Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mimosas with Triple Sec: The Ultimate Holiday Brunch Cocktail
No festive holiday brunch is truly complete without the effervescent charm of mimosas! While the classic orange juice and sparkling wine combination is always a hit, why not introduce an exciting twist that will dazzle your guests? This delightful cranberry orange mimosa recipe with triple sec offers a vibrant burst of flavor, making it the perfect signature drink for all your fall and winter gatherings. Imagine the rich hues of cranberry and bright orange, enhanced by a touch of orange liqueur, creating a cocktail that is both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Mimosa Recipe
These cranberry orange mimosas, sometimes affectionately known as “poinsettia cocktails with orange” due to their festive color palette, are a true showstopper. What makes them so beloved? They are:
- Incredibly Easy to Prepare: With just four core ingredients, you can whip up a batch in minutes. No complex techniques or fancy bar skills required!
- Deliciously Refreshing: The sweet-tart balance of cranberry and orange juice, combined with the bubbles of Prosecco and the subtle citrus kick of Triple Sec, creates an irresistibly smooth and flavorful drink.
- Perfectly Scalable: Whether you’re hosting an intimate breakfast for two or a grand holiday brunch for the entire family, this recipe can be easily scaled up or down to suit your needs.
- Customizable: Dietary preferences or ingredient availability? No problem! This recipe is very forgiving and offers easy modifications.
- Festive and Beautiful: The deep red of cranberry juice and the bright orange evoke the spirit of the holidays, making these mimosas a visual treat. They’re ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion in between.
Just a quick pour and a gentle stir, and you’ll have a glass (or a pitcher!) of mimosas that perfectly capture the joy of the season. The festive flavors of cranberry and orange are a match made in heaven, guaranteed to bring cheer to any celebration.
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What You Need: Simple Ingredients for a Perfect Mimosa
Crafting these delicious cranberry orange mimosas requires only a few high-quality ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 750-mL bottle Prosecco, chilled: The bubbly base that brings the sparkle! Choose a dry (brut) Prosecco for the best balance with the sweet juices.
- 1 cup orange juice (pulp free): For that classic mimosa citrus brightness. Pulp-free ensures a smooth texture.
- 1 ½ cups cranberry juice cocktail: The festive color and a delightful sweet-tart component. A cocktail blend often provides a good balance of sweetness.
- ½ cup triple sec: The secret ingredient that enhances the orange flavor and adds a touch of sophisticated liqueur.
- Fresh orange slices and 2 Tbsp sugar for garnish (optional): For a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of sweetness on the rim.
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand, or prefer to customize? Here are some helpful notes and easy substitutions:
- The Prosecco is key for its bright, fruity notes and lively bubbles. However, you can certainly swap it for champagne or any other sparkling wine you prefer, such as Cava. For a non-alcoholic or lower-alcohol version, consider using regular white wine combined with sparkling cranberry juice for some effervescence.
- When it comes to cranberry juice, a “cranberry juice cocktail” typically offers additional sweetness, which many find ideal for mimosas. If you prefer a tarter drink, opt for 100% pure cranberry juice. You might then want to adjust the sweetness with a splash of simple syrup, if desired.
- Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that amplifies the citrus notes. If you don’t have it, or want to experiment with different orange liqueurs, feel free to swap it for Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or O3. Each will lend a slightly different depth of orange flavor, but all will be delicious.
- For the **orange juice**, fresh-squeezed is always best, but a good quality, pulp-free store-bought orange juice works wonderfully too.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Mimosas: Step-by-Step Guide
Making these festive mimosas is as simple as can be. Follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Combine all ingredients in a carafe or pitcher. Begin by adding the orange juice, cranberry juice cocktail, and triple sec to your chosen serving vessel. Then, very slowly pour in the chilled Prosecco. Pouring gently is crucial to prevent excessive foaming and to preserve the beautiful bubbles of your sparkling wine.
- Gently stir to mix the ingredients. Once all ingredients are in the pitcher, give them a very gentle stir. You want to combine the flavors without de-carbonating the Prosecco too much. A long spoon is perfect for this task.
- (Optional sugar rim) For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, prepare a sugar rim for your champagne flutes. Run a freshly cut piece of orange (or lemon) around the top edge of each flute to dampen it. Then, turn the glass upside down and dip it onto a plate of granulated sugar, gently twisting to coat the rim evenly.
- Fill the champagne flute with the cranberry orange mimosa. Carefully pour the prepared mimosa into your flutes. Garnish each glass with an additional fresh slice of orange, a few whole cranberries, or a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic and visually appealing finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
For a single serving: If you’re just making one or two, fill a champagne glass halfway with a 50/50 mix of orange and cranberry juice. Add 1 tablespoon of triple sec, and then top it off to the brim with chilled Prosecco. This individual approach is perfect for a spontaneous treat!
