Festive Pumpkin Pie Mimosas: The Ultimate Fall Brunch Cocktail Recipe
A Pumpkin Pie Mimosa is not just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass, perfect for setting a festive tone for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any delightful brunch during the vibrant fall season! Imagine elegantly prepared glasses filled with a spiced pumpkin juice and sparkling champagne, creating a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that brings effervescent cheer to every gathering. Crowned with a swirl of airy whipped cream and a dusting of sweet pumpkin spice sugar, each sip transports you to the cozy comfort of pumpkin pie, but in a refreshingly classy, bubbly form.
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About This Pumpkin Pie Mimosa Cocktail
Let me share a little secret with you: despite being a huge fan of fall flavors, traditional pumpkin pie isn’t quite my favorite. Yes, you read that right! I know, it’s a staple of Thanksgiving, and I used to anticipate it every year. But over time, I found it could be a bit too rich, too sweet, and sometimes, just a little overwhelming with its dense pumpkin texture. It’s simply not my ideal “slice of pie.”
However, my affection for pumpkin spice is unwavering – not in an overly zealous “first PSL of the season” kind of way, but rather a profound appreciation for the warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. These spices, when used judiciously, evoke all the comforting feelings of autumn without the heaviness. This nuanced preference for pumpkin *spice* over pumpkin *pie* is precisely what inspired me to create this undeniably fabulous and wonderfully elegant cocktail, perfect for the most anticipated morning of the year: Thanksgiving!
Why This Fall Cocktail is a Must-Try
This Pumpkin Pie Mimosa is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet exudes an air of sophistication, making it the ideal choice for Thanksgiving morning. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a quiet, cozy brunch with your significant other before the holiday festivities kick into high gear, this mimosa fits perfectly. It delivers a delightful burst of pumpkin flavor with every sip, beautifully complemented by the crisp, dry notes of brut champagne.
Unlike many overly sweet holiday drinks, this mimosa achieves a perfect balance. The champagne prevents it from being cloying, allowing the nuanced flavors of the pumpkin and spices to shine through. The result is a sparkling, perfectly spiced, and utterly fantastic cocktail. The delicate dollop of whipped cream on top, coupled with the lightly sweetened pumpkin spice rimming sugar, adds just the right touch of sweetness and texture. These elements provide a harmonious counterpoint to the vibrant champagne and the rich, comforting pumpkin spice, creating a truly memorable drinking experience.
You’ll quickly find that one glass simply isn’t enough to fully savor this delightful concoction! So, don’t hesitate to double or even triple the recipe to ensure everyone, including yourself, can indulge. After all, with all the joy and occasional chaos of family gatherings, an extra festive drink might be just what you need to navigate the day with a cheerful spirit. And here’s a pro tip: this mimosa is also absolutely divine the day after Thanksgiving, offering a refreshing counterpoint to all those delicious leftovers!
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Key Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Mimosa
Crafting the perfect Pumpkin Pie Mimosa begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and bubbly. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Pumpkin Puree: This is the heart of your mimosa’s flavor. It is absolutely crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Steer clear of pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that will make your mimosa overly sweet and disrupt the flavor balance we’re aiming for. Look for cans clearly labeled “100% Pure Pumpkin” or “Pumpkin Puree” in the baking aisle.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This aromatic blend is what gives the mimosa its “pie” essence. Typically, pumpkin pie spice is a harmonious mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. You can easily find this pre-mixed in most grocery stores, especially during the fall. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous or already have the individual spices, you can create your own blend at home to customize the intensity to your liking.
- Sugar: We use granulated sugar in this recipe for its fine texture and neutral sweetness. It helps to lightly sweeten the pumpkin juice base and, crucially, forms the delicious rimming sugar for the glasses. While other sugars could work, granulated sugar dissolves well and provides a consistent sweetness without altering the flavor profile.
- Champagne: The bubbly component is key to any mimosa. For this particular recipe, I highly recommend choosing a dry champagne, specifically a “brut.” A brut champagne offers a crisp, refreshing, and less sweet profile, which beautifully balances the sweetness and richness of the pumpkin juice. Using a sweeter sparkling wine, like Prosecco or Asti, might result in a mimosa that is too sugary, overpowering the subtle spice notes. Choose a brand you enjoy drinking on its own for the best results.
