Name: Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 bottle of Prosecco (or your favorite sparkling wine); 1 cup cranberry juice; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup sugared cranberries (for garnish); Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

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Elevate your holiday gatherings with a show-stopping Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa. This delightful cocktail combines the sweet-tart flavors of cranberry juice and orange juice with the effervescence of Prosecco, creating a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink. The sugared cranberries add a sparkling touch of elegance, while optional rosemary sprigs bring a fragrant, wintry charm. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or an evening holiday party, this mimosa will impress your guests and spread holiday cheer with every sip.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Prosecco (or your favorite sparkling wine)
1 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugared cranberries (for garnish)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the sugared cranberries by tossing fresh cranberries in a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, boiled until sugar dissolves) and rolling them in granulated sugar. Let them dry on parchment paper for 1 hour.
In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice and orange juice. Mix well.
Pour about 1/4 cup of the juice mixture into each champagne flute.
Top with chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a skewer of sugared cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday cheer!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per glass | Servings: 6 glasses

The Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa: A Festive Delight for the Holiday Season

The Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a celebration in a glass. This sparkling drink combines the festive essence of the holidays with the refined charm of a classic mimosa. Its vibrant ruby hue, paired with sparkling bubbles and a frosted cranberry garnish, makes it the perfect addition to any holiday table. Let’s explore its background, benefits, and why this recipe stands out as the ultimate choice for your holiday gatherings.

A Brief History of Mimosas

The mimosa, a timeless brunch cocktail, traces its origins to 1925 at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Traditionally made with equal parts champagne and orange juice, it was named after the mimosa flower’s vibrant yellow hue. Over the years, the mimosa has become synonymous with celebrations, brunches, and weddings, thanks to its light, refreshing nature. The Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa adds a seasonal twist to this classic by incorporating cranberries, a fruit that’s as festive as it is flavorful.

Why Cranberries? The Star of the Season

Cranberries are a quintessential holiday fruit, often gracing tables in the form of sauces, chutneys, and desserts. Their bright color and tart flavor make them an excellent pairing with the subtle sweetness of Prosecco and orange juice. Beyond aesthetics and taste, cranberries are packed with health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are loaded with vitamins C and E, promoting skin health and boosting the immune system.
Heart Health: These berries have been linked to reduced risks of heart disease due to their polyphenol content.
Digestive Aid: Cranberries contribute to a healthy gut by balancing gut bacteria.

Why This Recipe is the Best

Visual Appeal: The sugared cranberries not only taste delicious but also add a glittering, frosted effect that elevates the presentation. The optional rosemary sprig brings an earthy fragrance and a touch of greenery, perfectly complementing the cocktail’s festive red hues.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine ensures a harmonious balance of tart, sweet, and fizzy flavors.
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is simple and quick to make, with most of the time spent preparing the sugared cranberries. It’s ideal for hosts who want to impress without stress.
Versatility: The drink can be adapted to suit various preferences. Swap Prosecco with a non-alcoholic sparkling cider for a family-friendly version or experiment with different juices for unique variations.

Tips to Perfect the Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries are the crown jewel of this cocktail, adding both beauty and texture. To ensure they turn out perfectly:

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries hold their shape better and offer a bright, tart bite.
Dry Thoroughly: After rolling the cranberries in simple syrup, allow them to dry completely before coating with sugar. This prevents clumping and ensures an even, frosted look.
Experiment with Sugars: While granulated sugar creates a classic look, try using sanding sugar for extra sparkle or mixing in edible glitter for added festive flair.

Occasions to Serve This Cocktail

The Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of celebrations:

Christmas Morning Brunch: A light, bubbly drink to pair with pancakes, quiches, or pastries.
New Year’s Eve Toast: Ring in the new year with this festive, jewel-toned cocktail.
Holiday Parties: Impress guests with a signature drink that’s both stunning and simple to prepare.
Gift Exchange Gatherings: Serve this alongside appetizers for a casual, chic evening.

Health-Conscious Adaptations

For those seeking a healthier or non-alcoholic version, this recipe is easily customizable:

Low-Calorie Option: Use a lower-calorie sparkling wine or replace Prosecco with a sparkling water flavored with natural cranberry essence.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the Prosecco with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale.
Reduced Sugar: Opt for unsweetened cranberry juice and skip the sugared cranberries for a naturally sweetened drink.

Pro Tips for Hosting with This Recipe

Batch Preparation: Prepare the cranberry-orange juice blend in advance and refrigerate. Just add Prosecco and garnishes when ready to serve.
Garnish Station: Create a “garnish bar” with sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and even orange slices, allowing guests to personalize their drinks.
Chill Everything: Ensure the Prosecco, juice, and glasses are well-chilled for the best drinking experience.

Aesthetic and Mood Setting

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its ability to set the mood. The deep red cranberries, sparkling bubbles, and frosty sugar create a drink that’s both cozy and celebratory. Serve it in elegant flutes to enhance the presentation, and pair it with holiday décor like twinkling lights and evergreen garlands for a complete experience.

Conclusion

The Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa encapsulates everything we love about the holiday season: warmth, cheer, and indulgence. Its simple yet sophisticated profile makes it the perfect drink for hosts looking to impress or for anyone wanting to add a touch of sparkle to their celebrations.

With its vibrant colors, harmonious flavors, and endless adaptability, this recipe is destined to become a holiday tradition in your home. Cheers to creating beautiful memories, one sip at a time!