Mimosa Bar Recipes + The Best Champagne for Mimosas

Learn how to create the perfect Mimosa bar for your next gathering! Elevate your brunch game and treat yourself and your loved ones to these Mimosa bar recipes, complete with tips for the best champagne, a variety of fruit juices, and endless possibilities for customization. 

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I decided to channel my inner brunch aficionado and throw together the perfect Mimosa bar. Because let’s face it, what mama doesn’t deserve a little extra pampering?

Back when I lived in Las Vegas, bottomless Mimosa brunches were practically a way of life. There’s just something about that bubbly cocktail that takes brunch to the next level. And don’t even get me started on those all-you-can-eat buffets where Mimosas were an absolute must. Those were the good ol’ days!

Setting up the Mimosa bar is so easy. Just grab an assortment of fruit juices—orange, pineapple, cranberry, you name it—and lay them out alongside some chilled champagne. Throw in some fresh fruit slices for garnish, and you’ve got yourself a party!

Now, here’s the thing I love about Mimosa bars: they’re totally customizable. Whether you like your Mimosas classic with just a hint of orange juice or prefer to mix things up with a splash of pineapple or cranberry, the options are endless. It’s like playing mixologist in your own kitchen!

And let’s not forget the ultimate combo: Mimosas and a crab boil. Trust me on this one, it’s a match made in brunch heaven. There’s just something about sipping on a bubbly Mimosa while cracking into some fresh crab legs that makes my taste buds sing.

So, whether you’re planning your next brunch or gearing up for a holiday party, consider adding a Mimosa bar to the mix. It’s guaranteed to take your celebration to the next level.

What is a Mimosa?

A Mimosa is a classic brunch cocktail made by combining equal parts of champagne (or sparkling wine) and chilled citrus juice, usually orange juice, but you can also use pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, or any other variety of juices. The drink is served in a champagne flute or a tall wine glass, and it’s often garnished with orange slices or fresh herbs for added visual appeal. The cocktail’s name is inspired by the yellow flower of the mimosa plant.

Mimosas are refreshing and bubbly, with the effervescence of the champagne complementing the tangy sweetness of the orange juice. It’s a simple yet elegant drink that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions like Mother’s Day, a bridal shower or baby shower, or simply enjoying a casual brunch with friends and family.

​Mimosa vs. Bellini

You may be wondering what is the difference between a Mimosa and a Bellini.

A Bellini is a cocktail made by combining Prosecco and white peach puree. It’s delicate and fruity, with a slight tang from the Prosecco. Bellinis are usually a light pink or peach color. They’re also perfect for brunches, bridal showers, baby showers, and other events.

If you prefer a more subtle, peach-flavored cocktail, go for the Bellini. If you’re in the mood for a bubbly and citrusy cocktail that’s perfect for a relaxed brunch or celebration, then one of these Mimosas is your best choice.

Best Champagne for Mimosas

When selecting champagne for a Mimosa, you can get away with using a moderately priced champagne or even a sparkling wine that’s crisp, dry, and not overly sweet. That’s one thing I love about about this drink, you don’t need to use the most expensive brand because the flavors will be mixed with the citrus juice. Here are a few of the best champagnes (and sparkling wines) for mimosas:

• Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine is great for Mimosas due to its affordability and light, fruity flavors. It’s typically less expensive than Champagne and has notes of apple, pear, and floral aromas.
• Spanish Cava: Hailing from Spain, Cava is another excellent option for Mimosas. It’s made using the traditional method, similar to Champagne, but it’s usually more budget-friendly. Look for a Brut or Extra Brut Cava, which will be dry and crisp.
• Brut Champagne: If you prefer Champagne specifically, look for a Brut Champagne. Brut Champagnes are the most common type and are dry, which pairs well with the sweetness of the orange juice in a Mimosa. Some popular brands include Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Perrier-Jouët.
• Sparkling Wine: You don’t necessarily have to use Champagne; any good-quality sparkling wine will work well in a Mimosa. Look for options labeled as Brut or Extra Brut for a dry taste profile.

Ultimately, the best champagne for a Mimosa depends on your personal taste preferences and budget. It’s always a good idea to taste the champagne on its own before mixing it with fresh juices to ensure you enjoy the combination.