What to Serve With Your Festive Cranberry Mimosas
Cranberry orange mimosas are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of breakfast, brunch, and even appetizer items. Their bright, fruity, and slightly tart profile complements both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your spread:
Classic Brunch Pairings:
- Eggs Benedict: The richness of hollandaise and poached eggs finds a refreshing counterpoint in a mimosa.
- Quiche: A savory quiche, especially one with ham and cheese or spinach, is a perfect match.
- French Toast Casserole: Sweet and custardy, this dish is a natural partner for a fruity mimosa.
- Sweet Pastries: Croissants, muffins, danishes, or scones with jam and clotted cream.
- Hash Browns & Bacon: The crispy, salty goodness of these breakfast staples is wonderfully balanced by the mimosa’s effervescence.
- Baked Eggs: Simple yet satisfying, baked eggs are a light pairing.
- Yogurt & Fresh Fruit: A healthy and refreshing option that mirrors the fruit flavors in the drink.
- Smoked Salmon: The delicate flavors of smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels are elevated by the mimosa.
- Avocado Toast: A modern brunch classic that pairs well with the fresh notes of the mimosa.
Appetizer & Light Bite Pairings:
- Bruschetta: Especially a sweet variety with fruit or a savory one with fresh tomatoes.
- Baked Brie: The creamy cheese and its rich flavor are fantastic with a sparkling drink.
- Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites: A particularly excellent pairing, as the cranberry notes in the bites echo those in the mimosa.
- Chips and Salsa: For a more casual spread, the tang of salsa is surprisingly good.
- Salted Nuts: A simple, crunchy snack that offers a nice contrast.
- Mini Quiches or Frittatas: Bite-sized savory treats.
- Sliders: Small sandwiches like ham and cheese or turkey sliders.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Berries, melon, grapes, and citrus slices complement the mimosa beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted seasonal vegetables for a healthier option.
- Flatbreads: Light and crispy, a good base for various toppings.
The beauty of this cranberry orange mimosa is its versatility. You can serve it with almost anything, depending on whether you’re aiming for a lavish breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or elegant appetizers. For a truly cohesive holiday spread, try my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites alongside these mimosas for the perfect seasonal compliment! They’re also great with other brunch favorites, like my easy Air Fryer French Toast Casserole, savory Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Quiche, Air Fryer Eggs Benedict, Air Fryer Avocado Toast, or Air Fryer Huevos Rancheros.
Recipe FAQs: Your Cranberry Orange Mimosa Questions Answered
What is the Best Alcohol For Mimosas?
The best alcohol for mimosas is typically a dry, sparkling wine like champagne, Prosecco, or Cava. You don’t need to splurge on an expensive bottle, as the vibrant fruit juices will contribute significantly to the flavor. A mid-range brut (dry) sparkling wine will offer the perfect balance without making the cocktail overly sweet.
What Can I Use Instead of OJ in a Mimosa?
You can absolutely use any other type of fruit juice instead of orange juice in a mimosa to create various exciting twists. Popular and delicious alternatives include pineapple juice, grapefruit juice for a tarter flavor, mango juice for tropical sweetness, or even lemonade for a zesty kick. Nearly any juice or juice cocktail will work well, so feel free to experiment and swap the orange for anything else you like to discover new favorite combinations!
What is Triple Sec?
Triple sec is a clear, orange-flavored liqueur that originated in France. It’s a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including margaritas and cosmopolitans. When added to mimosas, it boosts the natural orange flavoring, adding depth and a subtle hint of sophistication. There are many popular brands of triple sec available, but any reputable brand labeled as “triple sec” or “orange liqueur” will deliver a similar and delicious result.
What is a Mimosa With Cranberry Juice Called?
A mimosa with cranberry juice is commonly called a Poinsettia Cocktail. This festive name perfectly suits its vibrant red color, reminiscent of the popular holiday plant. While a classic mimosa traditionally uses orange juice, replacing it with cranberry juice (or a mix, as in this recipe) creates this popular variation. There are many other mimosa variation names as well, each indicating the specific fruit juice combined with sparkling wine.
Should Mimosas Be Brut or Dry?
For mimosas, a brut (dry) sparkling wine is generally recommended. The reason for this is that the less sweet wine perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the fruit juices. Using a sweeter sparkling wine can often make the overall cocktail too saccharine for many palates. While some prefer a very sweet drink, most find the dry wine provides a more enjoyable and balanced taste experience.
What’s the Difference Between a Mimosa and a Bellini?
