There are few things I love more than a late, lazy Sunday brunch, especially when there’s a bubbly cocktail involved.
And while I’ve tried my fair share of trendy brunch drinks (I’m looking at you, Dirty Shirley Cocktail), nothing quite beats the timeless charm of a classic mimosa.
Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, or just an excuse to sit outside with friends, a well-made Prosecco mimosa is my go-to.
The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a full bar setup or a complicated list of ingredients.
Just some good Italian Prosecco, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the right glassware—and suddenly, you’re sipping something that feels way fancier than it is.
It’s my kind of cocktail: easy, refreshing, and endlessly customizable.
Let’s talk about how to make the best mimosas, from the classic brunch cocktail to fun variations for special occasions.
What Is a Mimosa?
In its purest form, a mimosa cocktail is equal parts sparkling wine and fresh orange juice. It’s believed to have originated in the 1920s at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, though some say it was inspired by the Buck’s Fizz, a similar drink that uses more champagne and less juice.
But here’s the thing: the “rules” of mimosas are incredibly forgiving. Want it sweeter? Add more juice. Prefer more bubbles? Pour in more Prosecco. Want to skip the alcohol? Try a non-alcoholic mimosa with ginger ale or sparkling water instead.
Classic Prosecco Mimosa Recipe
This is my go-to classic mimosa recipe. It’s perfect for Sunday brunch, a holiday season gathering, or even a last-minute brunch date with friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 part fresh orange juice (chilled)
- 1 part Italian Prosecco (chilled) — I love using La Marca, but any good quality bottle works
- Optional: a splash of grenadine or a dash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) for extra flavor
How to Make It:
- Pour the orange juice into a champagne flute. Doing this first helps preserve the bubbles.
- Slowly top with Prosecco. The fizz will rise, so go gently.
- Optional: add a splash of grenadine for color or a dash of orange liqueur for depth.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a few fresh cranberries if you’re feeling festive.
That’s it. No shaking, no stirring, no mess. Just a simple cocktail with huge crowd-pleasing potential.
Why Use Prosecco Instead of Champagne?
Here’s the short answer: a prosecco mimosa is just as delicious, and often more affordable.
Prosecco, made from Glera grapes in a specific region of Italy, tends to be a bit fruitier and lighter than traditional Champagne. It’s a great option if you’re hosting a large crowd or just want to try something new.
The sweet flavor of Prosecco pairs beautifully with citrus juice, making it the perfect base for a mimosa bar or mimosa sangria.
Want to get fancy? Look for bottles labeled “Brut” if you want a dry sparkling wine, or “Extra Dry” for something a little sweeter.
How to Set Up a Mimosa Bar
One of my favorite ways to serve mimosa cocktails at a party is to set up a DIY mimosa bar. It’s fun, interactive, and takes the pressure off you as the host.
What You’ll Need:
- Chilled bottles of Prosecco (or another sparkling wine cocktail base)
- A few types of juice: pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, blood orange, pomegranate juice, even lime juice if you like tart flavors
- Small bowls of garnishes: fresh fruit (berries, cranberries, citrus slices), mint, maybe even edible flowers
- A cute sign with the classic ratio: equal parts Prosecco and juice
Pro tip: Use wine glasses or champagne flutes, and have ice buckets on hand to keep everything cold. You can even pre-mix pitchers of mimosas for quick pouring if you’re short on space.
Mimosa Variations to Try
Here are some of my favorite spins on the classic drink. Try one at your next party, or mix up a new combo just for fun.
1. Pineapple Mimosa
- A tropical twist that’s perfect for summer brunch
- Try a Hawaiian mimosa with pineapple juice and a splash of coconut water
2. Cranberry Mimosa
- Great for the holiday season
Use cranberry juice and float a few fresh cranberries on top
3. Grapefruit Mimosa
- Refreshing and tart—great for balancing out sweeter brunch dishes
4. Pomegranate Mimosa
- Deep red and elegant—try it with a splash of pomegranate juice and a dash of grenadine
5. Apple Cider Mimosa
- Fall vibes all the way—use apple cider, a cinnamon stick, and a little brandy if you’re feeling bold
6. Tequila Sunrise Mimosa
- Mix orange juice, a splash of grenadine, and substitute Prosecco with a splash of tequila for something punchier
The best part? You can adjust each recipe based on your personal preference. Some people like their mimosas stronger, others like them more citrusy. There’s no wrong answer.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Mimosas
- Always chill your juice and Prosecco beforehand. Nobody likes a lukewarm mimosa.
- Pour the juice first, then Prosecco. This helps maintain the fizz.
- If you’re hosting a large gathering, plan for one bottle of Prosecco per 6–8 drinks.
- Want something extra elegant? Add a sugar rim or drop in a few frozen berries as natural ice cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco?
A: Absolutely. Both work well. Champagne is more traditional and often drier, while Prosecco is lighter and fruitier. It really depends on your personal preference (and budget!).
Q: What’s the best juice for mimosas?
A: Fresh orange juice is the classic, but pineapple, grapefruit, blood orange, and pomegranate all make great additions. You can even mix juices for a custom blend.
Q: How far in advance can I make mimosas?
A: Ideally, you should mix mimosas just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh. But if you’re doing pitchers of mimosas for a crowd, make them no more than 15–20 minutes in advance and keep them chilled.
Q: What’s the best Prosecco for mimosas?
A: Look for a dry or brut Prosecco with good quality—La Marca, Riondo, or Mionetto are all great picks. Avoid anything too sweet unless you’re using a tart juice to balance it out.
There’s a reason mimosas have become a brunch icon. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and work for basically every occasion, from a cozy Sunday brunch to a full-blown holiday season celebration.
Once you’ve got the hang of the classic mimosa cocktail, start playing around with juices, garnishes, and even the glassware.
Whether you’re pouring for one or serving a large crowd, the Prosecco mimosa is the kind of drink that brings people together—one bubbly cocktail at a time.
Cheers to the best brunch drink ever!