Effortless Cranberry Mimosas: The Perfect Festive Poinsettia Cocktail for Your Holiday Celebrations
Elevate your holiday gatherings with a stunning and incredibly easy-to-make Cranberry Mimosa, often known as a Poinsettia Cocktail. This festive twist on the classic mimosa brings vibrant color and a delightful tart-sweet balance to any celebration. Requiring just three simple ingredients and ready in under 5 minutes, these sparkling drinks are an absolute must-have for your Thanksgiving feast, Christmas morning brunch, or New Year’s Day festivities.
Imagine a sparkling flute, filled with the deep red hue of cranberry, effervescent bubbles, and a subtle hint of orange, all crowned with fresh cranberries and a sprig of aromatic rosemary. It’s not just a drink; it’s a sensory experience that perfectly encapsulates the holiday spirit. Whether you’re hosting an intimate brunch or a grand holiday party, this cranberry mimosa recipe is designed for effortless elegance and maximum cheer.
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About This Festive Cranberry Mimosa Cocktail
There’s an undeniable charm to a festive holiday mimosa, especially when it features the quintessential flavor of cranberries. As soon as the autumn leaves start to turn, signaling the beginning of the holiday season, this vibrant Cranberry Mimosa, affectionately known as a Poinsettia Cocktail, becomes my go-to drink. It’s the perfect concoction to carry you through celebrations from the crisp air of Thanksgiving to the joyful gatherings of Christmas, and right into the sparkling anticipation of New Year’s Day brunch.
This cocktail isn’t just easy to prepare; it’s an experience for all your senses. The first thing you’ll notice is its captivating, jewel-toned red color, immediately setting a festive mood. A beautiful garnish of fresh cranberries and a sprig of fragrant rosemary draws you in visually, while the subtle aroma of pine from the rosemary tantalizes your nose even before the first sip. Then comes the taste: a perfect symphony of tart cranberry, a touch of sweet orange from the liqueur, and the irresistible effervescence of chilled champagne. This delightful blend makes every sip memorable and utterly refreshing.
Requiring only three simple ingredients and mere minutes to assemble, this cranberry mimosa is the epitome of effortless entertaining. It’s ideal for kick-starting your holiday mornings, enhancing a relaxed brunch, or adding a touch of elegance to any daytime gathering. Its bright, balanced flavors and stunning presentation make it a crowd-pleaser that embodies the joy and warmth of the season.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Mimosa
Crafting the perfect Cranberry Mimosa is all about selecting the right ingredients. With only three components, the quality of each truly shines through. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why your choices matter:
Cranberry Juice: The Tart Foundation
For this recipe, it is absolutely crucial to choose 100% pure cranberry juice, not cranberry juice cocktail. The distinction is vital for achieving the desired flavor profile. Pure cranberry juice offers a beautifully tart and robust cranberry flavor, which is essential to balance the sweetness of the orange liqueur and champagne. Cranberry juice cocktail, on the other hand, is pre-sweetened and often diluted, which would result in an overly sweet mimosa, masking the crispness of the champagne. Look for brands that specify “100% juice” on the label for the best results.
Orange Liqueur: A Hint of Sweet Citrus Brightness
The addition of orange liqueur is a game-changer for this mimosa. It imparts a delicate sweetness and a lovely, aromatic hint of orange that complements the cranberry beautifully, elevating the cocktail beyond a simple two-ingredient drink. Since this is a three-ingredient cocktail, the quality of your liqueur will significantly impact the overall flavor. I highly recommend using a premium orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau. These fine liqueurs offer a complex, rich orange flavor that integrates seamlessly into the drink. While triple sec can be used as a more budget-friendly option, I find that Grand Marnier or Cointreau provide a superior depth and smoothness, resulting in a more refined and enjoyable cocktail.
Champagne (or Sparkling Wine): The Bubbly Star
Last but certainly not least is the champagne (or sparkling wine). As one of the main components, it’s important to pick a bottle that you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own. For a classic, balanced Cranberry Mimosa, I typically opt for a dry (Brut) champagne, as it provides a crisp backdrop that lets the cranberry and orange notes shine without making the drink excessively sweet. However, if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, a Demi-Sec champagne or a Prosecco can be a wonderful choice. Don’t feel limited to true Champagne from France; excellent sparkling wines from other regions, like Cava from Spain or American sparkling wines, can also work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s a bottle you appreciate!
