Mimosa Cocktail

As tomorrow is International Women’s Day, I thought this would be the most appropriate recipe to share, given its name.

In Italy, men gift women mimosa flowers for this occasion, and over time, the flower has become the symbol of the day.

We won’t see real mimosas down here until September, so I wanted to honour the tradition by sharing a recipe named after the flower instead.

So, my dear fellow women, let’s raise a toast for all those women who are still fighting for their basic rights around the world, and my heart goes out particularly to the many Indian women who have been protesting lately.

Maybe you could also make my Mimosa cake to go with this drink. Cheers!

Key Ingredients for Mimosa Cocktail

Spumante

Adds the fizz and structure of the drink. Choose a well-chilled sparkling wine with a clean finish, as it sets the overall character of the cocktail.

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

Provides the colour and the fresh citrus taste that defines a classic Mimosa. Pick oranges that feel heavy for their size, as these are usually sweeter and more fragrant.

Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make a Mimosa Cocktail

Extra Help from the Kitchen

Roll The Oranges Before Juicing – Press and roll each orange on the bench to loosen the pulp and release more liquid.

Use A Fine-Mesh Strainer – Strain the juice to remove small fibres and seeds, creating a smoother drink that blends easily with the sparkling wine.

Chill the Juice Separately – Keep the juice very cold before pouring to reduce foam and help the bubbles stay intact once the wine is added.

Dry The Glass Rims – Wipe the rims before pouring so moisture does not flatten the bubbles when the wine hits the juice.

Open The Bottle Gently – Loosen the cage and twist the bottle, not the cork, to avoid losing carbonation. A slow release keeps the fizz intact for serving.

Variations and Twists

Lemonade Mimosa – Replace the orange juice with chilled lemonade to create a lighter citrus profile suited for warm days. Keep the same ratio and pour the sparkling wine slowly to maintain the fizz.

Cranberry Mimosa – Use unsweetened cranberry juice in place of orange juice for a tangier drink. Add the sparkling wine at the last moment so the colour stays clear and bright.

Pomegranate Mimosa – Swap the orange juice with pomegranate juice or mix the two for a balanced fruit note. Strain the juice to remove seeds and keep the drink smooth.

Peach Mimosa – Blend ripe peaches into a smooth puree for a Bellini-style twist and use it instead of orange juice. Adjust the amount slightly to reach the same level in the flute before topping with sparkling wine.

Apple Cider Mimosa – Replace the orange juice with natural apple cider for an autumn version. Choose a cider without added spices so the flavour stays clean when mixed with sparkling wine.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the orange juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the sparkling wine chilled until serving.

Avoid mixing the Mimosa Cocktail ahead of time, as the bubbles fade quickly once combined. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture doesn’t hold up well.