Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa Cocktail Recipe

The Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa is a festive twist on the classic Mimosa cocktail. Traditionally, a Mimosa is a simple blend of orange juice and sparkling wine, often enjoyed during brunch or special occasions. The addition of vanilla-flavored vodka and cranberry juice to this version brings a warm, aromatic complexity that pairs beautifully with the effervescence of the sparkling wine.

• Who Would Like It: This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a hint of vanilla sophistication. It's particularly popular during the holiday season, but its refreshing nature makes it a hit year-round for brunches and celebrations.

The Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa offers a delightful interplay of flavors. It's lightly sweet with a tart edge from the cranberry juice, while the vanilla vodka adds a smooth, creamy undertone. The sparkling wine tops it off with a crisp, bubbly finish that refreshes the palate.

• The Mimosa cocktail is named after the yellow-flowered mimosa plant, which its original orange hue resembles.
• Vanilla has been used as a flavoring since the time of the Aztecs.
• Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America and are a staple in American Thanksgiving celebrations.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour 1 ½ ounces of vanilla flavored vodka and 1 ½ ounces of cranberry juice into the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
5. Top with sparkling wine, filling the glass.
6. Optionally, garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a vanilla pod.

• Chill your champagne flute before serving to keep your Mimosa colder for longer.
• If you prefer a less alcoholic drink, use more cranberry juice and less vanilla vodka.
• To enhance the vanilla flavor, scrape a vanilla bean pod into the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

Appetizers

• Cheese Platters: The creaminess of cheese contrasts beautifully with the acidity of cranberry and the crispness of sparkling wine.
• Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or scallops, pair nicely, as they do not overpower the delicate flavors of the mimosa.
• Brunch Items: Think of pairing it with brunch classics like eggs benedict or a savory quiche.
• Desserts: A fruit tart or vanilla panna cotta could complement the vanilla notes in the mimosa.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic pairing, consider a crisp sparkling water to cleanse the palate between sips.
• Herbal Teas: A calming chamomile or a light green tea can be a nice accompaniment if you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage that still complements the flavors.

• Vanilla Flavored Vodka: If you don't have vanilla flavored vodka, you can use regular vodka and a drop of pure vanilla extract.
• Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice can be a suitable substitute for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
• Sparkling Wine: Any type of sparkling wine will do, but for a sweeter Mimosa, use Moscato d'Asti or for a drier one, Brut Champagne.

Berry Vanilla Mimosa

Swap cranberry juice for mixed berry juice for a Berry Vanilla Mimosa—a concoction that strays into the sweet enchantment of a fairytale forest.

Tropical Vanilla Mimosa

1.5oz Coconut flavored Rum, 1.5oz Pineapple Juice, To fill Sparkling Wine.

Escape to an island paradise by swapping vodka and cranberry for coconut flavored rum and pineapple juice. A tropical breeze in flute form, this twist dances the line between sweet and tangy.

Vanilla Pomegranate Mimosa

1.5oz Vanilla Flavored Vodka, 1.5oz Pomegranate Juice, To fill Sparkling Wine.

For an exotic kiss, opt for pomegranate juice instead of cranberry. The Vanilla Pomegranate Mimosa is a deeper dive into a romance where vanilla meets a more complex tartness.