- Water: A small amount of water is used to help thin out the pumpkin puree slightly during the cooking process, ensuring it reaches the right consistency for a juice that strains smoothly and blends effortlessly with the champagne.
- Garnishes: While optional, garnishes elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Fresh whipped cream provides a luxurious, creamy contrast, and a cinnamon stick serves as an elegant stirrer and imparts a delicate aroma. A final sprinkle of the pumpkin spice rimming sugar on the whipped cream completes the experience, making each sip truly special.
Essential Equipment for Mimosa Making
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing your Pumpkin Pie Mimosas efficiently and elegantly. Here are the must-have items for this recipe:
- Saucepan: You’ll need a good quality, small saucepan to gently heat and infuse the pumpkin puree with spices and sugar. A non-stick pan is ideal for easy stirring and cleaning, ensuring the pumpkin mixture doesn’t stick or burn.
- Fine Mesh Sieve (or Strainer): This is a crucial tool for achieving a smooth, pulp-free pumpkin juice. Straining the cooked pumpkin mixture through a fine mesh sieve removes any lingering fibrous bits, resulting in a refined and elegant base for your mimosa. Investing in a durable stainless steel sieve will serve you well for many recipes beyond this cocktail.
- Champagne Flutes: While any glass will do, traditional champagne flutes are perfect for mimosas. Their tall, slender design not only looks elegant but also helps preserve the champagne’s bubbles, ensuring a delightful fizz with every sip. The ones featured here are a personal favorite for their classic look and comfortable hold.
- Rimmer Set (or Small Shallow Bowl): For applying the pumpkin spice sugar rim, a dedicated cocktail rimmer set makes the job incredibly easy and mess-free. These sets typically have separate compartments for wetting the rim and then dipping it into the sugar mixture, ensuring a beautiful, even coating. If you don’t have one, a small, shallow plate or bowl works just as well.
- Small Bowls: Useful for mixing your rimming sugar and for preparing any garnishes separately.
- Whisk or Spoon: For stirring your pumpkin juice mixture and blending the rimming sugar.
How to Craft the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Mimosa
Making these delightful Pumpkin Pie Mimosas is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to create a truly impressive fall cocktail:
Preparing the Spiced Pumpkin Juice
The first step is to create your flavorful pumpkin juice base. In a small saucepan, combine the 100% pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat. It’s important to stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated and the flavors meld together. Cook the mixture for just a few minutes, allowing it to gently heat through and slightly reduce. The goal here is to infuse the pumpkin puree with the spices and dissolve the sugar, not to thicken it significantly. The mixture should remain a loose puree, resembling a smooth, pourable sauce – avoid overcooking it to the point where it becomes a thick paste.
Straining for Smoothness
Once your pumpkin juice mixture has cooked down slightly and the flavors have blended, remove it from the heat. Carefully pour the entire mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another bowl or container. Press down on any solids with the back of a spoon or spatula to extract as much liquid as possible, ensuring you get all that rich, spiced pumpkin essence. The straining process is crucial for achieving a beautifully smooth and pulp-free juice, which will give your mimosa an elegant texture. Discard any remaining pumpkin solids left in the sieve. Allow the pumpkin juice to cool completely before proceeding. For best results, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, until it’s thoroughly cold. This cold base is essential for a refreshing mimosa.
Creating the Pumpkin Spice Rimming Sugar
While your pumpkin juice chills, prepare the festive rimming sugar. In a small, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Stir them together thoroughly until the spice is evenly distributed throughout the sugar, creating a fragrant and visually appealing blend. To apply the rim, lightly wet the rims of your champagne glasses. You can do this by gently dipping the rim in a shallow plate of water or rubbing a lemon wedge around the edge. Then, carefully dip and twist each wet rim into the pumpkin spice sugar mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating. Set the rimmed glasses aside, allowing the sugar to adhere properly.