Mimosa Ingredients

• 1 part chilled champagne (alternatively, you can use sparkling wine)
• 1 part chilled orange juice (or a variety of fresh juices)
• Orange slices, fresh herbs, fruit slices, for garnish (optional)

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Instead of using just orange juice, you can try other fresh juices such as pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice. These alternatives will add unique flavors to your Mimosa.
• Experiment with mixing different fruit juices to create your own Mimosa variations. For example, try a Pomegranate Mimosa with equal parts champagne and pomegranate juice, or a Cranberry Mimosa with cranberry juice and a splash of orange liqueur.

Mocktail

• For a mocktail version, you can substitute champagne with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage or kombucha for a fizzy, flavorful alternative.

Fruit Garnishes

• Adding fruit garnishes such as orange slices, lemon twists, lime wedges, pomegranate seeds, or fresh berries is an easy way to enhance presentation.
• For a festive touch, rim the glass with sugar before pouring in the Mimosa.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary, mint, or basil as garnishes to add aroma and flavor to your Mimosa.

Special Equipment & Tools You’ll Need For The Perfect Mimosa Bar

• Juice Carafes or Decanters: Juice carafes or decanters are essential for displaying and serving different juices at your Mimosa bar. Opt for clear containers that allow guests to see the juice colors easily. Label each carafe with the type of juice it contains for clarity.

• Champagne Flutes/Wine Glasses: Champagne flutes (glass or plastic) or stemless wine glasses are an excellent for serving Mimosas. I like the the stemless ones because they’re sturdy and less likely to tip over. Plastic champagne flutes are practical for outdoor events or venues where glassware is not allowed or preferred.

• Ice Bucket or Wine Chiller: An ice bucket or wine chiller is essential for keeping champagne bottles chilled throughout the event. Ensure it’s large enough to hold several bottles of champagne and plenty of ice to maintain optimal serving temperatures.

• Bar Tools: Provide basic bar tools such as a cocktail shaker, jigger, stirring spoon, and citrus juicer for guests who want to mix their Mimosas or add additional ingredients.

• Decorative Accents: Enhance the ambiance of your Mimosa bar with decorative accents such as fresh flowers, greenery, decorative napkins, and themed decorations that complement the overall aesthetic of your event.

• Napkins and Coasters: Stock up on cocktail napkins and coasters to prevent spills and keep the Mimosa bar area tidy. Choose napkins and coasters that coordinate with your theme or color scheme for a cohesive look.

Directions

1. Begin by chilling both the champagne (or sparkling wine) and the juice in the refrigerator beforehand. It’s essential to have both ingredients cold to ensure a refreshing Mimosa.
2. Once chilled, pour equal parts champagne and juice into a champagne flute or tall wine glass. You can adjust the ratio to your taste preferences if you prefer your Mimosa more champagne-forward or with a stronger orange flavor.
3. Gently stir the mixture with a cocktail stirrer or a spoon to combine the champagne and orange juice. Garnish with fresh fruit. 
4. Serve Mimosa immediately and enjoy it while it’s still bubbly and fresh!

Serving A Crowd

Here’s a breakdown of how much of each ingredient you’ll need for a Mimosa bar, considering parties of 5, 10, and 25 guests:

For a party of 5

• 2 bottles of champagne (750 ml each)
• 2 quarts of orange juice

For a party of 10

• 4 bottles of champagne (750 ml each)
• 4 quarts of orange juice

For a party of 25

• 10 bottles of champagne (750 ml each)
• 10 quarts of orange juice

DIY Your Own Mimosa Bar

Setting up the ultimate Mimosa bar is a great way to entertain guests at Mother’s Day brunch, bridal showers, or other special occasions. Here’s how to create a fantastic Mimosa bar:

• Gather Supplies: Start by gathering all the necessary supplies, including champagne bottles, different juices (such as orange juice, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and pineapple juice), fruit slices, glass champagne flutes, an ice bucket, and a bar cart or table.
• Prepare Glassware: Arrange champagne glasses neatly on the bar cart or table. Make sure to have enough glasses for all your guests.
• Chill Champagne: Place champagne bottles in an ice bucket or wine chiller to keep them chilled throughout the event. Ensure there’s enough ice to keep the champagne cold for the duration of the gathering.
• Display Juices: Set out a variety of different juices in attractive containers or decanters. Label each juice with its name to guide guests in their selections. Arrange the juice containers alongside the champagne bottles for easy access.
• Offer Fruit Slices: Provide an assortment of fresh fruit slices, such as oranges, lemons, limes, berries, and other seasonal fruits. Display them in small bowls or on decorative trays near the juice and champagne stations.
• Decorate the Bar: Add decorative elements to the Mimosa bar, such as fresh flowers, greenery, or themed decorations to enhance the ambiance. Consider using a festive tablecloth or runner to tie the setup together.
• Provide Mixing Stations: Set up small bowls or containers with additional mix-ins and garnishes, such as mint leaves, flavored syrups, fruit purees, or liqueurs. This allows guests to customize their Mimosas according to their preferences.

