Okay, let’s talk about holiday drinks, because honestly, what’s Christmas without a little sparkle? Every year, when the first hint of frost is in the air and the carols start playing, I know it’s time to whip up my absolute favorite festive concoction: the Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler. It’s just… pure holiday magic in a glass!
I remember one Christmas Eve, we had a last-minute guest pop over, and I was scrambling. Within five minutes flat, I had these gorgeous, ruby-red mimosas ready to go. The look on their face was priceless! It’s so incredibly simple, but it feels so fancy, and everyone always raves about it. It’s become my go-to for making any holiday gathering feel extra special, and trust me, it’s practically foolproof.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Seriously, this drink is a total winner for so many reasons:
- It looks SO festive! That gorgeous red color just screams holiday cheer.
- It takes literally minutes to make – you can whip up a whole batch before your guests even finish their coats.
- You can totally tweak it to your liking – more cranberry, less sweet, you name it.
- It’s fancy enough for a special occasion but so easy that anyone can make it. Your guests will think you’re a total pro!
Ingredients for Your Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes this drink so special. It’s all about the quality of your ingredients, and thankfully, they’re super easy to find!
- 1 bottle (750ml) Prosecco or Champagne, chilled: This is your bubbly base! Make sure it’s really, really cold. Prosecco is a bit lighter and fruitier, while Champagne is a classic, but either works beautifully here.
- 1 cup cranberry juice, chilled: I like to use a good quality 100% cranberry juice, not the cranberry cocktail stuff which can be too sweet. You want that tart, festive cranberry flavor!
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur, chilled: This is where you get a lovely hint of citrus and a little extra something-something. Cointreau or Grand Marnier are my favorites for this – they have a nice, smooth orange flavor.
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish: These little jewels add the perfect pop of color and a touch of tartness. Just a small handful per glass is perfect.
- Orange slices, for garnish: A thin slice of orange on the rim or floating in the glass just adds to the festive vibe and a lovely aroma.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for the Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
So, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. Prosecco or Champagne are fantastic because they’re bubbly and have that celebratory feel. If you can’t find those, a good quality dry Cava or even a sparkling wine will totally work. For the orange liqueur, if you don’t have Grand Marnier or Cointreau, a splash of good quality orange juice with a tiny bit of orange extract can give you a similar vibe, though it won’t have that same depth.
And for my non-sparkling friends? You can absolutely make this a mocktail! Just swap the Prosecco for chilled sparkling cider or white grape juice, and skip the orange liqueur entirely. It’s still delicious and festive!
How to Prepare the Perfect Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Honestly, making these is so easy it feels like cheating, but the result is just *chef’s kiss*! You’ll be done in minutes, I promise.
First things first, make sure everything is super cold. I mean, seriously chilled – the Prosecco, the cranberry juice, even the orange liqueur. It makes a huge difference. Grab your prettiest champagne flutes. Now, for each glass, you’re going to start with a little splash of that gorgeous cranberry juice. Think about two tablespoons – just enough to give the bottom a nice festive color.
Next, add your orange liqueur. Just a tablespoon per glass is perfect. This is where you get that lovely little bit of sweetness and citrusy warmth. Then, the grand finale! Slowly top off each flute with your chilled Prosecco or Champagne. Pour it gently so you don’t lose all those lovely bubbles! If you pour too fast, it’ll just foam over, and nobody wants that messy situation.
Give it a gentle swirl if you want, but usually, the bubbles do all the work for you. Then, just before serving, add your garnishes. A few fresh cranberries bobbing around and a nice thin orange slice perched on the rim. It looks so elegant!
Tips for Success with Your Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Okay, a few little tricks I’ve learned to make these absolutely perfect every single time. First, seriously, chill everything. Like, put your bubbly and juices in the fridge the day before if you can! It makes the drink taste so much better and keeps it from getting watery too fast. Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust. If you like it a little sweeter, add a tiny bit more orange liqueur or a splash more cranberry juice. And get your garnishes ready beforehand – have those cranberries washed and the orange slices cut so when it’s time to pour, you can just grab and go. It makes serving a breeze!
Serving and Presentation of the Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Presentation is key with this festive drink! Always serve in elegant champagne flutes – they show off those beautiful bubbles and the lovely red color so well. I like to place a few fresh cranberries right into the bubbly, and an orange slice perched on the rim just makes it feel extra special. It’s all about those little touches that make your guests feel pampered!
Garnish Ideas for Your Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Besides the classic cranberries and orange slices, you could try a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive, pine-like aroma, or even a dusting of edible glitter for some extra sparkle. A thin sugar rim on the glass also adds a fun touch!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Got questions about this festive bubbly? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this ahead of time? You can totally prep the cranberry juice and orange liqueur mixture in advance, but definitely wait to add the sparkling wine until you’re ready to serve. Nobody wants flat mimosas, right? Keep the bubbly chilled in the fridge, and just top off the pre-mixed juice and liqueur when your guests arrive.
How do I adjust the sweetness? That’s the beauty of this drink! If you prefer it a little sweeter, just add a touch more orange liqueur or a tiny splash of simple syrup. If you like it tarter, lean into the cranberry juice and maybe use a drier sparkling wine.
What about a non-alcoholic version? Absolutely! For a kid-friendly or non-drinker option, swap the Prosecco for chilled sparkling cider or white grape juice. You’ll also want to skip the orange liqueur. It’s still super festive and delicious!
Can I use a different sparkling wine? Yes, you can! While Prosecco or Champagne are my favorites for their crispness, a good quality Cava or even a dry sparkling rosé would be lovely. Just make sure it’s well-chilled!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
While this mimosa is best served fresh, you can save the components. Keep the leftover Prosecco or Champagne tightly corked and chilled in the fridge – it should stay bubbly for a day or two. The cranberry juice and orange liqueur mixture can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready for more, just pour the chilled juice mixture into your flutes and top with fresh bubbly. It’s like a mini-celebration whenever you want!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer for the Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
Just a little heads-up about the nutritional info – it’s an estimate, okay? The exact numbers can totally change depending on the specific brands of Prosecco, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur you use. Also, how much you pour in each glass can make a difference too! So, think of it as a general guideline rather than gospel truth!
Print
Sensational Christmas Cranberry Mimosa Sparkler
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and sparkling cranberry mimosa perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750ml) Prosecco or Champagne, chilled
- 1 cup cranberry juice, chilled
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau), chilled
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Orange slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice into each champagne flute.
- Add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur to each flute.
- Top with chilled Prosecco or Champagne.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling cider or white grape juice instead of Prosecco and omit the orange liqueur.
- Adjust the amount of cranberry juice and orange liqueur to your taste.
- Prepare garnishes in advance.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas, Cranberry, Mimosa, Sparkler, Holiday Cocktail, Festive Drink, Champagne Cocktail