What’s more festive on Christmas morning than waking up to a Christmas Mimosa? This tasty drink is bubbly and perfect for the season. Rich pomegranate juice contrasts with the citrus sweetness of orange, topped off with a profusion of bubbles. This one is a great tradition for Christmas breakfast or brunch…with gingerbread waffles or snowman pancakes. It’s become a tradition in our house!
What’s in a Christmas mimosa?
The mimosa is one of the most popular classic cocktails: a simple mix of orange juice and champagne. There are endless flavored riffs on the classic, and here we’ve used pomegranate juice to bring in a fruity flavor and bold color. Here’s what you’ll need for this Christmas mimosa:
100% pomegranate juice Orange juice Sparkling wine: use champagne, Prosecco, or your favorite sparkling wine
Pomegranate juice and a few substitutes
It’s easy to find 100% pomegranate juice for this Christmas mimosa at most grocery stores these days. But if you can’t find it you can also make it fresh squeezed. Or if you prefer, cranberry juice works too! Here are some notes:
Buy bottled 100% pomegranate juice. If all you can find is sweetened, that’s ok too! Make the juice with 2 pomegranates. Cut and seed the pomegranate, then place the seeds in a jar and smash them with a cocktail muddler or potato masher. Strain it out and you’re good to go! Go to How to Make Pomegranate Juice. The juice of two pomegranates makes about 1 cup juice, which is approximately what you’ll need for 6 drinks (technically you’ll need 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons). Use cranberry juice. You can try it with 100% cranberry juice for a tart flavor, cranberry juice blend, or cranberry juice cocktail, which is sweetened and will make a sweeter mimosa.
Prosecco and other sparkling wines
Our default for making a mimosa is Prosecco, which is what we recommend for this Christmas mimosa. Why? A great bottle of Prosecco is cheaper than a great bottle of Champagne, because the manufacturing process is easier (read more at Prosecco vs Champagne). Also, we like the flavor even better! Feel free to use whatever sparkling wine you like, just make sure it is “brut” or dry. Here are a few options:
Champagne: French sparkling wine. It tastes bubbly and fruity, with undertones of almond and orange. It’s typically the most expensive sparkling wine.Prosecco: Italian sparkling wine. It’s a little sweeter than champagne and has lighter bubbles. It’s fruity and flowery, with notes of apple, pear and lemon.Cava: Spanish sparkling wine. It has more citrus notes, and is a little more savory and less fruity.
More festive Christmas drinks
Entertaining for the holidays? Here are a few more Christmas drinks that would work for brunch or any time:
Try the Pomegranate Mimosa (with Aperol) or Cranberry Mimosa Opt for a Poinsettia (Cranberry Champagne Cocktail) Try Spiked Hot Chocolate, Baileys Hot Chocolate, Kahlua Hot Chocolate, or Peppermint Schnapps Hot ChocolateGo for a Peppermint Patty DrinkGrab Christmas Coffee or a Gingerbread Latte
5 from 1 review **1 750 mL bottle has enough for 6 drinks.
