This Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a festive drink that mixes bubbly champagne with tart cranberry juice. It’s the perfect way to add some sparkle to your holiday parties!
You’ll impress your guests with this simple drink that looks fancy but takes no time to whip up. I love serving it with brunch and pretending I’m a real mixologist! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: Use 100% pure cranberry juice for the best flavor, avoiding added sugars. If you prefer, you can swap it for pomegranate juice for a different taste or cranberry cocktail juice if you’re looking for something sweeter.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Any dry sparkling wine will work, like Prosecco or Cava, if you’re on a budget. Just make sure it’s chilled well for that bubbly effect. My personal favorite is a good Prosecco—it adds a lovely sweetness!
Fresh Cranberries: These are great for garnish, but if they’re out of season, consider using frozen cranberries. They also look pretty and maintain the festive feel!
Sugar for Rimming: If you want to avoid sugar, try using a mixture of salt and chili powder for a unique twist. Or, for a healthier option, you can skip rimming altogether!
How Do You Make the Perfect Frosted Glass Rim?
The sugar rim enhances the appearance and adds a sweet touch to the drink. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a shallow dish of water and another dish for the sugar.
- Dip the top rim of the glass into the water, letting it soak for a second.
- Immediately follow up by dipping the wet rim into the sugar, rolling it to ensure it gets covered evenly.
- Shaking off any excess sugar is crucial to avoid a messy drink!
This simple step elevates your mimosa’s look and taste, making it extra festive!
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably 100% pure, unsweetened)
- 1 bottle chilled champagne or sparkling wine (750 ml)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for rimming the glasses)
- 1 tbsp water (for rimming the glasses)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink takes just about 10 minutes to prepare. Perfect for making a quick batch before your holiday gathering begins or for a festive brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by creating a frosty sugar rim on your champagne flutes. Dip the edges of each glass into the water, letting a little drip off. Then, immediately dip the wet rim into the sugar, rolling it to coat evenly. Set the glasses aside to let the sugar adhere well.
2. Add the Cranberry Juice:
Take your prepared glasses and pour about 1/4 cup of cranberry juice into each one. This vibrant layer will provide a beautiful color to your mimosa!
3. Top with Champagne:
Now, gently pour the chilled champagne or sparkling wine over the cranberry juice, filling each glass to the top. Tilt the glass slightly while pouring to avoid too much fizz spilling over.
4. Combine the Flavors:
With a gentle stir, mix the cranberry juice and champagne together. Just a little twist of your spoon will do—it’s important not to lose all the bubbles!
5. Garnish for Festivity:
Float a few fresh cranberries on top of each drink for that beautiful, festive touch. They not only look great but also add a fun burst of flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to enjoy your sparkling Cranberry Christmas Mimosa! Serve them immediately and watch your guests gather around to toast to the holidays. Cheers!
This cocktail balances the tartness of cranberry with the fizz of champagne, making it the perfect holiday celebratory drink. Enjoy the festive spirit!
Can I Use Non-Alcoholic Champagne?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular champagne with non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even club soda for a refreshing, alcohol-free version. It will still taste delicious and look festive!
How Should I Store Leftover Mimosa Mix?
If you have leftover cranberry juice or sparkling wine, store them separately. Keep cranberry juice in the fridge for up to a week and the sparkling wine tightly sealed for a few days. However, once mixed, mimosas are best enjoyed immediately!
Can I Make a Pitcher of Mimosas Ahead of Time?
Yes! Simply mix the cranberry juice with the champagne in a pitcher just before serving to keep it bubbly. Add the fresh cranberries right before serving for garnish, and enjoy your festive pitcher at parties!
What Other Fruits Can I Use for Variations?
For a fun twist, try using orange juice for a classic mimosa feel, or mix in some pomegranate juice for additional tartness. You can also garnish with slices of citrus fruits for added color and flavor!
