What Is a Mimosa?

Here’s my answer—a mimosa is the best cocktail to accompany your favorite brunch recipes, or to sip the morning of a wedding, or to relax with on the beach. It’s simple, sparkling and delicious!

What Is a Mimosa?

It’s essentially a mixture of orange juice and sparkling wine—champagne if you’re feeling fancy.

The mimosa is typically served in a champagne flute. (Here’s how to get a sparkling clean glass every time.) First, you pour in the sparkling wine, then top with an equal amount of orange juice. If you have fresh oranges or strawberries on hand, they make an excellent garnish for the rim of the glass.

While this is the mimosa you’ll typically drink at home or at family get-togethers, professional bartenders sometimes add triple sec to kick up the flavor and the alcohol content. Just a splash of the orange-flavored liqueur is enough!

Because orange juice pairs so well with breakfast foods, mimosas are popular in the morning. Ever heard of a beermosa or “manmosa”?

How to Make a Mimosa

To make a mimosa in any batch size, use these proportions:

1 part champagne or sparkling wine
1 part orange juice
¼ part triple sec (I love Gran Marnier for its sweetness)

Gently pour the bubbly into your glass or pitcher. The more precisely you pour, the more carbonation will stay in your drink. Add the orange juice—no need to stir! Finally, top with the triple sec. If you have fresh fruit on hand, use it as a garnish.

You’re all ready to sip the cocktail that brunch dreams are made of. Cheers!

Find More OJ-Based Cocktails for Breakfast

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Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch

Orange-Apricot Mimosa Punch

We make this punch every year, and people love it! I usually triple this recipe for a bigger crowd and garnish the punch with an orange-tangerine ice ring made several days ahead of time. —Kathy McKay, Acworth, Georgia

Brandy Slush

This slush with a hint of citrus is oh, so refreshing. Even if you're not a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing.—Sarah Thompson, Greenfield, Wisconsin

Orange Razzletini

Orange Razzletini

We combined orange juice and raspberry rum to create this fruity martini. The sunny, bright color is appealing.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Screwdriver Cocktail with vodka, ice and orange juice.

Screwdriver

If you're looking for a mixed drink that is easy on your budget, look no further. With just two simple ingredients, vodka and orange juice, you'll have a classic drink that's a real crowd-pleaser.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen Get Recipe

Basil Citrus Cocktail

Basil Citrus Cocktail

Fruity, fantastic and lighter in calories! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Orange Dream Mimosas

Orange Dream Mimosas

Toast with this "grown up" creamsicle beverage. For the kiddos, make a non-alcoholic version with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling cider or ginger ale. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Strawberry Mimosas

Strawberry Mimosas

Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make this refreshing drink friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

Belmont Breeze

It might be juicy, but it’s not too sweet. This flavorful refresher is the perfect drink for whiskey lovers to sip on. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mimosa

A standard offering at brunches, mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty. In this mimosa recipe, the champagne doesn't overpower the orange juice—especially if the champagne is extra dry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Cranberry Orange Mimosas

Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Mimosa Floats

Everyone needs a little treat at brunch! I wanted to kick things up a notch, so I added a scoop of ice cream to my mimosas. Sometimes I add chocolate, too.—Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Apricot Brandy Slush

Apricot Brandy Slush

While spending time in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden-colored tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the cocktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA

Citrus Champagne Sparkler

Citrus Champagne Sparkler

Here's a festive beverage to use when toasting the VIP at a party. —Sharon Tipton, Winter Garden, Florida

Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush

Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush

Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa

Whiskey-Brandy Slush

Whiskey-Brandy Slush

Even when it's cold outside, we like to serve this icy citrus drink for gatherings at our house. It is fantastic for parties and large gatherings, and it keeps well in the freezer. —Joan Shoebottom, Lexington, Michigan

Cranberry Slushie

Cranberry Slushie

I love to try new recipes. When I find one that is especially well-liked, I make a copy, put it in a protective sleeve and place it in a binder. The binders contain my best recipes, and this sweet-tart, bright red slush is definitely in a binder.—Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Manmosa

Here’s a guy-friendly adaptation of the sweet and fruity mimosa. This combo of OJ and beer is a tasty kick-off to the day. —Mike Dietiker, Elburn, Illinois

Cranberry Bourbon

Cranberry Bourbon

The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm spices make this bourbon just right—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home.

Bourbon Slush

At our parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio

Sunrise Sipper

You'll be surprised to discover how easy it is to stir together this thirst-quenching beverage. Its beautiful pink and orange colors make it a lovely addition to a morning brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Santa’s Orange-Kissed Cocktail

Santa’s Orange-Kissed Cocktail

Give bottles of your own mulled wine to family and friends. They'll love it! You might want to double the recipe and keep a bottle on hand for parties at home, too. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Cider Wassail Punch

Cider Wassail Punch

Cinnamon, cloves, apple cider and cranberry juice blend together to create a wonderful drink with an aroma to match. If you don’t have a percolator, simmer this drink on the stove and strain well before serving. —Sharon Tipton, Orlando, Florida

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Mandy Naglich

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