Mimosa

The Mimosa is a universally beloved cocktail, celebrated for its refreshing simplicity and festive character. It consists of just two ingredients: chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. Typically served in a tall Champagne flute, its bright orange hue and effervescence make it a visually appealing and delightful drink. It's the quintessential choice for brunches, weddings, and holiday gatherings.
Mimosa

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mimosa is a classic cocktail primarily categorized as a brunch drink. It's a simple, elegant beverage often enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon. Its two-ingredient nature makes it a staple in the highball and wine cocktail families.

Serving

Served cold in a chilled Champagne flute, this light cocktail has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for daytime enjoyment. The serving size is typically around 5 ounces.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 5-7% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Champagne Flute
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The Mimosa was reputedly invented around 1925 at the Hôtel Ritz in Paris by bartender Frank Meier. The drink is named after the yellow, flowering Mimosa plant (Acacia dealbata), which its color resembles. It gained popularity in the United States and became a staple of brunch culture.
Origin
Paris, France, circa 1925.

Mimosa

The drink is universally known as the Mimosa. It is sometimes confused with the Buck's Fizz, a similar British drink that typically uses a higher ratio of sparkling wine to orange juice. While the names are often used interchangeably, the original recipes differ in their proportions.
Original name
Mimosa
Alternative name
Buck's Fizz

Characteristics overview

The Mimosa boasts a bright, citrusy flavor and aroma, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the orange juice and tartness from the sparkling wine. It has a light, bubbly texture and a clean, refreshing finish, making it a delightful and easy-drinking cocktail.
Flavor
Citrus, bubbly, sweet, slightly tart, fruity
Aroma
Orange, citrus, hints of grape and yeast from the sparkling wine
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent, light
Color appearance
Bright orange, sunny, effervescent
Texture
Light-bodied, thin, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, especially popular in spring and summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Mimosa is a fruity and carbonated drink with moderate sweetness and a hint of sourness. It is very low in alcohol strength and has no bitterness, spiciness, or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two main ingredients for a classic Mimosa: chilled dry sparkling wine and chilled fresh orange juice. For an extra flourish, a small amount of orange liqueur can be added.
  • Chilled Sparkling Wine75 ml / 2.5 oz
    Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava works well. Use a dry (Brut) variety to balance the sweetness of the juice.
  • Chilled Orange Juice75 ml / 2.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor. Ensure it is pulp-free and well-chilled.
  • Orange Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    A splash of Grand Marnier or Triple Sec can be added for extra depth and a boozier kick.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

No shakers or strainers are required for a Mimosa, as it is built directly in the serving glass to preserve carbonation. Simply ensure your glass is chilled beforehand.
  • No special equipment needed, built directly in the glass.

Instructions

Build the drink directly in a chilled Champagne flute by pouring the sparkling wine at an angle, then gently topping with orange juice. Serve immediately without stirring to preserve the bubbles.
1. Ensure both your sparkling wine and orange juice are well-chilled before you begin. Chilling the Champagne flute is also recommended.
2. Hold the Champagne flute at a slight angle and pour the sparkling wine in first. This helps to prevent the orange juice from de-carbonating the wine.
3. Gently and slowly top with the chilled orange juice. The classic ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust to your preference.
4. Do not stir, as this will dissipate the bubbles. The pouring action should be enough to mix the ingredients.
5. If desired, garnish with an orange twist or a small wedge on the rim of the glass before serving immediately.

Garnishing

A Mimosa is often served without a garnish for a clean look, but an orange twist or a small orange wedge on the rim adds a nice touch.
  • Orange twist or small orange wedge on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. To ensure it is vegan, check that the sparkling wine used was not fined with animal products.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Mimosa is relatively low in calories, with around 100-120 kcal per serving. Most of its carbohydrates and sugars come from the orange juice.
Calories
Averagely 100-120 kcal / 418-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Mimosa is the quintessential brunch beverage. It is also perfectly suited for celebratory events like weddings, baby showers, and holiday gatherings. Its light and festive nature makes it a great choice for any morning or daytime special occasion.
  • Brunch
  • Wedding
  • Celebration
  • Holiday

Pairing suggestions

The Mimosa is a perfect companion for a wide variety of brunch foods. Its acidity cuts through rich dishes like Eggs Benedict and quiche, while its fruitiness complements sweet items like pancakes and pastries. It also pairs wonderfully with simple fresh fruit.
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Pancakes or French Toast
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Quiche
  • Light pastries

Mimosa: The Quintessential Sparkling Brunch Cocktail

The Mimosa is an iconic two-ingredient cocktail that defines brunch culture with its simple elegance and refreshing taste. Combining chilled sparkling wine and orange juice, it's a light, bubbly, and festive drink suitable for any celebration. Its bright color and effervescence make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Easy to make and universally loved, the Mimosa is a timeless classic for raising a toast.

Variations

Bellini

Uses peach purée instead of orange juice.

Grand Mimosa

Adds a splash of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur.

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