Assembling Your Festive Mimosa
Now for the exciting part: assembly! Once your glasses are rimmed and your pumpkin juice is chilled, you’re ready to create your mimosas. Pour approximately 1 1/2 ounces (about 3 tablespoons) of the strained, chilled pumpkin juice into each champagne glass. If the juice has settled, give it a quick stir before pouring. Then, slowly fill each glass to the top with your chosen cold brut champagne. Pouring slowly down the side of the glass helps to maintain the bubbles. Finally, top each mimosa with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a elegant cinnamon stick for garnish, and a light sprinkle of the remaining pumpkin spice rimming sugar over the whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive cheer!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Mimosa Success
To ensure your Pumpkin Pie Mimosas turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Always Use 100% Pumpkin Puree: This cannot be stressed enough. The success of this mimosa hinges on using pure, unadulterated pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the delicate balance of flavors in this cocktail, making it overly sweet and less refined. Check your can labels carefully!
- Choose Brut Champagne for Optimal Balance: While any sparkling wine can technically be used, a dry (brut) champagne is highly recommended. Its crispness and lack of sweetness perfectly complement the spiced pumpkin juice, preventing the drink from becoming cloyingly sweet. Sweeter sparkling wines like Prosecco or Asti Spumante will likely make the mimosa too sugary, masking the nuanced pumpkin spice flavors.
- Chill Your Ingredients Thoroughly: For the most refreshing mimosa, ensure both your prepared pumpkin juice and your champagne are well-chilled before assembly. A cold drink not only tastes better but also helps maintain the champagne’s effervescence longer.
- Don’t Overcook the Pumpkin Juice: When preparing the pumpkin juice, remember you’re aiming for a liquid base, not a thick sauce or paste. Cook it just long enough to infuse the flavors and dissolve the sugar. If it thickens too much, it will be difficult to strain and won’t blend as smoothly with the champagne. It should start and remain a relatively loose puree.
- Strain for a Smooth Texture: The fine mesh sieve is your friend here. Don’t skip this step! Straining removes any residual pumpkin pulp, resulting in a smooth, elegant liquid that enhances the overall drinking experience.
- Pour Champagne Gently: To preserve the bubbles and create a beautiful fizz, tilt the champagne glass and pour the champagne slowly down the side. This technique helps maintain the effervescence and gives your mimosa a lively sparkle.
- Prepare the Rims Just Before Serving: While the pumpkin juice can be made ahead, it’s best to rim the glasses just before you plan to serve. This ensures the sugar rim is fresh, crunchy, and doesn’t dissolve or get sticky.
Can You Prepare This Thanksgiving Mimosa Ahead of Time?
Absolutely, you can! One of the many conveniences of this Pumpkin Pie Mimosa recipe is its make-ahead friendly nature, which is a huge plus, especially during busy holiday preparations like Thanksgiving. The key component you can prepare in advance is the spiced pumpkin juice base.
Simply follow the instructions for making and straining the pumpkin juice, and then allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the pumpkin juice to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping a few days before your event. Just be sure to give the mixture a good shake or stir before using it, as the spices can settle at the bottom over time. When it’s time to serve, all you’ll need to do is rim your glasses, pour in the chilled pumpkin juice, and top with fresh, bubbly champagne. This allows for quick and easy assembly, letting you enjoy your guests and the festivities rather than being stuck in the kitchen!
More tasty pumpkin cocktails to try: Pumpkin Bourbon Sidecar | Pumpkin Pie Martini | Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned | Pumpkin Bourbon Hot Chocolate
What to Serve with Your Pumpkin Pie Mimosas
A festive cocktail like the Pumpkin Pie Mimosa calls for an equally delightful spread, making it the star of any fall brunch! When I’m serving these mimosas, I’m thinking about a brunch menu that offers both sweet indulgence and savory satisfaction. Here are some of my favorite fall brunch recipes and pairing ideas that perfectly complement the sparkling, spiced flavors of your mimosa:
Sweet Brunch Pairings:
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl: Continue the pumpkin theme with a tender, moist coffee cake featuring a rich cream cheese swirl. Its comforting sweetness and soft texture are a dream with the bubbly mimosa.
- Pumpkin Banana Muffins: These muffins offer a delightful fusion of two classic comfort flavors. They’re easy to make and perfect for a casual yet elegant brunch spread.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: For an extra decadent treat, these muffins with a surprise cream cheese filling will be a huge hit. The creamy center provides a lovely contrast to the mimosa’s effervescence.