The primary difference between a mimosa and a Bellini lies in their fruit component. A mimosa is traditionally made with fruit juice (most commonly orange juice), while a Bellini is made with fruit puree, typically white peach puree. Both cocktails share a common base of sparkling wine or champagne. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably due to their similar appearance and sparkling base, the texture difference from juice versus puree is what truly distinguishes them.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Achieving mimosa perfection is easy with a few insider tricks. Keep these professional tips in mind for the best results:
- Serve Immediately: To enjoy the full effervescence, only make what you (and your guests) will consume within a short period. This prevents the sparkling wine from losing all its lovely carbonation.
- Adjust Proportions to Taste: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the “strength” and sweetness of their drinks. Feel free to adjust the proportions of juice to alcohol as you like. Start with the recommended ratio, then tweak it until it’s perfect for your palate.
- Chill All Ingredients: Ensure all your liquid ingredients – Prosecco, orange juice, and cranberry juice – are thoroughly chilled before mixing. This means your mimosas will be perfectly refreshing without needing to dilute them with ice.
- Use Fresh Garnishes: Fresh orange slices, cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary not only make your mimosas look beautiful but can also add a subtle aroma that enhances the drinking experience.
Storage Tips for Mimosas and Sparkling Wine
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your mimosa components and any leftovers at their best:
- Prepared Mimosas: If you’ve mixed a pitcher of mimosas, store them in a carafe or pitcher in the refrigerator. While best consumed fresh for maximum fizz, they can be refrigerated for up to two hours. Beyond that, the carbonation will significantly diminish.
- Leftover Prosecco: If you don’t use your entire bottle of Prosecco, don’t let those precious bubbles go to waste! I highly recommend investing in a champagne bottle stopper. These specialized stoppers do an amazing job of preserving the effervescence for several days, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting sparkling wine for your next brunch.
- Juices: Store any leftover orange juice and cranberry juice cocktail in airtight containers in the refrigerator according to package instructions.
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Final Thoughts on This Festive Mimosa
These cranberry orange mimosas are incredibly easy to make, and with only four simple ingredients, you don’t have to go overboard to enjoy a truly special holiday drink. The addition of triple sec adds an extra layer of delightful citrus flavor, elevating this classic brunch cocktail to new heights of deliciousness.
Whether you call it a mimosa or a festive poinsettia cocktail with orange, this vibrant beverage is perfectly suited for Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas morning celebrations, lively New Year’s Eve toasts, or any celebratory brunch throughout the colder months. Its beautiful color and refreshing taste make it a staple for any host.
Prepare it by the pitcher to easily serve a crowd at your next brunch gathering, or mix just a couple of glasses for your own personal celebration. Whatever you choose, these cranberry orange mimosas with triple sec are sure to be a delicious and memorable addition to your menu!
Katie’s Tip
For another great winter flavor, make sure to check out my Jack Frost Mimosa recipe too!
Cranberry Orange Mimosa Recipe With Triple Sec
Equipment
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Pitcher or carafe
-
Measuring cup
-
Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 750-mL bottle prosecco (chilled)
- 1 Cup orange juice (pulp free)
- 1 ½ Cups cranberry juice cocktail
- ½ Cup triple sec
- Fresh orange slices and 2 Tbsp sugar for rim (optional)
Instructions
-
Combine all drink ingredients in a carafe or pitcher. Make sure to pour the prosecco slowly so it doesn’t foam too much1 750-mL bottle prosecco, 1 Cup orange juice, 1 ½ Cups cranberry juice cocktail, ½ Cup triple sec
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Gently stir to mix the ingredients
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(Optional sugar rim) Run a cut piece of orange around the top edge of a champagne flute to dampen it. Then, turn the glass upside down onto a plate or bowl of granulated sugar to coat itFresh orange slices and 2 Tbsp sugar for rim
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Fill the champagne flute with the cranberry orange mimosa, and garnish with an additional slice of orange, cranberries, or a sprig of fresh rosemary if desired
Notes
- The Prosecco may be swapped for champagne or sparkling wine if preferred. You may also use regular white wine and sparkling cranberry juice
- Cranberry juice cocktail offers additional sweetness. However, you can use 100% cranberry juice if you like your drink on the tart side
- You can swap triple sec for any other orange liquor you like, such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or O3
- For a single serving: Fill a champagne glass halfway with a 50/50 mix of orange and cranberry juice. Add 1 Tbsp triple sec, and then fill to the top with prosecco
- Only make what you (and your guests) will consume at one time, so as to not lose all the carbonation
- Feel free to adjust the proportions of juice to alcohol as you like. Everyone has different preferences as to how “strong” they like their drinks to taste, so tweak as desired!
- Store mimosas in a pitcher or carafe for serving. Do not leave it sitting out for longer than two hours (but feel free to refrigerate and come back for more later)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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