Essential Equipment for Making Cranberry Mimosas
While this Cranberry Mimosa recipe is incredibly simple, having the right tools on hand can make the assembly process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few must-haves for crafting these festive cocktails:
- Measuring Beakers or Jigger: Precision is key, even in simple cocktails. I highly recommend a reliable measuring beaker set or a double jigger to accurately measure your cranberry juice and orange liqueur. This ensures consistent flavor across all your drinks, so every guest enjoys the perfect balance.
- Champagne Flutes: These elegant glasses aren’t just for show; their tall, slender design is specifically crafted to help retain the bubbles in your sparkling wine, keeping your mimosa effervescent longer. While I adore the modern look of stemless champagne flutes, any style of flute will work beautifully. If you’re serving a large crowd, consider purchasing disposable flutes for ease of cleanup.
- Ice Bucket or Wine Chiller: Keeping your champagne and cranberry juice perfectly chilled is paramount. An ice bucket or wine chiller will ensure your ingredients stay cold throughout your event, guaranteeing a refreshing drink every time.
- Small Cutting Board and Paring Knife: Useful for preparing garnishes like orange slices or fresh rosemary sprigs, if you decide to go beyond just the cranberries.
Gathering these simple items will make your Cranberry Mimosa preparation seamless, allowing you to focus on enjoying the holiday spirit.
How to Make a Cranberry Mimosa: Simple Steps for a Stunning Cocktail
Creating these beautiful Cranberry Mimosas is incredibly straightforward, perfect for when you want to impress without the stress. Follow these two easy steps to whip up a batch of festive cheer in no time.
1. Chill Ingredients to Perfection
The secret to a truly refreshing mimosa lies in thoroughly chilled ingredients. Before you even think about assembling, make sure your champagne (or sparkling wine) and cranberry juice have spent ample time in the refrigerator. Ideally, they should be chilled for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight. Serving warm mimosa is simply a missed opportunity for refreshment! For an extra touch, you can even chill your champagne flutes in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. Assemble Your Festive Cocktail
Once your ingredients are perfectly chilled, it’s time to assemble your beautiful Cranberry Mimosa:
- Pour the Cranberry Juice: Take a clean, chilled champagne flute. Carefully pour cranberry juice into the glass, filling it approximately one-third of the way. The rich, ruby red color will immediately set a festive tone.
- Add Orange Liqueur: Next, add 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) to the flute. This touch of orange liqueur is what gives the Poinsettia Cocktail its distinctive flavor and a hint of extra sweetness and aroma.
- Top with Champagne: Gently tilt the flute slightly and slowly fill the remainder of the glass with your chilled champagne. Pouring slowly down the side helps preserve the effervescence and prevents excessive foaming. Watch as the bubbles rise, mingling with the cranberry and orange notes.
- Garnish and Serve: Complete your masterpiece with a festive garnish. A sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh (or frozen) cranberries floating on top will elevate the visual appeal and add a wonderful aromatic element.
Serve immediately and watch your guests delight in this effortlessly elegant holiday cocktail!
Expert Tips for the Best Cranberry Mimosa Every Time
While Cranberry Mimosas are incredibly simple, a few expert tips can ensure your cocktails are always perfectly balanced, beautiful, and bubbly. Follow these guidelines for success:
- Prioritize Chilling: This is arguably the most important tip. Ensure your 100% cranberry juice and champagne (or sparkling wine) are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator well in advance. Cold ingredients mean a colder, more refreshing mimosa that holds its effervescence longer. Warm ingredients will dilute the drink too quickly and make it go flat. For an extra touch, chill your champagne flutes too!
- Serve in Champagne Flutes: There’s a good reason why champagne is traditionally served in flutes. Their tall, narrow shape is specifically designed to minimize the surface area exposed to the air, which in turn helps to retain those precious bubbles, keeping your mimosa sparkling and lively. If you don’t own glass flutes, disposable ones are a great option for large parties. While other glasses like coupe glasses can be fun for a retro vibe, your mimosa might go flat quicker.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: A beautiful garnish isn’t just for aesthetics; it elevates the entire drinking experience. A sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries are ideal for the holiday season, adding both visual appeal and a delightful aroma. Consider other garnishes like a twist of orange peel, sugared cranberries (simply roll fresh cranberries in sugar after a quick rinse), or even a sugared rim on the glass for extra festive flair.
- Adjust the Ratio to Your Liking: The beauty of a mimosa is its adaptability. While our recipe provides a perfect balance of tart and sweet, feel free to adjust the ratio of cranberry juice to champagne based on your preference. For a sweeter mimosa, slightly reduce the cranberry juice or increase the orange liqueur. For a tarter drink, add a little more cranberry juice.
