How to Make a Classic Mimosa
Brunch’s most dependable guest: crisp, citrusy, and effortlessly elegant. Our bartender-tested ratios make single pours or party pitchers foolproof.
When we work brunch events across Long Island and the Hamptons, there’s always one drink that gets people smiling before the food even lands: the Mimosa. Equal parts celebration and refreshment, it’s just quality bubbly kissed with fresh orange juice. The combo has been a brunch staple for decades in hotel bars and Sunday papers because it’s simple, bright, and easy to batch for a crowd.
Getting it right comes down to two things: a dry sparkling wine and cold, not-from-concentrate OJ. Below are bartender-approved ratios, best bottles for the job, and exact pitcher math so you never run out mid-toast.
Ingredients
- 3–4 oz dry sparkling wine (Brut Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco)
- 2–3 oz cold orange juice (not from concentrate)
- Optional: 0.25 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau/Triple Sec) for extra citrus
- Garnish: thin orange wheel or twist
Best ratios
Classic brunch: 2 parts sparkling : 1 part OJ (light, bubbly, crowd-pleaser)
Fruit-forward: 1:1 for brighter orange flavor (popular for showers)
Extra dry: 3:1 for a crisper sip (our Hamptons early-afternoon pick)
Step-by-step
- Chill flute, sparkling wine, and juice thoroughly.
- Tilt the flute and pour in the sparkling wine (reduces foam, keeps bubbles lively).
- Top with orange juice to your preferred ratio, then give a gentle, single stir.
- Garnish with an orange wheel or twist. Serve immediately.
Variations we love
- Bellini: Swap OJ for peach purée (try our Bellini).
- Aperol Spritz-osa: Add 0.5 oz Aperol for a bittersweet edge (Aperol Spritz).
- Pineapple Mimosa: Use pineapple juice for tropical vibes.
- NA Mimosa: Quality non-alcoholic sparkling wine + fresh OJ.
Pitcher & party math
750 ml bottle ≈ 25.4 oz
- At 3 oz bubbly each: ~8 mimosas per 750 ml
- At 4 oz bubbly each: ~6 mimosas per 750 ml
Pitcher for 8
- Sparkling wine: 24 oz (≈ 1 bottle)
- Orange juice: 12 oz
Pitcher for 20
- Sparkling wine: 60 oz (≈ 2.5 bottles; round up to 3)
- Orange juice: 30 oz
For showers and long brunches, plan 2–3 drinks per guest over ~2 hours. Example: 20 guests × 2 drinks = 40 mimosas → ~5–7 bottles depending on pour size.
Mimosa FAQs
What champagne is best for mimosas?
Go dry: Brut Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco. Save sweeter styles (Demi-Sec) for dessert.
What’s the best mimosa ratio?
2:1 (sparkling to OJ) is our go-to for balance. Use 1:1 for fruit-forward, 3:1 for extra dry.
Can I make a pitcher in advance?
Chill juice in a pitcher ahead of time and add sparkling wine right before serving to keep bubbles lively.
Fresh-squeezed or store-bought OJ?
Fresh is best. If buying, choose not-from-concentrate with some pulp for body.
How many bottles do I need?
Roughly 1 bottle per 6–8 mimosas. For 20 guests at 2 rounds each, budget 5–7 bottles.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes you can use a quality NA sparkling wine or dry seltzer with fresh OJ.
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