Cranberry Mimosa Recipe

Bartender Tips for the Best Cranberry Mimosa

• Use a dry sparkling wine. Brut champagne or prosecco balances cranberry juice so the drink stays refreshing, not overly sweet.
• Choose your cranberry juice. 100% cranberry juice is more tart and grown-up; cranberry cocktail is sweeter and more approachable for brunch crowds.
• Pour bubbles last. Always add the sparkling wine at the end to keep the fizz and prevent the drink from foaming over.
• Don’t stir. The pour naturally mixes the ingredients. Stirring can knock out the bubbles.

Cranberry Mimosa Variations

• Poinsettia Cocktail: Use cranberry juice, champagne, and orange liqueur for a classic holiday version often served at Christmas parties.
• Cranberry Prosecco Mimosa: Swap champagne for prosecco for a slightly fruitier, more budget-friendly twist.
• Orange-Cranberry Mimosa: Use half cranberry juice and half orange juice for a more traditional brunch feel with a festive color.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Mimosa: Use unsweetened cranberry juice and a dry brut sparkling wine, and skip any added sweeteners.
• Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail: Swap sparkling wine for sparkling water or lemon-lime soda so non-drinkers can join the toast.

How to Batch Cranberry Mimosas for a Crowd

Cranberry Mimosas are ideal for batching because they’re essentially a two- or three-ingredient champagne cocktail. For larger gatherings, pre-chill everything and build them just before guests arrive.

• Pitcher method: Add chilled cranberry juice and orange liqueur to a pitcher. Keep chilled, then top individual glasses with sparkling wine to order.
• Party ratio: Use about 2 parts sparkling wine to 1 part cranberry juice, plus a splash of orange liqueur in each glass.
• Don’t pre-mix with bubbles: If you mix the sparkling wine into a big pitcher, it will go flat quickly. Always add it last to each glass.

Cranberry Mimosa FAQs

What is a champagne and cranberry juice cocktail called?

A champagne and cranberry juice cocktail is most commonly called a Cranberry Mimosa or Poinsettia cocktail. It’s essentially a mimosa that trades orange juice for cranberry juice, often with a sugared rim and festive garnishes.

Are cranberry juice and champagne good together?

Yes. Cranberry juice adds tart, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the dry, bubbly character of champagne or prosecco. Using 100% cranberry juice keeps the drink bright and not too sweet, while cranberry cocktail makes it a little softer and more dessert-like.

What’s a mimosa with cranberry called?

A mimosa made with cranberry juice is usually called a Cranberry Mimosa or Poinsettia drink. It’s made the same way as a traditional mimosa—juice on the bottom, bubbles on top—just swapping orange juice for cranberry.

What is prosecco and cranberry juice called?

Prosecco and cranberry juice together are often served as a Cranberry Mimosa or Poinsettia cocktail. Some people also call it a cranberry prosecco spritzer if they add soda water or serve it over ice in a wine glass.

Can I make Cranberry Mimosas without orange liqueur?

Definitely. Many recipes are just sparkling wine and cranberry juice. Orange liqueur adds a nice citrus note, but if you don’t have it or want to keep things lighter, you can skip it or add a small splash of orange juice instead.

More Easy Holiday Champagne Cocktails

Love this Cranberry Mimosa? Try these next:

• Christmas Bellini – sparkling wine with winter fruit puree for a festive brunch drink.
• Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail – jewel-toned and perfect for toasts.
• Pomegranate Spritz – a lighter, lower-ABV option for long holiday afternoons.
• Browse all Christmas cocktail recipes for more bubbly ideas.

Hosting a bigger holiday brunch or New Year’s party? Use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate how many bottles of champagne and juice you’ll need.