparkling wine is the most important part) alongside several carafes of juice. Orange juice is classic, but guava, grapefruit, mango, pineapple, and pomegranate juice all make for a tasty sparkling cocktail.

Add a couple bowls of fresh fruit and herbs—think blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds, mint, rosemary, etc. for garnish. Set these up next to your Champagne flutes, and your spectacular mimosa bar is complete.

Can You Make Mimosas Ahead of Time?

You can make a pitcher of mimosas, but this really isn't a beverage that works well in a large batch format. Try to only do this if you know the entire pitcher will be consumed quickly, as adding the juice to the Champagne will lessen the life of the bubbles and their carbonation. And no one wants a flat mimosa. 

Instead, designate an area of your kitchen or buffet as your mimosa station. This way, people can pour as they're ready, and the mimosa will stay bright and bubbly.

Mimosa Variations

If you want to mix up the classic mimosa for something a little more fun, consider these alternatives:

• Different juices, such as cranberry juice, pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, or mango juice
• Fruit purees, such as peach or strawberry, which can be added to the bottom of the Champagne flute for a burst of fresh fruit flavor
• Liqueurs for added flavor and color, such as Chambord, Grand Marnier, and grenadine
• Non-alcoholic bubbles, such as sparkling grape juice, sparkling soda, or flavored carbonated waters