Step into a world of festive cheer and vibrant flavors with the ultimate Christmas Mimosa recipe! Forget ordinary brunch cocktails; this isn’t just any mimosa. Crafted with the concentrated, sweet zest of mandarin orange juice, it offers a uniquely fruity and sophisticated twist that will elevate your holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare in advance or mix by the glass, these sparkling Christmas cocktails are as stunning to behold as they are delicious to sip. Impress your guests and make your Christmas brunch unforgettable with this dazzling, effervescent delight!
There’s something inherently magical about Christmas morning, a blend of anticipation, warmth, and the joy of togetherness. And what better way to toast to this cherished occasion than with a sophisticated and sparkling beverage? Mimosas have long been a brunch staple, but our Christmas Mimosa takes this classic to an entirely new level, infusing it with seasonal charm and an irresistible depth of flavor. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, designed to add a touch of glamour and merriment to your holiday spread.
At the heart of this festive concoction is mandarin orange juice, a thoughtful departure from traditional orange juice. Mandarins boast a richer, more intense sweetness and a beautifully aromatic profile, lending a distinctly “Christmasy” taste that perfectly complements the season. Whether you opt to freshly squeeze your own for peak freshness or find a high-quality store-bought option, the mandarin juice sets a luxurious foundation for this exquisite cocktail.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. A splash of Grand Marnier, an exquisite orange liqueur, is introduced to the mix, adding a sophisticated layer of citrusy warmth and a subtle hint of cognac. This thoughtful addition not only deepens the flavor profile but also gives the Christmas Mimosa a delightful “wee bit boozier” kick, setting it apart from its everyday counterpart. Finally, a generous pour of chilled Champagne or Prosecco completes the ensemble, providing that signature effervescence that makes a mimosa so wonderfully celebratory. The result is a vibrant, bubbly, and utterly delicious drink that will become the star of your holiday brunch.
Why This Christmas Mimosa Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite
What You’ll Love About Christmas Mimosas
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe is designed for both ease and impact. Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or an intimate family brunch, you can whip up these mimosas by the glass for a quick treat or in a pitcher for seamless serving. They’re deliciously different, yet incredibly simple to make, ensuring you spend less time mixing and more time celebrating.
- A Symphony of Seasonal Flavors: The star here is the unique combination of sweet mandarin juice and the sophisticated notes of Grand Marnier. This duo creates a delightful citrusy zing with underlying warmth that is distinctly festive and utterly refreshing. It’s a flavor profile that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.
- Inclusive for All Guests: Planning for everyone? These mimosas are wonderfully versatile. They can be easily adapted for non-alcoholic versions, making them enjoyable for guests of all ages. Simply swap the sparkling wine for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider, and everyone can partake in the holiday toast.
- Smart Make-Ahead Options: Streamline your holiday morning! If you’re squeezing your own mandarin juice, you can prepare it a few days in advance. This means that when Christmas morning arrives, all that’s left to do is combine, pour, and serve. A truly stress-free holiday entertaining solution.
- Visually Stunning: Beyond taste, these mimosas are a feast for the eyes. Their vibrant golden hue, especially when garnished with bright sugared cranberries and mandarin slices, adds a beautiful splash of color to your holiday table, instantly setting a joyful mood.
Ingredients for Your Festive Christmas Mimosa
- Mandarin Juice: The hero ingredient! Opt for freshly squeezed mandarin juice if possible; its concentrated, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor is unmatched and truly makes this mimosa special. Ensure it’s well-chilled for the best results. If fresh mandarins aren’t available, look for high-quality, 100% mandarin juice in larger grocery stores.
- Grand Marnier: This orange-flavored liqueur brings depth, a hint of cognac warmth, and a delightful aromatic sweetness that elevates the mandarin juice. It’s an essential component for that extra celebratory kick and complex flavor.
- Prosecco or Champagne: Your choice of sparkling wine will provide the effervescence. Prosecco, typically lighter and fruitier, is a popular and cost-effective choice. Champagne, with its more complex and yeasty notes, offers a luxurious alternative. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s thoroughly chilled to maintain its bubbles and refreshing quality.
- Mandarin Slices: (Optional Garnish) Fresh mandarin slices are a beautiful and edible garnish, adding to the citrus theme and providing a pop of color.
