This Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a sparkly drink that’s perfect for the holidays! It’s made with bubbly champagne and tart cranberry juice—so festive and refreshing!
I love serving these at holiday brunches. They add a pop of color to the table, and trust me, everyone will want a refill! Cheers to making merry! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice: For the best flavor, go for unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice. If you want something lighter, you can use cranberry juice cocktail, but it will be sweeter. Try using pomegranate juice as a flavorful twist!
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Use your favorite champagne, prosecco, or sparkling wine. If you’re on a budget, prosecco is typically less pricey but still delicious. Swap it out for club soda or tonic water for a non-alcoholic version!
Granulated Sugar: The sugar is mainly for the glass rim. If you’re looking for alternatives, use a flavored sugar (like vanilla sugar) or even a mix of sugar and ground cinnamon for a festive touch!
Fresh Cranberries: These not only look pretty but add a hint of tartness. Frozen cranberries can work too—just thaw them first. If cranberries aren’t available, try using fresh raspberries or strawberries.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rim on My Glass?
Rimming the glasses with sugar adds a nice festive touch! Here’s how to do it right:
- Spread some granulated sugar on a small plate. You can use colored sugar for a fun twist, too!
- Moisten the rim of the glass by either dipping it in water or using a wedge of cranberry. Make sure to not soak the rim; just dampen it!
- Quickly dip the damp rim into the sugar, turning it to coat evenly. A nice thick coat gives that frosted look.
Setting the glasses aside allows the sugar to adhere well. Happy toasting!
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 bottle chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Granulated sugar (for rimming the glasses)
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau) for extra flavor
- Optional: Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cranberry Christmas Mimosa takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick festive drink that will impress your guests! Just gather your ingredients, and you’re ready to toast to the holidays!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glasses:
Start by preparing the glass rims. Pour some granulated sugar onto a small plate. Lightly wet the rim of each champagne flute by dipping it into water or rubbing a little cranberry juice around the edge. Dip the wet rim of the glass into the sugar, coating it evenly to create a frosted, festive look. Set the glasses aside.
2. Pour the Juice:
Next, pour about 1/4 cup of cranberry juice into each champagne flute. If you like a hint of citrus, you can add about 1/2 tablespoon of orange liqueur to each glass at this stage for an extra zesty flavor.
3. Add the Bubbles:
Slowly top off each flute with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Pour gently to avoid overflow and to maintain the bubbles. You want each sip to be delightful and fizzy!
4. Garnish and Serve:
Gently stir slightly if needed to combine everything. Now for the fun part! Garnish with a few fresh cranberries floating on top. For an extra festive touch, you can also add a small sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive sparkle with family and friends!
This Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is a bright and bubbly holiday cocktail, perfect for your festive gatherings and holiday brunches. Cheers to a happy holiday season!
Can I Use a Different Type of Juice?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different juices such as pomegranate, orange, or even a mixture of juices for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that other juices may alter the taste, so choose ones that complement champagne well.
How Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?
For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the champagne with sparkling juice or club soda. This way, you can still enjoy the bubbly festive feel without the alcohol!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Granulated Sugar?
If you don’t have granulated sugar, you can use powdered sugar or even a flavored sugar like vanilla sugar for rimming the glasses. For a spicy twist, try rimming with cinnamon sugar!
How Do I Store Leftover Champagne?
If you have leftover champagne, make sure to recork it tightly and store it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two, as it can lose its bubbles over time. You can also use it for mimosas later on!