- Consider a Non-Alcoholic Version: Don’t leave anyone out of the holiday fun! You can easily make a delightful non-alcoholic “mock-mosa” by replacing the champagne with sparkling cider or sparkling water, and omitting the orange liqueur. It still offers that festive cranberry and bubbly appeal!
More holiday cocktails to choose from: Christmas Sangria | Sparkling Thanksgiving Cocktail | Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule | Cranberry Spice Sparkler
Can I Use Prosecco Instead of Champagne for My Cranberry Mimosa?
Absolutely, yes! The choice between champagne and Prosecco for your Cranberry Mimosa largely comes down to personal preference for sweetness and flavor profile. While true champagne (from the Champagne region of France) is often known for its crisp, drier taste and fine bubbles, Prosecco (an Italian sparkling wine) tends to be fruitier and often a touch sweeter, with slightly larger, less persistent bubbles.
If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, or if you find the tartness of pure cranberry juice to be too intense, then using Prosecco is an excellent option. Its inherent fruitiness will beautifully complement the cranberry and orange liqueur, resulting in a slightly softer and more approachable mimosa. For those who enjoy a drier, more sophisticated cocktail that allows the tart cranberry to truly shine, a Brut (dry) champagne is still my top recommendation. Don’t hesitate to experiment with both to discover your perfect Poinsettia Cocktail!
How Do I Make Cranberry Mimosas for a Crowd?
Making Cranberry Mimosas for a large gathering is incredibly simple, making them an ideal choice for holiday parties, brunches, and special events. The good news is, the recipe provided below is already designed to serve 8 people, so you’re off to a great start!
You have a couple of options for serving a crowd:
- Individual Assembly (as detailed in the recipe): This method ensures maximum fizz and allows guests to customize their drink slightly if you set out the ingredients. You simply set out your chilled cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne, along with garnishes. Guests (or a designated host) can then assemble each mimosa fresh.
- Big Batch Pitcher Method: For ultimate convenience, especially when serving many guests, you can prepare a large pitcher. After ensuring all your ingredients are thoroughly chilled, simply combine the cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Stir gently to combine. It’s important to stir gently to avoid losing too many bubbles. Serve this pitcher immediately, allowing guests to pour their own drinks and add their desired garnishes.
The recipe below serves 8, but it can be easily doubled or even tripled to accommodate larger guest lists. For example, if you’re expecting 16 guests, simply double all the ingredient quantities. Just remember to use a sufficiently large pitcher if going the big batch route! This approach significantly reduces individual preparation time during your event, letting you enjoy the party.
Can I Make a Cranberry Mimosa Ahead of Time?
While convenience is always appealing, I strongly advise against fully preparing Cranberry Mimosas ahead of time. The star of this drink is the delightful effervescence of the champagne, and pre-mixing would cause the bubbles to dissipate long before your guests arrive.
However, you can certainly do some crucial prep work in advance to ensure a smooth and swift assembly when it’s time to serve:
- Chill All Ingredients: Ensure your cranberry juice and champagne are thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator. This is essential and can be done hours or even a day before.
- Prepare Garnishes: Wash and prepare your fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until just before serving. Sugared cranberries can also be prepared a few hours in advance.
- Measure Liqueur: If you’re making a big batch, you can pre-measure the orange liqueur into a small container, ready to be poured.
By doing these small preparatory steps, you’ll be able to assemble fresh, sparkling Cranberry Mimosas in mere moments right before serving, ensuring maximum enjoyment for everyone!
What’s the Best Way to Garnish This Cranberry Mimosa?
A well-chosen garnish transforms a good drink into a great one, especially for a festive cocktail like the Cranberry Mimosa. For this particular drink, the best way to garnish is with a beautiful combination of a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries. This pairing isn’t just visually appealing; it also adds a lovely aromatic component that enhances the holiday experience.
Here are a few more tips and ideas for garnishing your Poinsettia Cocktails:
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer a pop of vibrant red color. If you don’t have fresh on hand, frozen cranberries work just as well and have the added benefit of keeping your drink colder without diluting it.
- Rosemary Sprigs: The piney, herbaceous scent of rosemary perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberries and adds a sophisticated touch. Gently rub the rosemary sprig between your fingers before adding it to release its oils for a stronger aroma.
- Sugared Cranberries: For an extra festive and glamorous look, roll your fresh cranberries in a little sugar after a quick rinse. They’ll sparkle like tiny jewels!
- Orange Peel Twist: A simple twist of orange peel can add another layer of citrus aroma, mirroring the orange liqueur in the drink.
- Citrus Slices: A thin slice of orange or lime perched on the rim of the glass can also look lovely.
