Simple two-ingredient orange mimosa cocktails are the perfect way to serve up some elegance at brunch time. With the ideal bottle of sparkling wine, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the exact ratio, it's easy to make the best orange mimosa recipe.
The classic orange mimosa, a popular brunch cocktail, requires only two ingredients and just a minute or two to mix up. That's why it's one of my favorite drinks to serve up for brunch parties and to groups.
For brunch, a mimosa makes the perfect pair for a plate of eggnog waffles or oat flour pancakes and salty turkey bacon made in the air fryer.
If you love serving up mimosas for different events you might also like to jazz up your basic orange mimosas with different colors and flavors such as this Pomegranate Mimosa, Grapefruit Mimosa or Green Mimosa made with Curacao.
Mimosas are extremely forgiving and you can certainly make a successful, decent cocktail by grabbing any sparkling wine and orange juice and pouring it in the glass.
However, if you want to make the best mimosa recipe, it's important to carefully choose each ingredient. But don't worry it's not difficult at all and I am going to walk you through each step.
Ingredients in Orange Mimosa Recipe
With just two ingredients in an orange mimosa, quality counts. Take this classic recipe up a notch with quality ingredients and the perfect ratio. For a traditional mimosa you will need:
- Orange Juice
- Sparkling Wine
Orange Juice
When it comes to the best mimosa recipe, fresh-squeezed orange juice is hands up the best juice. The fresh flavors of orange juice just squeezed are very different from anything you buy in the store or that comes in a bottle or jar.
One extra large orange freshly squeezed will provide enough juice for one champagne flute. If you are using smaller oranges, you may need to use two per flute. So for this recipe, you will need approximately 8 large oranges or 16 small oranges.
However, should you decide that fresh orange juice isn't possible, choose an orange juice that is NOT made from concentrate. It does make a difference! My favorite premade juice to use for mimosas is Simply Orange.
Sparkling Wine
Most people automatically think of champagne when they hear the term “sparkling wine.” But traditional champagne can be extremely pricey and since we are going to be filling a good portion of our glass with orange juice, it is OK to save a few bucks and choose a less expensive sparkling option.
What kind of sparkling wine is best for making mimosas? Here are my top three recommendations:
- Prosecco: Prosecco is vibrant, fruity, and affordable. It's also a little sweeter than its counterparts.
- Cava: Cava is a little lighter with a flavor profile that is great for mimosas.
- Champagne: While a pricey option, champagne has an excellent minerality to its flavor if you are looking for the wine flavor to stand out.
No matter which sparkling wine you choose, be sure to choose dry, or “brut" which are less sweet in their flavor which makes them perfect to mix with the sweetness of the orange juice.
How to Make the Perfect Orange Mimosa Recipe
Now that you know the perfect type of orange juice and sparkling wine to choose to make mimosas, it’s time to pour a glass!
The ratio may change depending on who you ask, but traditionally speaking the best ratio is exactly 50/50 of champagne and juice.
When serving guests, I prefer to use the traditional ratio and set the bottle out in case anyone wants to add any more sparkling wine. It is much easier for your guests to add more than take it away.
How to Make Mimosas in a Pitcher
Mimosas are one of the easiest cocktails to prepare for a crowd.
Keeping that 50/50 ratio in mind, prepare a large pitcher ahead of time or set up a mimosa bar with various juices, fruits, and sparkling wine options.
When serving mimosas in a pitcher, be sure to leave a stir stick or spoon in the pitcher so your guests can give it a quick stir before pouring.
Don't make them too far in advance as the sparkling wine will flatten and lose its fizz.
Pro-Tip: DO NOT add ice to the pitcher. It will water down the drink. Instead, place the pitcher in a tub with ice surrounding it to keep it cold.
What to Eat with Mimosas
The flavors of mimosas are sweet and crisp and pair perfectly when eaten with foods that have these flavors:
- salty
- sweet
- savory
Some of my favorite brunch dishes to serve up with this orange mimosa recipe. You can't go wrong with any variety of pancakes, waffles, or french toast but for a special brunch, I love to serve up these Strawberry Pancakes or a plate of simple Belgian Waffles with plenty of toppings for everyone to pile on!
You can't go wrong with the salty, savory flavors of a Cobb Salad which works great to serve up on a serving platter instead of individual plates or bowls.
Garnishes
I love to serve my classic orange mimosa recipe with a small orange wedge.
You could also get creative and use some fancier garnishes:
- twisted orange peel
- a sprig of mint
- raspberry in the bottom of the glass
- any combination!
Storage
If you are lucky to have any leftover mimosa ingredients, it is best to store them separated. When sparkling wine is properly sealed, it will keep its bubbles for up to 48 hours. If pre-mixed with the orange juice, it won’t last that long.
Equipment
Champagne flutes: You will need a glass to serve up mimosas no matter how you plan to serve up mimosas! My favorite are these flutes from Amazon but this stemless option is nice too!
Citrus juicer: My favorite is this multi-sized citrus juicer which works well for citrus of all sizes, small, medium, and large.
Long spoon and pitcher: I prefer to use a glass pitcher or carafe when serving up premixed mimosas.
Wine chiller: Be sure to keep the sparkling wine on ice in a wine chiller when setting up a self-serve station for mimosas.
Expert Tips and FAQS
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice whenever possible for the BEST flavor when making the classic orange mimosa recipe.
Don't add ice to the glass of mimosas!
Use Brut or Dry sparkling wine for a perfect crisp flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet orange juice.
For a perfectly balanced flavor, use the ratio of 50/50 orange juice to sparkling wine when making mimosas though you can add more or less if desired.
Yes! Premixed mimosas are a great idea for large groups. In a pitcher or carafe, mix together half sparkling wine and half orange juice. Be sure to keep the pitcher or carafe chilled and have a spoon handy to give the pitcher a stir right before serving as the juice tends to settle to the bottom of the pitcher.
The best orange juice to use for mimosas is the juice from fresh-squeezed oranges. I know it's a lot of extra work but it's worth it. If that isn't an option, Simply Orange is my favorite store-bought orange juice to use.
More Mimosa and Cocktail Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Classic Mimosa
Ingredients
- 1 750ml bottle sparkling wine Dry and chilled
- 3 cups orange juice freshly squeezed and chilled
Instructions
- Fill 8 champagne flutes halfway full of orange juice.
- Fill the rest of the glasses with sparkling wine, adding more or less if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published for Yellow Bliss Road, "How to make mimosa's like a pro."
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