Cranberry Mimosa Recipe

 

Cranberry Mimosa Recipe

“Picture a sparkling glass rimmed with light, filled to the brim with a ruby red drink that bubbles like a party. The Cranberry Mimosa combines the crisp citrus taste of cranberry juice with the sweet, flowery taste of orange liqueur and chills it down to perfection by topping it off with a splash of cold champagne. A strip of orange zest dances on top of the drink like a ribbon of silk, and whole cranberries bob merrily on its surface like bubbles in a carbonated drink. Every sip of the drink bursts on your taste buds like a multitude of tiny bubbles popping on the roof of your tongue – crisp and refreshing.”

 

Why I love it

I also love the Cranberry Mimosa, which feels like a party in a cup, but it's surprisingly easy to mix. The tartness of the cranberry juice paired with the orange juice provides a refreshing but cozy twist on a mimosa, which works beautifully on cooler mornings when you want something bright but not too sweet. This cocktail has the added benefit of being incredibly easy to mix, as the splash of champagne provides a refreshing effervescence that's more refreshing than heavy, regardless of the weather.

Quick info

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 min

Total time: 5 minutes

The recipe serves 4 glasses.

Difficulty level: Very Easy

Ingredients

·      1 cup (240 ml) chilled 100% cranberry.

·      ½ cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec (120 ml)

·      2 cups (480 ml) chilled dry champagne or prosecco

·      2 tbsp Simple Syrup (optional, to taste)

·      1 orange, thinly sliced for garnish.

·      ½ cup of cranberries, fresh; additional cranberries for decoration

·      Ice cubes (optional, for a slightly diluted drink)

·      A pinch of edible gold dust (optional - added sparkle)

Tools

·      A large pitcher or mixing bowl.

·      A measuring cup or jigger

·      Four champagne flutes

·      Fine-Mesh Strainer (optional, if the desired texture is smoother)

·      Bar spoon or long spoon, for stirring

Instructions

Step 1.

Chill your glasses – Put the champagne flutes in the freezer for 5 minutes. This helps keep the champagne cold for longer and also gives it an icy look.

Step 2.

Mix base – Pour chilled cranberry juice and orange liqueur into a pitcher. If you like a sweeter drink, you may add simple syrup at this point and stir briefly.

Step 3.

Add some sparkle – Now, slowly pour the champagne into the pitcher together with the juices. You will see bubbles forming and giving the mixture a beautiful pinkish color.

Step 4.

Taste and adjust – Taste the mixture lightly. If the mixture tastes too tart, a splash of simple syrup will help; or, if the mixture tastes too sweet, a few drops of cranberry juice will do the trick.

Step 5.

Prepare Garnish – Thread a few fresh cranberries onto a cocktail pick or a toothpick and drop them into glasses. Add an orange slice to the rim of the glass to allow an aroma of citrus.

Step 6.

Serve – Pour each chilled flute glass three-quarters full of the mixture and then garnish it with some additional cranberries and edible gold dust if you like.

Step 7.

Enjoy - Drink this slowly and enjoy the bubbles as they dance in your mouth as you experience the flavors of the cranberry and the orange. This is ideal for drinking in celebration.

 

Approximate macros per serving (based on 4 glasses, without optional syrup)

v Calories: 120 kcal

v Carbohydrates: 12 g

v Protein: 0 g

v Fat: 0 g

v Sugar: 10 g

v Sodium: 5 mg

What to have it WITH

The Cranberry Mimosa is perfect to be enjoyed with brunch items such as butter croissants, fruit salad, and a cheese platter with mild cheeses like Brie and Goat Cheese.

It can be enjoyed with savory bite-sized snacks such as smoked salmon blini and quiches. Therefore, it is considered to be a suitable beverage to be had at brunches and bridal showers.

Tips and variations

·      Berry swap – Substitute half of the cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a richer, ruby hue and a boost of antioxidants.

·      Herbal twist – Add a sprig of rosemary or a few mint leaves to the pitcher for a fragrant boost.

·      Low-alcohol version – Substitute the sparkling wine with a non-alcoholic version and cut the orange liqueur back to ¼ cup, adding a squeeze of club soda for some added sparkle.

·      Spiced up – A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a warm, festive spin.

·   Frozen version – Blend the mixture with a scoop of ice for a slushy, icy cool cocktail perfect for hot weather.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this be done ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry juice and orange liqueur mixture may be prepared in the pitcher several hours ahead of time, and the champagne added just before serving.

2. Do I need to have champagne on hand?

Any kind of dry sparkling wine, prosecco, or even a good quality club soda with a splash of extra orange liqueur would do just fine!

3. Is simple syrup necessary?

No, it is an option. Since it's quite tart on its own, you can always add simple syrup depending on how you like it.

4. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes. Frozen cranberries thaw easily in the cocktail and help keep it chilled.

5. How can I prevent the drink from becoming flat?

The champagne should be poured right before it is served, and if it's to be served for a longer time, the pitcher can be put in ice.

6. Is this appropriate for a vegan diet?

Yes, provided you use a vegan sparkling wine and an orange liqueur that does not contain any animal products.