This recipe started as a way to make my brunch sparkle a bit more, especially during the holiday season when cranberries are everywhere. I love how the tartness of cranberry juice plays against the bubbly, creating a lively, refreshing sip. It’s a messy, joyful kind of drink, meant to be enjoyed with friends or on a quiet morning when you need a little lift.
The best part? It’s super flexible. A dash more cranberry, a splash of orange, or a little extra fizz — all tweakable to match your mood or whatever’s in the fridge. I’ve made this in pajamas, in fancy glasses, and honestly, it always feels like a tiny celebration.
Celebrating the unexpected: turning a simple brunch drink into a holiday-worthy toast with a splash of tart cranberry.
Why this drink matters to me
- I love how this drink makes brunch feel like a celebration.
- There’s something about the tartness that wakes up my senses.
- I’ve served this at every holiday gathering since I first made it.
- It’s a reminder that simple ingredients can become something special.
- Making this always feels like a mini party, even if it’s just for myself.
Inspiration behind the cranberry mimosa
- A few years ago, I was experimenting with holiday cocktails, trying to find something that felt festive but not overly sweet. Cranberries and champagne seemed like a natural pair, and I added a splash of orange liqueur for depth. The moment I tasted it, I knew I’d found my new favorite brunch staple.
- It’s become a tradition to make this when I want to add a little sparkle to any morning or afternoon. It’s simple, bright, and always makes people smile. Sometimes, I even add a tiny sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for an aromatic twist.
A little history behind the cranberry mimosa
- Cranberry juice has been used in cocktails since the 1950s, adding a bright, tart flavor.
- The mimosa itself originated in France in the 1920s, named after the mimosa flower.
- Cranberries are native to North America and were traditionally used by indigenous peoples for food and medicine.
- Adding a splash of orange liqueur is a modern twist that enhances the citrus notes, popular in brunch drinks.
Ingredient insights and tweaks
- Cranberry juice: I use pure, unsweetened for tartness, but store-bought works fine. It’s bright and punchy. Swap with pomegranate juice for a sweeter, richer flavor.
- Sparkling wine: I prefer a dry prosecco or champagne to keep it crisp. If you only have cava, it’s still lovely but slightly less refined. Look for bubbles that shimmer and pop.
- Orange liqueur: Grand Marnier adds depth, but Cointreau is a good substitute with a citrus punch. Use less if you want it less boozy.
- Simple syrup: Adds just a touch of sweetness, but honey syrup works well too. It’s softer, with a hint of floral.
- Fresh cranberries: They add visual pop and tartness. Frozen ones are fine if fresh aren’t in season. They’re juicy and slightly firm.
Spotlight on Cranberries and Sparkling Wine
Cranberries:
- Vibrant red, tart, and juicy. They hold their shape well and add a fresh burst.
- Sparkling wine: Effervescent, with a crisp, clean finish. It’s the backbone that makes the drink lively and refreshing.
Sparkling wine:
- Look for bubbles that shimmer and pop, adding a lively sparkle to every sip.
- It’s best when well-chilled, and a gentle pour preserves the fizz.
Ingredient substitutions for flexibility
- Dairy-Free: Use sparkling water with a splash of fruit syrup for a bubbly, tart beverage.
- Less Alcohol: Substitute with sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic, fruity twist.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup can replace simple syrup for a richer, earthy sweetness.
- Fresh Cranberries: Dried cranberries soaked in a little water can work in a pinch.
- Champagne Alternative: Use club soda with a splash of fruit juice for a budget-friendly option.
- Orange Liqueur: Triple sec or Cointreau can be swapped depending on what’s in your cabinet.
- Sparkling wine: Sekt or any bubbly works, just adjust sweetness to taste.
Equipment & Tools
- Large mixing pitcher: Combine ingredients and gently stir.
- Spoon or stirrer: Mix ingredients gently without deflating bubbles.
- Champagne flutes or wine glasses: Serve the drink with style and to keep it bubbly.
Step-by-step guide to a sparkling cranberry mimosa
- Chill your glasses and ingredients ahead of time. It’s all about that cold, fizzy freshness.
- In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, a splash of orange liqueur, and a teaspoon of simple syrup if desired.
- Pour the sparkling wine gently into the pitcher, tilting the glass to preserve bubbles.
- Stir gently to combine, then taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Fill each glass halfway with the mixture.
- Top with fresh cranberries and a twist of orange peel for garnish.
- Serve immediately to keep the bubbles lively and the drink cold.