- Pancakes or Waffles with Maple Syrup: Classic brunch staples that are always a crowd-pleaser. Drizzle them generously with warm maple syrup for that quintessential fall feeling.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and pomegranates can provide a refreshing counterpoint and lighten up the meal.
Savory Brunch Options:
- Southwestern Ham Hash: For a hearty and flavorful option, a Southwestern ham hash brings savory depth and a touch of spice. It’s a delicious and surprisingly easy dish that’s perfect for a fall morning.
- Breakfast Croissant Sandwiches: Light, flaky croissants filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meat are versatile and satisfying any time of year. They offer a comforting richness that pairs well with the mimosa.
- Quiche or Frittata: A vegetable and cheese quiche or frittata provides a substantial, elegant savory option that can be prepared ahead of time. Think fillings like spinach, feta, roasted butternut squash, or bacon.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: No brunch is complete without these savory protein powerhouses. Their salty, rich flavors are a fantastic contrast to the sweet and spiced mimosa.
Other Festive Fall-Themed Cocktails:
If you’re looking to offer a variety of fall-themed drinks, consider adding an Apple Cider Mimosa to your bar. It offers a different, equally festive autumnal flavor profile that complements the pumpkin mimosa beautifully.
Finally, if you have the pleasure of making these delightful pumpkin pie mimosas, please take a moment to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment below! I genuinely love hearing about your culinary creations and always make an effort to respond to every single comment. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have as well. And for an extra sprinkle of joy, be sure to tag me on Instagram if you post photos of your mimosas! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and it means the world to me!
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Ready to immerse yourself in the flavors of the season? The Everyday Seasonal Cookbook is your essential companion for delightful seasonal cooking. Filled with curated recipes, detailed produce guides, and inspiring ideas for every occasion, this cookbook ensures you’ll savor fall to its fullest.
Pumpkin Pie Mimosa
Equipment
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Libbey Stemless Champagne Flute Glasses
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Fine Mesh Strainers
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Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can 100% pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Chilled Brut Champagne (as needed)
- Garnish: fresh whipped cream, cinnamon stick, extra rimming sugar
Instructions
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Prepare Pumpkin Juice: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 15 oz can of 100% pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 2 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook the mixture down slightly, stirring constantly, for approximately 3-5 minutes. The mixture should still be a loose puree, resembling a smooth sauce – do not overcook until it becomes a paste!
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Strain and Chill: Remove the mixture from heat and carefully strain it through a fine mesh sieve into another bowl or container. Press down on any solids to extract maximum liquid. Discard the remaining puree in the sieve. Allow the pumpkin juice to cool completely before using, ideally chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days if making ahead.
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Make Rimming Sugar: When you’re ready to make the drinks, in a small, shallow bowl, stir together the 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the rimming mixture. Lightly wet the rims of 4 champagne glasses (using water or a lemon wedge) and then dip them into the pumpkin spice sugar mixture, twisting gently to create an even coating. Set aside.
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Assemble the Mimosa: Add 1 1/2 oz (about 3 tablespoons) of the strained, chilled pumpkin juice to each rimmed champagne glass. Give the juice a quick stir if it has settled.
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Add Champagne: Slowly fill each glass to the top with chilled brut champagne, pouring gently down the side to preserve the bubbles.
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Garnish and Serve: Top each mimosa with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream, an elegant cinnamon stick, and a light sprinkle of the remaining rimming sugar over the whipped cream.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Pumpkin Pie Mimosas!
Notes
- Pumpkin Juice Consistency: The pumpkin juice mixture should be relatively loose and pourable from the start, like a smooth, thick sauce. If your pumpkin puree is unusually thick, you can add a touch more water (1-2 tablespoons) during the cooking stage to achieve the right consistency.
- Avoid Over-Thickening on Stove: Be mindful not to let the pumpkin mixture thicken too much on the stove. The heating process is primarily for infusing flavors and dissolving sugar, not for creating a thick reduction. If it becomes too dense, it may be due to cooking for too long or at too high a heat.
- Use 100% Pure Pumpkin Only: This is critical! Do not use pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that will make your mimosa too sweet and alter the intended flavor profile. Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree.
- Make Ahead Tip: The spiced pumpkin juice can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or stir well before using, as spices can settle.
- Serving Size: This recipe yields enough pumpkin juice for approximately 4 mimosas. Feel free to double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings.