Let’s raise a glass to the coziness of winter mornings and the joy of a little bubbly at brunch. This Winter Berry Mimosa is my favorite go-to when I want something festive and flavorful without a ton of effort—it’s tart, bright, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. Whether you’re snuggled up for a lazy Saturday or entertaining friends for a weekend brunch, this is one of those drinks that sparkles in both glass and spirit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one came about during a snowed-in weekend when I wanted to recreate that brunchy, hotel-lobby-mimosa vibe right at home. With some cranberry juice in the fridge and a bottle of Prosecco just waiting for a reason, I started mixing—and magic happened!
- Berry-forward, with a hint of citrus and sparkle
- Easy to prep ahead for brunches or parties
- Flexible—make it boozy, or keep it family-friendly with sparkling water
- Looks stunning with zero fancy garnishing skills needed
- Low effort, high impact—my favorite combo
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened is best for balance)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (or blood orange for deeper flavor)
- 1/4 cup berry purée (raspberry or blueberry—optional but lovely)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar or honey (to taste)
- 1 bottle dry sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or Brut Champagne, chilled)
Pro Tips
- Try blood orange juice for a gorgeous ruby hue
- No berry purée? Muddle a few raspberries into the juice
- Chill all your components—cold juice = more bubbles
- Optional berry syrup adds deeper flavor and eye-catching color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the berry juice: In a pitcher, stir together cranberry juice, orange juice, berry purée (if using), and lemon juice. Taste and sweeten with sugar or honey if you like. Chill until very cold.
- Make the berry syrup (optional): In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 strip orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Simmer 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst. Strain and cool completely.
- Chill everything: Your berry juice, bubbles, and glasses should all be cold. It keeps the fizz alive and the drink refreshing.
- Assemble: Pour about 1/2 cup of the berry juice into each glass. Add 1–2 teaspoons of berry syrup if using. Slowly top with sparkling wine, letting it run gently down the side to preserve bubbles.
- Garnish: Drop in a few cranberries or blueberries, an orange twist, and a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Use chilled ingredients for maximum fizz—warm juice flattens sparkle fast
- Gently pour the sparkling wine to avoid bubbling over
- Build the drinks just before serving so they’re fresh and bubbly
- To save time, make the juice and syrup a day ahead
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Non-alcoholic: Use sparkling water or non-alcoholic brut for a family-friendly version
- Festive twist: Add a whisper of cinnamon or clove to the juice mix
- Cocktail bar idea: Set out a pitcher of berry juice, a variety of bubbles, and garnishes—everyone builds their own
- Pairings: Pairs beautifully with pastries, quiches, smoked salmon, or herbed egg dishes
FAQs
Can I use store-bought juice?
Absolutely. Go for 100% juice versions when possible, and adjust the sweetness from there.
What’s the best sparkling wine for this?
I love Prosecco or dry Cava—both give you bubbles without breaking the bank. Brut Champagne is fab if you’re feeling fancy!
Can I make this the night before?
You can chill the juice mix and berry syrup ahead of time, but wait to pour the bubbly until just before serving.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes (optional syrup)
Total Time: 15–22 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup raspberry or blueberry purée (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar or honey (to taste)
- 1 bottle dry sparkling wine (chilled)
- Optional syrup: 1/2 cup cranberries, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, orange zest
- Garnish: cranberries/blueberries, orange twists, rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
- Mix cranberry juice, orange juice, berry purée, and lemon juice. Sweeten to taste. Chill.
- Optional syrup: Simmer berries, sugar, water, zest & salt 5–7 min. Strain and cool.
- Pour 1/2 cup juice per glass. Add 1–2 tsp syrup (optional), then top with bubbly.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
Nutrition: ~100 calories per serving (with wine)
If you give this Winter Berry Mimosa a try, I’d love to see how it turned out! Snap a photo, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or leave a comment below. Cheers to sparkle, flavor, and a brunch worth celebrating!
