Most people think of mimosas as simple orange juice and champagne, but adding cranberries elevates it into a festive, slightly tart delight.
This recipe is about capturing that sparkle and balancing the sharpness of cranberries with the bubbly sweetness of champagne. It’s a small ritual that feels special, especially when you want to celebrate something real.
I love how the fresh cranberries burst with a little pop of tartness with each sip, making the drink lively rather than just sweet. It’s a reminder that even simple ingredients can surprise you.
A holiday brunch twist on a classic cocktail, focusing on the sensory play between tart cranberries and bubbly champagne.
Why This Cranberry Mimosa Matters to Me
- I love how the cranberries pop with a little zing.
- This drink always feels like a small celebration.
- I’ve made this for family brunches, and everyone asks for the recipe.
- It’s bright, tart, and just a little fancy—perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.
My Inspiration Behind This Drink
- I first made this during a snowy holiday morning, looking for something fresh and bright.
- The tartness of cranberries paired with bubbly felt like a wake-up call for the senses.
- It’s become a go-to for brunches, especially when I want to add a touch of festivity without fuss.
A Little History and Fun Facts
- Cranberries have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries, valued for their tartness and medicinal properties.
- The classic mimosa was invented in the 1920s in Paris, but adding berries is a modern twist.
- Cranberries are naturally tart and need sugar or sweet wine to balance their flavor.
- This drink’s vibrant red color makes it popular during holiday seasons and festive brunches.
Breaking Down the Key Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: I love the zing they give; use frozen if fresh aren’t in season.
- champagne or sparkling wine: I prefer dry; sweeter options can work but alter the balance.
- Sugar: I use regular granulated, but honey works if you want a richer flavor.
- Water: just enough to simmer and extract the cranberries’ juice.
- Garnish: fresh cranberries and mint add a festive, aromatic touch.
Spotlight on Cranberries and Champagne
Cranberries:
- They’re tart, firm, and burst with juice when cooked, giving the syrup its signature flavor.
- They turn a gorgeous deep red when simmered and add visual zest to the drink.
- Champagne: It’s bright, bubbly, and crisp; a perfect partner to the tart cranberries, lifting the drink’s sparkle.
Champagne:
- Champagne’s effervescence is delicate; it can turn flat quickly if not served immediately.
- Look for a brut or extra brut for balance; sweeter bubbles can make it overly sweet or cloying.
- The bubbles also carry the aroma, so pour gently to preserve that lively shimmer.
Ingredient Swaps and Alternatives
- Non-alcoholic: Use sparkling water or club soda with a splash of cranberry juice for a mocktail.
- Sugar-Free: Swap sugar with honey or agave syrup, but expect a different texture and flavor.
- Fresh Cranberries: Dried cranberries won’t work in the syrup; they lack the same bright flavor.
- Sparkling Wine: Use prosecco or cava if you prefer a different type of bubbly.
- Garnish: Swap mint for basil or rosemary for a different aromatic note.
Equipment & Tools
- Saucepan: To simmer and make the cranberry syrup
- Fine sieve: To strain out cranberry solids
- Champagne flute or tall glass: For elegant presentation and to hold the bubbles
How to Make a Cranberry Mimosa
- Prepare the cranberry syrup: combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, crushing cranberries as they soften, about 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine sieve, pressing on solids to extract all the flavor. Chill.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses halfway with chilled cranberry syrup.
- Top with chilled sparkling wine or champagne, about 3/4 full.
- Gently stir to combine, then garnish with a few cranberries and a sprig of mint.
- Serve immediately for the best bubbles and freshest flavor.
Serve immediately after mixing, garnished with fresh cranberries and mint.
How to Know It’s Done
- Cranberry syrup is vibrant red and slightly thick.
- Bubbles are lively and persistent, with a gentle fizz.
- Garnishes are fresh and bright, not wilted or soggy.
Cranberry Mimosa
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As the mixture heats, the cranberries will start to soften and burst, releasing their vibrant red juice, and you'll notice the syrup thickening slightly after about 10 minutes.
- Strain the cranberry mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the flavorful juice. Discard the solids and transfer the syrup to the refrigerator to chill, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the syrup is chilled, fill each champagne flute halfway with the cranberry syrup. This adds a beautiful color and tart flavor to the drink.
- Gently pour the chilled champagne or sparkling wine over the syrup, filling the glasses about three-quarters full. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles and create a lively fizz.
- Gently stir the mixture to combine the syrup and bubbly. You may notice little cranberries popping up and adding visual zest to the drink.
- Garnish each glass with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for a festive touch and aromatic boost. Serve immediately to enjoy the lively bubbles and bright flavors.
Notes
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Cranberry Mimosa
- Use cold ingredients to keep the bubbles lively.
- Crush cranberries gently to release more juice and flavor.
- Don’t overfill the glasses; leave room for the foam and garnish.
- Taste the syrup before mixing; adjust sweetness as needed.
- Gently pour bubbly down the side of the glass to preserve fizz.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- FORGOT TO CHILL THE BUBBLY? → Add ice cubes instead, but serve quickly to avoid watering down.
- DUMPED TOO MUCH SYRUP? → Dilute with more bubbly or plain sparkling water.
- OVER-TORCHED THE CRANBERRIES? → Use low heat next time, cranberries can scorch easily.
- SKIPPED THE GARNISH? → Adds visual flair and a hint of aroma, don’t skip it.
Quick Fixes When Things Go Wrong
- If bubbles go flat, add a splash of fresh bubbly and a quick stir.
- Splash a bit more syrup if too tart, then re-bubble.
- Patch a cracked glass with a paper towel to prevent further leaks.
- Shield glasses with a napkin when pouring bubbly to avoid splashes.
- When in doubt, add a dash of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prepare the cranberry syrup up to a week in advance; store in the fridge in a sealed container.
- Chill the sparkling wine and glasses ahead of time for extra refreshment.
- The syrup thickens slightly as it cools, so warm it gently if it becomes too viscous.
- Refrigerate the assembled drinks if needed, but best enjoyed immediately to keep the bubbles lively.
10 Practical Questions About Cranberry Mimosa
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Use fresh cranberries for a pop of tartness and vibrant color, or opt for frozen if fresh isn’t available.
2. Can I make this without alcohol?
A splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau adds depth. For a non-alcoholic version, skip it or add a splash of orange juice.
3. Should I chill the ingredients?
Chill your glasses and ingredients beforehand to keep the mimosa crisp and refreshing.
4. Do I need to sweeten the cranberries?
Add a tiny pinch of sugar if your cranberries are very tart, but taste first!
5. What’s the best bubbly to use?
Use chilled sparkling wine or champagne for the best fizz and a cool sensation on your tongue.
6. Can I prepare the syrup in advance?
Yes, you can prep the cranberry syrup up to a week ahead and keep it refrigerated.
7. What garnish works best?
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for a festive look and extra aroma.
8. How long can I wait before serving?
Serve immediately for the freshest bubbles and vibrant flavors.
9. Can I customize the sweetness?
Adjust the amount of cranberry syrup and bubbly to suit your taste—more tart or more bubbly.
10. What glassware is best?
Use a tall, clear glass to showcase the beautiful red cranberries and fizzy bubbles.
This cranberry mimosa feels like a little celebration in a glass, perfect for those mornings when you want something a bit more special.
It’s a reminder that holiday mornings can be bright, with the right squeeze of tart and a splash of sparkle. Keep it simple, keep it bright.
Hi, I’m Hannah Reynolds, the creator and heart behind Seasoning Therapist. Born and raised in the United States, I grew up in a family where the kitchen was always the coziest gathering spot.
