Mimosa
The undisputed king of brunch cocktails, the Mimosa is an effervescent and celebratory drink of elegant simplicity. Its beauty lies in the perfect marriage of chilled sparkling wine and fresh orange juice, creating a light, refreshing, and festive experience.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz Chilled Dry Sparkling Wine
- 2 ½ oz Chilled Orange Juice, pulp-free
- Garnish: Orange Twist (optional)
Instructions
- Chill Everything: The secret to a perfect Mimosa is ensuring both the sparkling wine and the orange juice are very cold. Chill your Champagne flute as well for the best result.
- Pour the Bubbly: Hold the Champagne flute at a slight angle and pour in the chilled sparkling wine. This technique helps preserve the carbonation.
- Top with Juice: Gently and slowly top the sparkling wine with the chilled orange juice. The two liquids will mix on their own.
- Do Not Stir: Avoid the temptation to stir the drink, as this will quickly dissipate the delicate bubbles and make your Mimosa go flat.
- Garnish and Serve: If you wish, express an orange peel over the glass to release its oils and then place it on the rim. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Quality Over Quantity: Since there are only two ingredients, their quality is paramount. Use freshly squeezed and strained orange juice for the brightest flavor. For the sparkling wine, a dry (Brut) Prosecco from Italy or a Cava from Spain are excellent and affordable choices that won't make the drink overly sweet.
The Pouring Order: While some recipes suggest pouring juice first, pouring the sparkling wine first and then topping with juice helps prevent the mixture from foaming over. The denser juice will naturally mix as it sinks, eliminating the need for stirring and preserving more of the precious bubbles.