Classic Mimosas - Champagne or Sparkling Wine Recipe

Crisp bubbles of chilled champagne mingle with fresh orange juice in this versatile brunch classic that balances sweet citrus with elegant effervescence.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
2 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
4 cocktails
An elegant flute capturing the golden gradient of a Classic Mimosa, from pale champagne at the bottom to vibrant orange at the top. Tiny bubbles rise continuously through the crystal-clear glass, catching the warm morning light streaming through a nearby window. A delicate spiral of fresh orange zest curls over the rim, while condensation beads on the outside of the flute suggest perfect chilling. The mimosa sits on a marble brunch table with scattered fresh orange segments and a champagne bottle resting in an ice bucket slightly blurred in the background.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">750ml chilled Champagne or sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava work well)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange slices or twists for garnish (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Champagne flutes</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Champagne stopper (for leftovers)</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Chill all ingredients thoroughly before preparation. Both the champagne and orange juice should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours. Cold ingredients maintain carbonation better and create a more refreshing final drink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Pour the chilled orange juice into each champagne flute, filling approximately 1/3 of the glass (about 60ml per glass). For a stronger cocktail, use less juice; for a lighter version, fill up to halfway. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Slowly tilt the glass and pour the champagne or sparkling wine down the inside edge to preserve bubbles. Fill each glass to about 1cm from the rim (approximately 90ml per glass). Pouring this way prevents excessive foaming and maintains the wine's effervescence. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Allow the cocktail to settle for a moment as the bubbles naturally mix the ingredients. No stirring is needed, as this would reduce carbonation. You'll notice a beautiful gradient effect forming in the glass. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> If desired, garnish each glass with a slice of orange on the rim or a delicate twist of orange peel expressed over the surface to release essential oils. This adds aromatic complexity to the drink. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Serve immediately while the cocktail is cold and the carbonation is at its peak. For large gatherings, prepare each drink individually rather than premixing to maintain the freshness and bubbles. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 120 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g
🍭 Sugar: 9 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 2 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best champagne or sparkling wine to use for mimosas?

For mimosas, choose a dry (Brut) sparkling wine rather than expensive champagne. Prosecco offers good value with light, fruity notes that complement orange juice, while Spanish Cava provides crisp acidity. Avoid sweet varieties as the orange juice already adds sweetness to the cocktail.

What's the perfect ratio for a balanced mimosa?

The classic ratio is 1:1 (equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice), but many prefer 2:1 (two parts champagne to one part juice) for a more pronounced wine flavour. For a stronger cocktail, use 3:1, while a 1:2 ratio creates a more juice-forward, gentler brunch beverage.

Can I prepare a mimosa pitcher for a large gathering?

Ideally, mimosas should be mixed individually to maintain carbonation. However, if serving a crowd, you can prepare a pitcher just before serving. Chill all ingredients thoroughly, add juice first, then gently pour in the sparkling wine. Don't stir, and serve immediately.

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