Tips & Tricks

• Plan Your Space: Choose a well-lit and easily accessible area for your Mimosa bar. Make sure there’s enough space for guests to move around comfortably and access the ingredients without crowding.
• Create a Theme: Consider incorporating a theme into your Mimosa bar setup to make it more visually appealing and cohesive with your event. Whether it’s a seasonal theme, a color scheme, or a specific occasion, coordinating decorations and signage can enhance the overall ambiance.
• Prep Ahead of Time: Prepare as much as you can in advance to minimize stress on the day of the event. Chill the champagne, juice carafes, and garnishes ahead of time, and set up the bar area the night before if possible.
• Label Everything: Clearly label each juice carafe and garnish option to help guests identify their choices easily. Use decorative chalkboards, tent cards, or small tags to add a personalized touch to your Mimosa bar.
• Offer Variety: Provide a variety of juice options, including traditional orange juice and other fruit juices like pomegranate, cranberry, grapefruit, and pineapple. This allows guests to experiment and create their own custom Mimosa combinations.
• Include Non-Alcoholic Options: Accommodate guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages by offering sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling cider as alternatives to champagne.
• Provide Mixing Tools: Set out basic bar tools such as stirring spoons, jiggers, and cocktail shakers for guests who want to mix their Mimosas or add additional ingredients.
• Keep It Stocked: Continuously monitor the Mimosa bar throughout the event to ensure that ingredients are replenished as needed and the area remains clean and organized.
• Have Fun: Most importantly, have fun with your Mimosa bar setup! Engage with your guests, experiment with different flavors, and enjoy the celebration together.

Mimosa Bar recipes FAQ

Best Mimosa Bar Recipes

Here’s a curated selection of our favorite mimosa bar recipes from top bloggers, each offering a unique twist on this classic brunch cocktail, sure to elevate your brunch celebrations.

Pineapple Sunrise Mimosa: This Pineapple Sunrise Mimosa recipe is a tropical twist on traditional mimosas, perfect for summer entertaining!

Amaretto Sunrise Mimosa: Light and refreshing fruity drink perfect for brunch and weekends. We just can’t get enough and it is so easy to make.

Strawberry Mimosas: This beautiful Strawberry Mimosa recipe is a delicious twist on traditional mimosas – great for a Sunday brunch with friends or family.

Pina Colada Mimosa Cocktails: This Pina Colada Mimosas recipe is such a perfect drink idea on a hot summer day. It’s tropical, refreshing, and so delicious!

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Mimosas: Add a delightfully tropical twist to brunch with these pineapple jalapeño mimosas! They are the perfect combination of spicy and sweet.

Cranberry Mimosa: With fresh cranberry juice, orange liqueur and champagne, this cranberry mimosa is the perfect drink to start the holidays.

Blood Orange Creamsicle Mimosas: With just 3 ingredients (and a big wow factor), these elegant Blood Orange Creamsicle Mimosas combine vibrant, freshly squeezed blood orange juice and Spanish Cava with a hit of creamy vanilla liqueur for an elevated, seasonal twist on a classic.

Grand Marnier Mimosas: Perfect for Brunch, these Grand Marnier Mimosas are super easy to make and extremely sippable.

Summary

Cheers to Mimosas, y’all! Here’s to good times, great company, and plenty of bubbly to go around.

The Perfect Mimosa

cooks with soul

5 from 4 votes

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Ingredients

  

• 1 part chilled champagne or sparkling wine
• 1 part chilled orange juice or your preferred citrus juice
• Orange slices fresh herbs, fruit slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Chill champagne and juice in the refrigerator.
• Pour equal parts champagne and juice into a flute or glass. Adjust ratio to taste.
• Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh fruit (optional).
• Serve immediately for optimal freshness

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!