The mimosa is a popular brunch cocktail typically made with champagne or other sparkling wine and orange juice. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make, making it a perfect morning drink. But where did this fruity, fizzy cocktail come from and how did it get its name? Here we’ll explore the history and origins of the classic mimosa.
What are the ingredients in a mimosa?
A mimosa contains just two key ingredients:
- Sparkling wine – Champagne is most traditional, but any dry sparkling wine like prosecco or cava can be used.
- Orange juice – Fresh squeezed is ideal, but store-bought is fine too. Make sure it’s 100% orange juice, not from concentrate.
The standard ratio is 3 parts sparkling wine to 1 part orange juice, but proportions can be adjusted to taste preferences. Some add a splash of triple sec, brandy, or other fruit liqueurs, but a mimosa is typically served without any additional alcohol. The two main components provide the perfect balance of bubbly brightness and fresh citrus flavor.
What’s the proper way to make a mimosa?
Mimosas are incredibly easy to prepare. To make one mimosa:
- Fill a champagne flute or other glass 1/4 full with fresh orange juice.
- Gently top off with chilled sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange slice or wheel if desired.
When making mimosas for a group, simply multiply the quantities and pour into individual glasses. Make sure the champagne is well chilled before mixing each drink. Pro tip: Store your bottle of bubbly in the fridge overnight so it’s perfectly cold for brunch.
Where did the mimosa cocktail originate?
While sparkling wine and citrus blends can be traced back centuries, the mimosa itself is a more recent invention. Food historians agree the cocktail first appeared in the early 1900s, but its exact origins are disputed. Here are two leading theories:
The Ritz Hotel Theory
One account credits the mimosa to the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris. As the story goes, a patron concocted the drink in the 1920s by mixing the Ritz’s house champagne with juice from the hotel’s mimosa trees in their garden. The trees, called mimosas because their flowers resemble pom-poms, thus inspired the name.
The Buck’s Fizz Theory
The more documented origin attributes the mimosa to London bartender Frank Meier. He is said to have created a similar champagne cocktail called the “Buck’s Fizz” in 1921 at Buck’s Club. It consisted of orange juice and champagne mixed half and half. Meier later lightened up the proportions when he moved to the Ritz’s Paris location, essentially transforming it into the mimosa we know today.
Why is it a popular brunch cocktail?
The mimosa rose to popularity during the brunch movement of the 1930s. Brunch combined the leisure of a weekend morning meal with the drinking hours of lunch. The mimosa was the perfect light cocktail to bridge the gap. Here’s why it pairs so well with brunch fare:
- It’s light and refreshing – the fizz and citrus cuts through rich foods.
- It provides a sweet yet tart flavor profile that complements brunch items like waffles, crepes, and egg dishes.
- The bubbly gives a festive feeling perfect for weekend celebrations with friends or family.
The mimosa became a brunch staple and today it’s considered one of the most classic brunch cocktails worldwide. It’s served everywhere from restaurants to bridal showers and everything in between.
Possible variations
While the traditional mimosa calls for orange juice and champagne, variations are endless. Some possible ways to put a twist on the standard recipe include:
Fruit variations
Substitute orange juice with other fruit juices like grapefruit, cranberry, pineapple, pomegranate, or peach nectar. Adjust proportions to allow the fruit flavor to really shine through.
Liquor additions
Add a splash of Grand Marnier, Cointreau, brandy, or Chambord for extra depth and sweetness.
Nonalcoholic options
For virgin mimosas, swap in sparkling water, ginger ale, or juice spritzers like lemon-lime soda. These let kids and non-drinkers join in the fun.
Garnish ideas
Customize your mimosa with creative garnishes like berries, citrus slices, fresh herbs, or even maple syrup drizzled on the glass rim.
Mimosa recipes to try
Ready to experiment with mimosas? Try these tasty twists on the classic.
Pomegranate Mimosa
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 4 oz champagne or prosecco
- Pomegranate arils for garnish
Sweet, tart and festive! The perfect holiday brunch cocktail.
Tropical Mimosa
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- 4 oz champagne or prosecco
- Pineapple wedge garnish
An island twist with bright pineapple and citrus flavors.
Raspberry Mimosa
- 2 oz raspberry juice or nectar
- 4 oz champagne or prosecco
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Bursting with sweet ripe raspberry taste and beautiful color.
