Few things embody holiday warmth more than a sparkling glass raised among friends while snowflakes dance past the window. The Cranberry Orange Mimosa is that perfect blend of cheer and sparkle, a twist on the classic brunch cocktail that makes every December morning feel like celebration incarnate. With its vivid red hue and citrus sparkle, this drink captures everything we love about Cider Mimosas—bright flavor, easy preparation, and instant festivity. Whether you’re hosting a large Christmas brunch or simply want something special to sip while wrapping gifts, this recipe earns a top spot on your list of Christmas Drinks Recipes. Let this be the season you embrace the fizz, fruit, and fun that come with every pour of a Cranberry Orange Mimosa.
A Holiday Brunch Tradition to Remember
My first encounter with the Cranberry Orange Mimosa happened one snowy Christmas morning when I was hosting my very first holiday brunch for family. The kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of apple cider warming on the stove and the crisp scent of oranges being sliced for garnishes. Carols played softly in the background as laughter echoed around the table. My aunt arrived carrying a tray of champagne flutes, each sparkling with a rosy blend of cider and cranberry juice. The moment I took a sip, I knew I’d discovered something special—a drink that bottled up the warmth and joy of the season.
Now every year, as December rolls around, this has become the star of my Cider Mimosas lineup. It’s the perfect cross between cozy and classy. The fizzy top reminds you of New Year’s Eve celebrations, while the tart sweetness fits right in among Christmas Drinks Recipes. Today, it’s no longer just a cocktail—it’s a tradition, one that begins every festive brunch with cheer, stories, and clinking glasses.
There’s something magical about how quickly the Cranberry Orange Mimosa sets the tone: the pop of champagne, the glint of garnet-red juice, and the citrus aroma blending with the scent of freshly baked pastries. Every sip reminds me why holiday gatherings matter most—the laughter, the togetherness, and the shared moments that sparkle just as brightly as the bubbles in your flute.
Print
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A festive sparkling holiday cocktail blending cranberry juice, orange juice, apple cider, and sparkling wine for cozy brunch celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Chill cranberry juice, orange juice, apple cider, and sparkling wine in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
2. Prepare tall champagne flutes or stemless glasses and optionally frost rims with cinnamon sugar.
3. Pour equal parts cranberry juice, orange juice, and apple cider into each glass.
4. Slowly top each glass with sparkling wine in a 2:1 ratio over the juice mixture.
5. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries, adding a rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick if desired.
6. Serve immediately to preserve the bubbles and bright flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: cocktail
- Method: mixed
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
Keywords: cranberry orange mimosa, cider mimosas, christmas drinks recipes, apple cider mimosa, yummy alcoholic drinks, boozy drinks
Why Cranberry and Orange Make the Perfect Pair
What makes this Cranberry Orange Mimosa so irresistible lies in the balance of flavors. Sweet, sun-kissed oranges and tart cranberries create a flavor harmony that dances between refreshing and indulgent. On their own, they’re already seasonal favorites, but when combined, they elevate each other—the orange juice adds smooth sweetness, while the cranberry introduces a lively tang that keeps each sip exciting.
Then comes the festive twist that transforms this duo into something extraordinary: apple cider and a splash of sparkling wine. The cider grounds the drink with cozy spiced undertones, a nod to winter markets and fresh-pressed orchard afternoons. Top it off with bubbles, and you have a Boozy Drink that feels celebratory from the first pour. It’s no surprise that this combination has become one of the most Yummy Alcoholic Drinks shared at Christmas brunches and cozy evenings by the fireplace alike.
Together, these ingredients create a sensory story—a blend of tart and sweet, cozy and effervescent. When the holidays call for something joyful yet easy to serve, the Cranberry Orange Mimosa delivers in every way. It’s beautiful to look at, simple to mix, and perfect for anyone who believes that the best Christmas mornings begin with something sparkling in hand.
Crafting the Perfect Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Sparkling Holiday Cocktail
To bring the Cranberry Orange Mimosa to life, you’ll only need a few key ingredients—each one contributing its unique seasonal flair. What makes this drink so beloved is how accessible and adaptable it is. You can easily scale it for a crowd or prepare just enough for a cozy morning toast. Below is a quick guide to everything you’ll need for the most flavorful Apple Cider Mimosa:
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Juice | 1 part | Adds tartness and a signature ruby-red hue for festive shine. |
| Orange Juice (freshly squeezed preferred) | 1 part | Balances tanginess with sweet citrus brightness for rounded flavor. |
| Apple Cider | 1 part | Brings warm comfort and subtle spice undertones, echoing winter markets. |
| Sparkling Wine (Champagne or Prosecco) | 2 parts | Adds celebratory fizz that defines Cider Mimosas. A dry or semi-dry style works best. |
| Orange Slices & Fresh Cranberries | For garnish | Adds color and elegance, looking stunning in clear flutes. |
Every element works in harmony—the cranberry for sparkle and acidity, the orange for sweetness, and the cider for depth. When topped with bubbles, the mix transforms into a merry elixir perfect for Christmas brunches or winter dinners. The balance is what makes this Cranberry Orange Mimosa stand out from everyday blends, one of the easiest and most joyful Boozy Drinks to share.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Chill Your Ingredients: Refrigerate the juices, apple cider, and sparkling wine before mixing. A chilled base helps maintain fizz and a crisp finish.