- Sugared Cranberries: (Optional Garnish) These glistening, festive berries are super easy to make and transform your mimosa into a holiday masterpiece. Their tartness also provides a lovely contrast to the sweet drink.
Crafting Your Christmas Mimosa: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these festive mimosas is incredibly straightforward, whether you’re serving a crowd or just enjoying a quiet moment. Precision in chilling and gentle mixing are key to preserving the delightful fizz.
For a Pitcher (Serving a Crowd)
Preparing a pitcher is ideal for entertaining, allowing you to easily serve multiple guests without constantly mixing individual drinks. Follow these steps for a perfectly blended batch:
- Thoroughly Chill Ingredients: This is a crucial first step! Place both the Prosecco (or Champagne) and the mandarin juice in the refrigerator at least 3 hours before you plan to serve. The colder they are, the longer your mimosa will stay bubbly and refreshing.
- Combine the Base: In your pitcher, pour in the chilled mandarin juice and the Grand Marnier. Give them a good stir to ensure the flavors are thoroughly blended. This creates a harmonious base for your sparkling wine.
- Gently Add the Bubbly: Slowly and gently pour the chilled Prosecco into the pitcher. The key here is to tilt the pitcher slightly and pour down the side to minimize the loss of carbonation. Avoid vigorous stirring, as this will flatten the drink. A gentle fold or two is all you need to combine the ingredients.
- Serve and Garnish: Once mixed, immediately pour the mimosa into individual champagne flutes. For a stunning presentation, garnish each glass with a fresh slice of mandarin orange or a few sparkling sugared cranberries. The visual appeal is half the fun!
By the Glass (Individual Servings)
If you’re making just one or two Mimosas, or if guests prefer to customize their drinks, mixing by the glass is the way to go. It ensures maximum fizz and freshness for each serving.
- Start with Liqueur: Pour 1 ounce of Grand Marnier into the bottom of a chilled Champagne flute. Chilling the flute beforehand helps keep the drink cold and bubbly longer.
- Add Mandarin Juice: Follow with 1 ounce of chilled mandarin orange juice. Gently swirl the glass to combine the Grand Marnier and juice. This ensures a consistent flavor from the first sip.
- Top with Sparkle: Slowly top up your glass with 2-3 ounces of chilled Champagne or Prosecco. Pouring slowly down the side of the glass helps maintain the fizz. Adjust the amount of sparkling wine to your preference for strength and sweetness.
- Garnish and Savor: Add your chosen garnish – a mandarin slice or sugared cranberries – and enjoy your perfectly crafted Christmas Mimosa immediately!
Creating Dazzling Sugared Cranberries
Sugared cranberries are an effortless way to add a touch of festive elegance to your Christmas Mimosas, and they’re surprisingly simple to make! These ruby red jewels, coated in shimmering sugar, look like frosted ornaments and add a delightful tart burst with every sip.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts white granulated sugar and water (for example, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water). Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
- Cool and Infuse: Allow the simple syrup to cool for about 20 minutes. It should still be warm but not scalding. Add your fresh cranberries to the cooled simple syrup, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to absorb some sweetness.
- Dry Until Tacky: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cranberries from the syrup and transfer them to a wire drying rack set over a baking sheet (to catch any drips). Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes, or until they feel slightly tacky to the touch. This stickiness is what will help the sugar adhere.
- Sugar Coat: Roll the tacky cranberries in a bowl of superfine sugar (also known as caster sugar, which creates a finer, more delicate coating) or regular white granulated sugar if superfine isn’t available. Gently toss them until they are evenly coated and sparkling.
- Final Drying: Return the sugared cranberries to the drying rack and let them dry for at least an hour, or until the sugar coating is firm and no longer wet. Once dry, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. While you’re in the festive mood, consider making a batch of Christmas potpourri to truly immerse your home in the holiday spirit!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Christmas Mimosa
- Mandarin Juice Alternatives: While mandarin juice is highly recommended for its unique flavor, if you find it challenging to source, freshly squeezed orange juice is an excellent and readily available substitute. Aim for high-quality, pulp-free juice for the smoothest texture. For an even more exotic twist, try a blend of orange and a splash of grapefruit juice.
- Lower-Alcohol or Non-Alcoholic Versions: Catering to all preferences is easy! For a lighter option, replace part of the Prosecco with sparkling water. For a completely non-alcoholic version, swap the Prosecco entirely for sparkling water, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, or even sparkling cider. You can also omit the Grand Marnier or replace it with a splash of orange blossom water or a non-alcoholic orange syrup.
