Cranberry Mimosa

Whenever I throw a party, I have grand plans to make a signature cocktail and offer it to guests upon their arrival. But somehow 5 minutes before guests arrive, I am always running around baking last-minute appetizers, slicing cheese and sausage for the cheese plate, and madly rummaging through my purse for the lipstick I forgot to put on. I’ve come up with two solutions to this problem—pitcher drinks pre-made in advance (see my White Wine Sangria with Strawberries), and cocktails so easy that guests can serve themselves, like this Cranberry Mimosa.

This recipe does take some time to prepare, but the majority of it is waiting for your cranberry juice to reduce into a syrup—easily done while you tend to other tasks. You can also prepare your syrup in advance, so that at party time, it’s a quick matter of assembly, and cocktails are served. And, with a sweet/tart, bright red cranberry syrup paired with sparkling wine, this cocktail practically screams festive. Welcome guests to your holiday party with a glass, and let the celebration begin.

How do I make a Cranberry Mimosa?

To make this cranberry mimosa recipe, start by rinsing and draining 1 cup of fresh cranberries. To make cranberry syrup, combine cranberry juice, ½ cup sugar, and the rinsed cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 45 minutes, until syrup has thickened.

Strain, and discard cranberries. You should have a little more than 1 cup of cranberry syrup. For the garnish, rinse and drain 1 cup cranberries and toss in ½ cup sugar until coated. Leave on parchment paper to dry.

To assemble, pour a small amount of cranberry syrup into each Champagne flute. You can add as little or as much as you like. Top with Champagne or Prosecco. Garnish each flute with 5 sugared cranberries.

Can I make Cranberry Mimosas in advance?

This holiday champagne cocktail doesn’t lend itself to being made well ahead of time. Champagne becomes flat if it sits after being poured out of the bottle. However, you can prepare the cranberry syrup in advance and refrigerate. Sugared cranberries can be left out at room temperature. Pop your Champagne when guests arrive, and you’re ready to go.

What can I do with extra cranberry juice or extra cranberries?

Fresh cranberries have lots of other uses than your holiday cranberry sauce. They are great in baked goods like clafoutis, crisps, pies, and muffins. You can also add fresh cranberries to your morning smoothie or cook some down into jam or chutney. Cranberries also freeze well, so you can toss half a bag in the freezer for your next cranberry mimosa. Extra cranberry juice or cranberry juice syrup are also delicious when added to sparkling water.

If it's summertime where you are, and cranberries aren't available, try my version of a Strawberry Mimosa instead!

📖 Recipe