The great thing about a mimosa is that there’s rarely a wrong time of day to enjoy one. This cranberry orange mimosa is a festive, flavorful option that works beautifully for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or ringing in the New Year. Bright, bubbly, and easy to make, it’s a lovely champagne cocktail to share with friends and family.
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
I only discovered mimosas in my thirties, and now I’m making up for lost time. Whether you’re new to sparkling cocktails or a longtime fan, this cranberry orange version is an easy way to elevate a simple brunch. Its bright cranberry and orange notes pair perfectly with dry sparkling wine, and a small splash of triple sec adds a subtle orange liqueur depth that makes the drink feel special without complexity.
Have a Cocktail with dinner!
If you enjoy other sparkling cocktails, this one sits nicely alongside drinks such as Orange Creamsicle Mimosas or Pineapple Prosecco Cocktails. You can also adapt it for parties by scaling the ingredients up for a big batch. For showers or celebratory punches, the flavors translate well when balanced with a little extra citrus or a splash of lemon-lime soda if you prefer something sweeter and more soda-forward.
This mimosa has a pretty, layered appearance when assembled carefully: orange juice and cranberry juice form two colorful layers that contrast with the prosecco. Garnish with orange slices for a bright finishing touch. If fresh cranberries are available, threading a few sparkling cranberries onto a toothpick makes an elegant and seasonal garnish.
Can you make these in advance?
You can prepare mimosas up to about an hour before serving, but for the best fizz and texture, add the sparkling wine right before guests arrive. If you mix everything too far ahead the bubbles will fade. If you’re preparing a large batch, combine the juices and triple sec ahead of time and chill thoroughly, then pour in the prosecco at the last minute. Frozen berries make excellent chillers if you need to keep a pitcher cold without diluting the drink.
How to make the perfect mimosa
- Chill every ingredient well: cold prosecco, cold orange juice, and cold cranberry juice yield the most refreshing drink.
- Use a mid-range sparkling wine or prosecco; expensive bottles aren’t necessary for a mixed cocktail.
- Choose quality juice. Fresh-squeezed or 100% juice makes a clearer, brighter flavor than juice cocktails.
- If you need to keep a mixed pitcher cold, add frozen cranberries or other frozen fruit instead of ice to avoid dilution.
Food pairings and serving ideas
This mimosa pairs well with classic brunch dishes. A savory breakfast crescent ring filled with sausage and eggs is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that complements the drink’s citrus and berry notes. Light pastries, quiches, or a simple smoked salmon platter also work beautifully. Think bright, savory, and slightly creamy foods to balance the lively acidity and bubbles of the mimosa.
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Prosecco, cranberry juice, orange juice, and triple sec combine to make a refreshing, festive mimosa. This easy weekend treat is perfect for sharing—mix a pitcher for brunch or make individual glasses for a holiday celebration.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 3 cups orange juice
- 1½ cups triple sec
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the cranberry juice, orange juice, and triple sec into a large carafe or pitcher and stir gently to combine.
- Chill the mixture well, if not already cold.
- When ready to serve, slowly add the prosecco to the pitcher and stir gently to preserve some bubbles. For layered glasses, pour juices first then carefully top each glass with prosecco.
- Pour into flutes or glasses and garnish with an orange slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute champagne or another favorite sparkling wine if you prefer. Using 100% cranberry juice (rather than cranberry cocktail) keeps the drink more tart and bright; if you want a sweeter cocktail, use cranberry cocktail. Adjust proportions to taste.
Nutrition Information
Amount per serving:
Calories: 276 · Sodium: 7mg · Carbohydrates: 42g · Sugar: 39g · Protein: 1g