How to serve mimosas
When serving mimosas at home, follow these tips to let your drinks shine:
- Set up a mimosa bar with juices, liqueurs, and garnishes so guests can customize.
- Use fluted champagne glasses or slender juice glasses.
- Chill glasses ahead of time by filling with ice water.
- Gently pour in the orange juice first, then top off slowly with chilled bubbly.
- Offer extra chilled champagne on ice for topping off drinks as needed.
- Consider batches instead of individual mixing to save time.
With the right presentation, your brunch mimosas will have style and flair guests will love.
Pairing mimosas with brunch foods
Mimosas pair well with nearly anything on the brunch table. Some particularly perfect pairings include:
Fruit
Fresh fruit is a natural match. The citrus in the mimosa mirrors the bright flavors of fruits like grapefruit, oranges, berries, mango, and more.
Pastries
The sweet effervescence stands up to sweet bakery items like croissants, scones, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and coffee cake.
Egg dishes
The acidity in the orange juice cuts the richness of egg entrees like omelets, benedicts, frittatas, and quiche.
Dessert
Finally, enjoy a touch of bubbly with sweet treats like crepes, waffles, pancakes, or the ultimate pairing – fresh orange juice soaked French toast. Delicious!
Choosing a champagne or sparkling wine
Traditionalists say real Champagne from the Champagne region of France is a must for true mimosas. However, any dry (brut) sparkling wine will provide the right effervescent base. Popular options include:
| Type | Flavor Notes | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Champagne | Bright, toasty, yeasty, ranging from crisp palate to rich depth | $$$ to $$$$ |
| Cava | Citrus, green apple, baked bread, nutty | $ to $$ |
| Prosecco | Crisp apple, pear, lemon blossom | $ to $$ |
| Sparkling Wine | Varies based on region and grapes | Large range |
For mimosas, prioritize dry styles of whichever you choose. Sweet wines will overwhelm the orange flavor. Ask your local wine merchant for recommendations if unsure.
Pre-mixed mimosa options
Want mimosa convenience without the fuss of mixing? Pre-made canned or bottled versions are widely available, including:
- Single serving cans or bottles
- Party-size bottles
- Non-alcoholic versions
While pre-mixed mimosas won’t have quite the sophistication of a fresh homemade batch, they can be a fun, portable option for boozy brunches on the go. Just chill and enjoy!
Make mimosa bars for parties
Set up a DIY mimosa bar at your next event or celebration. Provide an array of juices, wines, mix-ins and garnishes so guests can get creative mixing their own custom creations. Popular additions to include:
- Assorted juices – orange, grapefruit, cranberry, peach, mango
- Fruit purees and nectars
- Slices of fresh citrus fruits and berries
- Herbs – mint, thyme, rosemary
- Liqueurs – triple sec, Grand Marnier, Chambord
- Syrups – raspberry, rose, lavender, honey
- Spices – cinnamon sticks, nutmeg
- Bloody mary bar ingredients
Set everything up buffet-style with champagne on ice and let guests mix and mingle while concocting their own mimosa magic! Add juices to a signature cocktail shaker for extra style points.
Mimosa safety tips
Mimosas may seem light and frothy but they still pack an alcoholic punch. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Pace yourself – the bubbles can go to your head faster than you think!
- One mimosa contains about 1/3 a glass of wine and can take 30-90 mins to metabolize depending on your size.
- Drink water between mimosas to stay hydrated.
- Eat enough food to help slow alcohol absorption.
- Never drive or operate machinery if drinking multiple mimosas.
Following a few smart drinking practices will let you enjoy mimosas responsibly.
Fun facts about mimosas
- National Mimosa Day is May 16 in the United States.
- New Orleans Restaurant Week offers special “$1 Mimosa Week” promotions.
- “Mimosa” cocktails date back to at least the 1860s in Europe.
- The current standard mimosa recipe can be traced to Buck’s Club in London circa 1921.
- Mimosas typically contain 3 parts sparkling wine and 1 part orange juice.
- The average mimosa contains 120 calories and 3 grams of sugar.
- The mimosa tree got its name because its flowers resemble pom-poms or “mimosas” in French.
- Besides brunch, other mimosa drinking occasions include weddings, baby showers, and evening cocktail hours.