- Preserving the Fizz: The key to a lively mimosa is to always pour the sparkling wine last. This minimizes agitation and helps retain the precious bubbles. Serve immediately after mixing, especially for individual glasses, to ensure maximum effervescence.
- Optimal Temperature: Ensure all ingredients – especially the sparkling wine and juice – are thoroughly chilled. Warm ingredients will cause your mimosa to go flat faster. Store your champagne flutes in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving for an extra-cold, refreshing drink.
- Glassware Matters: While any glass will work, traditional champagne flutes are ideal. Their tall, narrow shape helps to preserve the carbonation, keeping your mimosa bubbly for longer, and also showcases the beautiful color of the drink.
- Balance is Key: The classic mimosa ratio is often 1 part juice to 1 part sparkling wine. However, with the addition of Grand Marnier and the richer mandarin juice, you might prefer a slightly lower juice-to-sparkling wine ratio to prevent it from becoming overly sweet or heavy. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
More Festive Drinks to Try
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Christmas Mimosa
In my home, the magic of Christmas morning often culminates in a leisurely brunch after the presents have been opened and the initial excitement has settled. These Christmas Mimosas are an absolute must-have during this cherished tradition, and they pair beautifully with a variety of holiday brunch favorites. Their bright, citrusy notes and subtle sweetness make them incredibly versatile.
For a hearty and satisfying spread, I love serving them alongside savory casseroles. My Christmas Morning Casserole, packed with eggs, sausage, and cheese, is always a crowd-pleaser and stands up wonderfully to the mimosa’s effervescence. Another fantastic option is an easy breakfast brunch bake, offering comforting flavors that complement the drink’s light fruitiness.
If you’re leaning towards sweeter fare, these mimosas are heavenly with fluffy pancakes. Go with amazing buttermilk pancakes, perhaps dressed up with a festive berry compote, and serve them alongside a side of crispy Smoked Candied Bacon. The sweet and smoky bacon provides a delightful contrast to the mimosa’s bright profile. For lighter bites, consider a fresh fruit platter featuring seasonal berries and melon, or elegant mini quiches. No matter what you choose, the Christmas Mimosa is sure to be the crowning jewel of your holiday brunch table.
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Christmas Mimosa
Course
Brunch, Drinks
Cuisine
American
Keyword
brunch cocktail, christmas mimosa, christmas cocktails, mimosa, holiday drink
Prep Time
5 minutes
Total Time
5 minutes
Servings
1
cocktail
Author
Chef Jenn
Ingredients
By the pitcher
- 1 cup mandarin juice
- 1 cup Grand Marnier
- 1 bottle (750 mL) Prosecco or Champagne chilled
By the glass
- 1 ounce mandarin juice
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- 2-3 ounces Champagne or Prosecco to top off the glass
Instructions
In a pitcher
- Chill the Prosecco and mandarin juice at least 3 hours ahead of time.
- Combine the mandarin juice and Grand Marnier in the pitcher. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Slowly pour the chilled Prosecco into the pitcher, gently tilting to keep the bubbly fizz. Avoid vigorous stirring.
- Pour the mimosa into champagne flutes and garnish with a slice of mandarin orange or sugared cranberries. Serve immediately.
By the glass
- Add 1 ounce of Grand Marnier to the bottom of a chilled Champagne flute.
- Add 1 ounce of chilled mandarin orange juice to the glass and gently swirl to mix.
- Top up your glass with 2-3 ounces of chilled Champagne or Prosecco, pouring slowly.
- Garnish and enjoy your fresh, bubbly mimosa!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- If you can’t find mandarin juice, freshly squeezed orange juice is a great substitute.
- For a low-alcohol version, replace the Prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- Always pour the Prosecco last to keep the cocktail bubbly and fresh.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
cocktail
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
There you have it – your guide to crafting the most delightful and impressive Christmas Mimosa! This sparkling drink, with its unique mandarin orange essence and hint of Grand Marnier, is more than just a cocktail; it’s a festive statement. It brings cheer, elegance, and incredible flavor to your holiday table, making every sip a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas brunch or enjoying a quiet holiday morning, this recipe is designed to add a touch of magic to your festivities. So, gather your ingredients, chill your bubbly, and get ready to toast to a truly wonderful Christmas!