- Prepare Your Glasses: Use tall flutes or stemless glasses. Rim each with orange juice and dip into fine or cinnamon sugar for sparkle.
- Mix the Juices and Cider: Combine equal parts cranberry juice, orange juice, and apple cider in a pitcher or directly in the flute.
- Add the Sparkle: Pour in twice as much sparkling wine (2:1 ratio). Pour down the side gently to maintain bubbles.
- Garnish: Add cranberries, an orange slice, or rosemary for aroma and festive presentation of classic Cider Mimosas.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy while bubbly. For parties, prep the juice base in advance and add sparkling wine last.
This process makes entertaining simple and joyful. The vibrant colors, shimmering fizz, and seasonal aromas ensure your Cranberry Orange Mimosa is a standout centerpiece and a true favorite among Christmas Drinks Recipes.
Serving Ideas and Variations for Every Occasion
Brunch and Beyond – Serving Cranberry Orange Mimosas in Style
The beauty of the Cranberry Orange Mimosa is how seamlessly it fits into every kind of holiday celebration. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed Christmas brunch, an elegant dinner, or toasting at New Year’s, this sparkling drink brightens the table and lifts the mood instantly. Its cozy yet festive balance makes it perfect with pancakes, quiche, or a holiday cheese board.
Set up a holiday mimosa bar with chilled carafes of cranberry, orange, and apple cider so guests can assemble their own Cider Mimosas. Add bowls of fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, rosemary, and sugared citrus for garnishes. The setup doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece and captures the heart of your Christmas Drinks Recipes.
Pairing ideas include buttery pastries, cranberry scones, or savory bites like herbed potatoes and smoked salmon toast. For presentation, serve in flutes for elegance or stemless glasses for a casual vibe. A sugared rim and floating orange wheel add that final festive touch. The Cranberry Orange Mimosa never fails to bring sparkle and warmth to the table—guaranteed holiday magic.
Creative Twists on the Classic Cider Mimosa
Once you’ve mastered the classic, experiment with new takes on Cider Mimosas. For a non-alcoholic mocktail, swap sparkling wine for sparkling water or ginger ale—perfect for family brunches. Try blood orange juice for deeper color and complexity or pomegranate juice for a fruity twist on the Apple Cider Mimosa.
Change your bubbles too: Champagne is traditional, but Prosecco or Cava add approachable sweetness. For adventurous Boozy Drinks, include orange liqueur or cranberry vodka. To serve a crowd, prep the juice base early and store chilled. Add bubbly just before pouring. Frozen fruit ice cubes keep drinks cold and picture-perfect.
These creative touches transform a simple holiday drink into your own signature. Proof that Yummy Alcoholic Drinks can be both effortless and eye-catching—bright, bubbly, and endlessly festive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Mimosas
1. Can I make this mimosa ahead of time?
Yes. Mix juices and cider early and chill, but wait to add sparkling wine until serving to preserve fizz. It keeps your Cider Mimosas fresh and lively.
2. What’s the best sparkling wine to use?
Dry styles like Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava pair nicely with sweet-tart juices. A dry option keeps your Apple Cider Mimosa crisp and refreshing.
3. How can I make this drink less sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry and freshly squeezed orange juice, reduce cider slightly, or choose an extra brut sparkling wine. These tweaks make the Cranberry Orange Mimosa clean and balanced.
4. What if I want a non-alcoholic version?
Swap sparkling wine for club soda or ginger ale. The sparkle remains while the drink stays family-friendly, perfect for alcohol-free Christmas Drinks Recipes.
5. How long does it stay fizzy?
Best enjoyed within 15 minutes after pouring. Keep unopened bottles chilled and sealed with a stopper; once opened, carbonation lasts up to 24 hours.
These FAQs highlight how easy and flexible the Cranberry Orange Mimosa truly is. Whether mixing for two or twenty, Cider Mimosas always bring cheer and balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts – A Toast to Holiday Cheer
Few drinks capture the sparkle and spirit of the holidays quite like the Cranberry Orange Mimosa. From the first pour to the final toast, its fruit, fizz, and festivity set the tone for joyful gatherings. This cocktail embraces everything great about Cider Mimosas—simple preparation, seasonal beauty, and celebratory charm.
As a staple of your Christmas Drinks Recipes, the Apple Cider Mimosa shines for its effortless elegance. Tart cranberry keeps things lively, orange adds warmth, and cider brings cozy nostalgia. It’s one of those Yummy Alcoholic Drinks that fits every celebration.
So this season, as you decorate, cook, and gather, be sure to keep a pitcher—or a punch bowl—of these sparkling Boozy Drinks ready. Raise your glass of Cranberry Orange Mimosa, celebrate the laughter, and toast to bright, bubbly holidays filled with flavor and cheer.