- Don’t Overdo It: Remember, garnish for cocktails doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Often, simplicity is key, allowing the beauty of the drink itself to shine through.
Need some more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktails recipe page!
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with a Cranberry Mimosa
Cranberry Mimosas are the epitome of festive cheer, making them incredibly versatile for pairing with a wide array of seasonal dishes. While mimosas are classically enjoyed with breakfast or brunch, their bright, tart, and bubbly nature makes them suitable for lighter appetizers as well. Here are some of my favorite holiday recipes that perfectly complement this delightful cocktail, designed to carry you through the fall and winter seasons:
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites:
- Christmas Cranberry Cobbler: This delightful cobbler with its fluffy, cake-like texture and sweet, tart sugared cranberries is a truly lovely pairing. The fruit in the cobbler harmonizes beautifully with the cranberry in the mimosa.
- Fancy Parisian Crepes: Elegant and surprisingly easy to make, these delicate crepes offer a sophisticated counterpoint to the bubbly cocktail. Fill them with fruit, Nutella, or a light cream for a delightful brunch.
- Cranberry Coffee Cake with Tangy Orange Glaze: A big, fluffy slice of this coffee cake, boasting the flavors of cranberry and a bright orange glaze, is an ideal pairing. The orange notes echo the Grand Marnier in the mimosa.
- Sourdough French Toast: Keep things simple and satisfying with this quick (ready in just 20 minutes!) and flavorful sourdough French toast. Its subtle tang pairs well with the mimosa’s brightness.
- Panettone Bread Pudding: Rich and luxurious, served with a creamy crème anglaise, this bread pudding adds a decadent touch to any holiday brunch.
- Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls: Gooey, perfectly spiced, and wonderfully comforting, these cinnamon rolls are an absolute dream for Christmas morning alongside a mimosa.
- Classic Apple Danish: A timeless treat, a warm apple danish offers a comforting sweetness that never gets old and provides a wonderful contrast to the mimosa’s tartness.
- Chai Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: For those who love seasonal spices, these chai pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence for a cozy holiday morning.
- Classic Gluten-Free Oatmeal Waffles: Fluffy and tender, these waffles are perfect for topping with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or even homemade cranberry jam to enhance the drink’s flavors.
- Rhodes Roll Monkey Bread: A favorite holiday tradition, this gooey, sticky, and utterly delicious monkey bread is a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with a celebratory mimosa.
Savory Bites for a Crowd:
If you’re serving your Cranberry Mimosas at a party that extends beyond breakfast, here are some savory bites ideal for serving a crowd:
- BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: These are deceptively easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes, offering a perfect balance of smoky and savory flavors.
- Tear-Apart Sourdough Holiday Cheese Dip: If you adore anything cheesy and carb-filled, this warm, shareable dip is a must-make for your festive spread.
- Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets: Elevate your holiday appetizer game by taking baked brie to the next level with these elegant, flavorful pockets.
- Very Merry Christmas Cheese Board: For easy grazing, a beautifully arranged Christmas cheese board offers variety and sophistication, pairing perfectly with sparkling drinks.
And for even more inspiration, don’t forget to check out the full list of Christmas cocktails and drinks (including non-alcoholic options!) to complete your holiday beverage menu.
I genuinely hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create the most delicious and beautiful Cranberry Mimosas for your upcoming celebrations. This simple yet elegant cocktail is sure to add a touch of sparkle and joy to any holiday moment.
Finally, if you do make this delightful Cranberry Mimosa recipe, please be sure to give it a rating or leave a comment below! I absolutely love hearing when you all try out my recipes and truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences. Feel free to drop any questions you might have, and I’ll do my best to respond to every single one.
Oh, and for those who love to share their culinary creations, be sure to tag me on Instagram! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes brings me immense joy, and it’s truly my favorite thing to browse through your photos. Your tags and feedback mean the world to me!
Cranberry Mimosa (Poinsettia Cocktail)
Equipment
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Double Jigger or Measuring Beakers
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Champagne Flutes
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Ice bucket or Wine Chiller (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 100% cranberry juice chilled (not cranberry juice cocktail)
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or Cointreau)
- 1 750 ml bottle of chilled brut champagne (or your favorite sparkling wine/Prosecco)
- Garnish: fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs
Instructions
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Ensure all your ingredients (cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne) are thoroughly chilled before beginning.
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Fill a champagne flute approximately 1/3 of the way full with chilled 100% cranberry juice.
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Add 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) to the cranberry juice in the flute.
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Slowly fill the remainder of the glass with chilled champagne, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
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Garnish each mimosa with a few fresh or frozen cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition