Cranberry Mimosa Cocktail Recipe
Cranberry Mimosa Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:11%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Cranberry Mimosa is a festive twist on the classic Mimosa, which traditionally combines sparkling wine with orange juice. This version, however, brings the tartness of cranberry to the mix, making it a popular choice for holiday brunches and celebrations.
- Origins: The original Mimosa is believed to have been invented around the 1920s in the Hotel Ritz Paris.
- Popularity: The Cranberry Mimosa gained popularity as people looked for variations to the classic to suit different seasons and tastes.
- Ideal For: It's particularly favored by those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart flavors and is often served at events like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How Cranberry Mimosa Tastes?
A Cranberry Mimosa is a delightful balance of sweet and tart. The effervescence of the sparkling wine adds a light and airy quality, while the cranberry juice provides a sharp contrast that is both refreshing and slightly tangy.
Interesting facts about Cranberry Mimosa
- Cranberry Mimosas are often associated with winter holidays due to the seasonal availability of cranberries.
- This cocktail can be made non-alcoholic by replacing the sparkling wine with sparkling water or soda.
- The color of a Cranberry Mimosa can be a beautiful deep red or pink, depending on the cranberry juice used.
Ingredients
- Sparkling wine: 4 oz(120ml)
- Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh cranberries: Garnish
- Orange twist: Garnish
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine gives the cocktail its characteristic effervescence and lightness. If you use more than 4 oz, the drink might become too boozy and lose the balance with the cranberry juice; less, and you'll miss out on the bubbly charm that defines a mimosa. If you replace it with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, you keep the fizz but lose the kick.
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice adds a tart contrast to the sweetness of the sparkling wine, creating a harmonious blend. 2 oz is the sweet spot, giving you enough flavor without overpowering the wine. If you choose a sweeter cranberry juice or a cranberry juice cocktail, the drink's flavor profile will shift towards the sweeter side. Using less juice would make the drink more dry and wine-forward, while more juice would make it too tart and heavy.
Mary Mitkina
Fresh Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are not just a garnish; they add a pop of color and hint at the cocktail's flavor. No cranberries? No problem! Although they enhance the visual appeal and offer a nibble that's consistent with the drink's taste, leaving them out won't break the cocktail. As an alternative, you could use a lime or lemon twist, which would give a hint of citrus aroma.
Alex Green
Orange Twist
The orange twist lends a subtle citrus aroma which complements the cranberry's tartness. It's the cocktail's bow tie—without it, the presentation might seem a bit underdressed, but it's still a good drink. If you skip it, you'll miss the aromatic kick when you bring the glass to your lips. A lemon twist could be a zesty alternative, adding a brighter fragrance.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Cranberry Mimosa Drink
- Chill all ingredients beforehand.
- Pour 4 oz of sparkling wine into a champagne flute.
- Add 2 oz of cranberry juice.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange twist.
Pro Tips
- To ensure the best flavor, use a high-quality, dry sparkling wine as it complements the tartness of the cranberry juice.
- Serve immediately after pouring to enjoy the bubbles at their best.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses complements the crispness of the mimosa without overpowering its delicate flavors.
- Brunch Items: Pair with classic brunch dishes like eggs benedict or avocado toast to enhance your mid-morning meal.
Main Courses
- Seafood: Delicate seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or seared scallops mirror the lightness of the cocktail.
- Poultry: Chicken salad or turkey sandwiches are excellent options for a light lunch that pairs well.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: The cocktail's citrus notes will be echoed in desserts that feature lemon or berries.
- Vanilla Flavored Sweets: Vanilla panna cotta or sponge cake can balance the acidity of the cranberry.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
- Sparkling Water: For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a hint of citrus can cleanse the palate between sips.
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What you could change in Cranberry Mimosa
- Sparkling Wine: Can be substituted with Prosecco for a sweeter taste or Cava for a drier profile.
- Cranberry Juice: If you prefer a less tart drink, cranberry juice cocktail can be used instead of pure cranberry juice.
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And of course - twists🍹
Pomegranate Mimosa
- Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice
- Add pomegranate seeds for garnish
The pomegranate juice will give the drink a deeper red hue and a richer taste, with a blend of sweet and tart notes. The pomegranate seeds are not only beautiful but also provide a juicy burst with each sip.
Peachy Mimosa
- Mix 1 oz of peach puree with the sparkling wine before adding cranberry juice
- Garnish with a slice of peach
The addition of peach puree brings a summery sweetness and a velvety texture to the cocktail. This twist is like biting into a ripe peach on a bubbly summer day.
Elderflower Mimosa
- Add 1/2 oz of elderflower liqueur before the cranberry juice
- Use a sprig of mint for garnish instead of cranberries
Elderflower liqueur adds a floral sweetness, elevating the cocktail's complexity. The mint garnish brings a refreshing aroma, making every sip feel like a breeze through an enchanted garden.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cranberry Mimosa
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cranberry Mimosa
Can I use a different type of glassware aside from a champagne flute for a Cranberry Mimosa?
While a champagne flute is traditional for mimosas to preserve the bubbles and present the drink elegantly, you can also use other types of glassware like a white wine glass or even a coupe if you prefer.
Is it possible to prepare a Cranberry Mimosa in advance?
It's not recommended to mix the sparkling wine with juice ahead of time as it will lose its effervescence. However, you can pre-chill the ingredients and have your garnishes ready to go.
What food pairings work well with a Cranberry Mimosa?
Cranberry Mimosas are versatile and complement savory brunch items like quiche and frittata, as well as sweet dishes like Belgian waffles and pancakes.
How long does an opened bottle of sparkling wine last?
Once opened, sparkling wine should ideally be consumed within a few hours. If recapped with a wine stopper designed for sparkling wine, it can last in the refrigerator for 1-3 days but will gradually lose its fizz.
Can I use frozen cranberries as a garnish?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used as a garnish. They can also help keep the drink cool, acting as edible ice cubes.
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