This easy Cranberry Mimosa recipe takes just a minute to prepare and needs only two main ingredients for a festive sparkling champagne cocktail.
Cranberry Mimosa
This Cranberry Mimosa is an ideal holiday cocktail: fast to make, visually striking, and easy to adapt. Adjust the cranberry juice to champagne ratio to make the drink stronger or lighter, and consider adding a rosemary sprig for a festive garnish.
The tartness of cranberry juice pairs beautifully with sparkling wine. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, Christmas party, or New Year’s toast, this bright, bubbly cocktail is a simple way to celebrate.
Ingredients
Only a few items are needed to make a delightful Cranberry Mimosa. The recipe card below includes measurements and full instructions.
- Champagne (or any sparkling wine)
- Cranberry juice
Optional: sugared rim, sugared cranberries, fresh cranberries for garnish, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec for orange notes, fresh rosemary sprigs, or a splash of orange juice to make cranberry-orange mimosas.
Champagne: Use Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or any preferred sparkling wine.
Cranberry juice: Pure cranberry juice is tarter; cranberry juice cocktail is sweeter. Choose based on your taste.
Cranberry-Orange variation: Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
Equipment Needed
Champagne flutes or stemless flutes work well for serving.
How to make Cranberry Mimosas
Below is a quick overview; full steps and a printable recipe card are included further down.
Traditional mimosas combine sparkling wine with chilled citrus juice. For this variation, cranberry juice replaces the orange juice. If you prefer some citrus, simply add a touch of orange juice.
To assemble the drink: pour the cranberry juice into the flute first (about one-third full), then add sparkling wine. Pouring the juice first gives you control over the champagne amount and preserves the bubbles at the top for an attractive finish.
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead: This cocktail is best prepared to order. Mixing ahead causes the sparkle to fade, so serve each glass fresh to keep the carbonation lively.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions: Any sparkling wine works well—Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava.
Sweetness: Use pure cranberry juice for a tart profile or cranberry juice cocktail for a sweeter drink.
Vegetarian & Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegetarian. For vegan-friendly cocktails, select a sparkling wine labeled vegan.
Gluten-Free: Sparkling wine and cranberry juice are naturally gluten-free, so this cocktail suits gluten-free guests.
Alcohol-free: Swap sparkling wine for a non-alcoholic sparkling alternative to make a mocktail.
Large groups: Because carbonation dissipates, prepare individual glasses rather than batching in a pitcher.
Sugar-free: To reduce sugar, choose sugar-free cranberry juice and a low- or no-sugar sparkling option.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Mimosa Cocktail
- Chill both the cranberry juice and the sparkling wine before serving.
- Adjust the ratio of juice to champagne to control strength; more juice softens the drink.
- Fresh cranberries look pretty as a garnish—treat them as decoration rather than a food to eat raw.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a cranberry-orange mimosa variation.
- Use sturdy stemless or unbreakable flutes for larger parties to avoid breakage.
What to Serve with a Cranberry Mimosa
This simple two-ingredient cocktail pairs well with a holiday brunch or breakfast spread. Consider savory sides, hearty mains, and sweet desserts to complement the drink.
Sides: Sausage biscuits, bacon-wrapped smokies, cheesy green beans, stuffing, breakfast biscuit cups, or cranberry salsa.
Main dishes: Apple pancake, eggnog French toast, breakfast casseroles, ham and cheese crescent rolls, or cranberry barbecue meatballs.
Desserts: Sugared cranberries, holiday toffee, reindeer chow, peppermint bark, or simple fruit and cheesecake dips.
Other drinks: Pair with warm choices like eggnog coffee or hot chocolate, or offer other cocktails for variety.
When to Serve
- Holiday gatherings
- Christmas parties
- Holiday brunches
- Christmas breakfasts
- New Year’s toasts
Cranberry Mimosa Recipe
Cranberry Mimosa Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces champagne (or sparkling wine)
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- Cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a champagne flute about one-third full with cranberry juice.
- Top with chilled champagne, pouring slowly to preserve bubbles.
- Optional: float fresh cranberries or add a rosemary sprig for garnish.
Kitchen Tools
- Champagne flutes
Nutrition