Serve immediately. Garnish with cranberries and a twist of orange peel. Enjoy the sparkle and tartness in every sip.
How to Know It’s Done
- Color should be a vivid, ruby red.
- Bubbles should be lively and persistent.
- The aroma should be bright with hints of citrus and berry.
Cranberry Sparkling Mimosa
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill your glasses and ingredients ahead of time to ensure the drink stays cold and fizzy.
- Pour the cranberry juice into a large mixing pitcher, creating a vibrant red base that smells tart and inviting.
- Add the orange liqueur to the pitcher, giving the mixture a bright citrus aroma and a touch of depth.
- If you like a sweeter drink, stir in the simple syrup now, tasting and adjusting to your preference.
- Gently stir the mixture with a spoon or stirrer, blending the flavors without losing any of the bubbles from the sparkling wine.
- Just before serving, slowly pour the chilled sparkling wine into the pitcher, tilting it slightly to keep the bubbles lively and prevent overflow.
- Fill each glass halfway with the cranberry mixture, allowing the bright color and effervescent bubbles to shine through.
- Add a few fresh cranberries to each glass for visual pop and extra tartness, then twist a strip of orange peel over the top to release fragrant oils.
- Gently place the orange peel twist into the glass as a fragrant garnish, and add a couple of cranberries for color and tartness.
- Serve immediately with a straw or without, and enjoy the lively fizz, bright color, and festive aroma in every sip.
Notes
Tips and tricks for the perfect cranberry mimosa
- pour: Pour the wine slowly to keep the bubbles intact.
- stir: Mix gently to avoid losing carbonation.
- balance: Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness at the end.
- chill: Keep your ingredients and glasses cold for the best fizz.
- garnish: Use fresh cranberries and citrus for vibrant color and flavor.
- serve: Right away is best to enjoy the bubbles at their peak.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- FORGOT to chill the glasses? Fill them with ice water while prepping, then dry thoroughly.
- DUMPED all the sparkling wine in at once? Pour slowly down the side to keep the fizz.
- OVER-TORCHED the sugar syrup? Use a lighter hand next time, or skip it if you prefer less sweetness.
- SCOOPED in too many cranberries? Keep it simple — just a few for presentation and a burst of tartness.
Quick fixes for common issues
- When bubbles fade, add a splash of fresh sparkling wine.
- Splash in extra cranberry juice if too tart.
- Patch dull flavor with a squeeze of fresh citrus.
- Shield from warmth by serving in chilled glasses.
- If overly sweet, add a dash more sparkling wine to balance.
Make-ahead and storage tips
- You can prepare the mixture (without the sparkling wine) a few hours ahead and keep it chilled.
- Store the pre-mixed base in the fridge for up to 24 hours; the flavor intensifies slightly.
- Add the sparkling wine just before serving to keep the bubbles lively.
- Garnishes like cranberries and orange twists can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
10 Practical Q&As About Cranberry Mimosa
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Use fresh cranberries for a tart, juicy bite or frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. They add a bright, slightly bitter contrast.
2. Should I add alcohol to my mimosa?
A splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier deepens the citrus flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
3. Why chill the glasses?
Chill your glasses beforehand so the drink stays cold longer and the bubbles stay lively.
4. How do I pour to keep the bubbles?
Pour the sparkling wine slowly to preserve the bubbles and avoid overflow. Tilt the glass and pour down the side.
5. Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Mixing in a little cranberry juice concentrate gives the drink a richer color and more pronounced berry flavor.
6. Can I garnish with anything else?
Adding a few fresh cranberries on top makes for a festive look and a little extra tartness.
7. What if I don’t have sparkling wine?
Use a good quality sparkling wine or champagne for a crisp, bubbly base that lifts the flavors.
8. How fast should I serve it?
Serve immediately for the best fizz and freshness. The longer it sits, the flatter it gets.
9. Can I sweeten it?
Adjust the sweetness with simple syrup if you prefer it less tart or more balanced.
10. How do I customize the flavor?
Make sure to taste and tweak the proportions to suit your taste buds — everyone has their perfect balance.
There’s something about this combo that feels both nostalgic and a little unexpected — perfect for making ordinary mornings feel special. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s how it makes you slow down and savor that bright, bubbly moment.
In the end, it’s a simple reminder that sometimes, the best celebrations are the ones you can whip up quickly, with whatever you’ve got on hand. A little tart, a little sweet, and all about the sparkle.
