Sparkling Holiday Mimosa with Apple Cider
Looking for a fast, festive drink that really sparkles? This sparkling holiday mimosa is crisp, bubbly, and perfect for every celebration from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. You only need two ingredients and five minutes. Chill your glasses, pop the bubbly, and let’s mix.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Uses real sparkling wine plus seasonal apple cider for a bright, cozy flavor.
- Easy, two-ingredient base with optional holiday garnishes for a party-ready look.
- Scales for brunch, make-ahead chilling, and zero-proof toasts.
Holiday mimosa ingredients (per drink)
- 3 oz apple cider (chilled)
- 3 oz brut Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco (chilled)
Optional holiday add-ins:
- Cinnamon sugar for the rim
- Thin apple slice
- Rosemary sprig
- Fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick
- Dehydrated orange wheel
- Lemon wedge for balancing sweetness
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or cinnamon simple syrup, to taste
How to make a sparkling holiday mimosa
Chill first
Refrigerate the cider, the bottle of bubbly, and the serving flutes for at least 2 hours. Very cold liquid keeps the bubbles lively and the flavor bright.
Pour
Tilt the flute about 45 degrees. Add half the cider, then slowly top with the Champagne. This order prevents overflow and helps everything mix evenly.
Taste and tweak
Take a small sip.
Too dry? stir in a splash of maple syrup or cinnamon simple syrup.
Too sweet? add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Garnish and enjoy
Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar, slide in a thin apple slice, float a rosemary sprig or add another holiday touch to it. Serve right away while the bubbles sparkle.
Make It Your Own
- Zero-proof version
Swap the Champagne for non-alcoholic sparkling wine or plain seltzer so everyone can join the toast. - Batch for a crowd
In a pitcher set in an ice bucket, combine one 750-ml bottle of brut with three cups of cider just before guests arrive. Let friends pour into garnished flutes. - Cider quality counts
Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the cocktail real orchard flavor. If you only have clear apple juice, cut the sweetness with a dash of lemon.
When to Serve
- Thanksgiving morning or as guests walk through the door
- Christmas brunch, tree-decorating night, or New Year’s Day breakfast
- Bridal showers, tailgate brunches, or any cool-weather weekend gathering
FAQ
Can I make sparkling holiday mimosas ahead of time?
Mix right before serving so the bubbles stay lively. You can pre-chill cider, bubbly, and garnishes, and rim the glasses in advance.
What if I only have Prosecco?
Prosecco works beautifully. Choose brut for the best balance with cider.
Can I use spiced cider?
Yes. If your cider is heavily spiced or sweet, add lemon to brighten or reduce any added syrup.
Cheers to a bright, bubbly holiday!
Sparkling Holiday Mimosa with Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 3 oz apple cider chilled
- 3 oz brut Champagne Cava, or Prosecco (chilled)
Optional holiday add-ins:
- Cinnamon sugar for the rim
- Thin apple slice
- Rosemary sprig
- Fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick
- Dehydrated orange wheel
- Lemon wedge for balancing sweetness
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or cinnamon simple syrup to taste
Instructions
Chill first
- Refrigerate the cider, the bottle of bubbly, and the serving flutes for at least 2 hours. Very cold liquid keeps the bubbles lively and the flavor bright.
Pour
- Tilt the flute about 45 degrees. Add half the cider, then slowly top with the Champagne. This order prevents overflow and helps everything mix evenly.
Taste and tweak
- Take a small sip.
- Too dry? stir in a splash of maple syrup or cinnamon simple syrup.
- Too sweet? add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Garnish and enjoy
- Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar, slide in a thin apple slice, float a rosemary sprig or add another holiday touch to it. Serve right away while the bubbles sparkle.
Notes
Make It Your Own
- Zero-proof version: Swap the Champagne for non-alcoholic sparkling wine or plain seltzer so everyone can join the toast.
- Batch for a crowd: In a pitcher set in an ice bucket, combine one 750-ml bottle of brut with three cups of cider just before guests arrive. Let friends pour into garnished flutes.
- Cider quality counts: Fresh, unfiltered cider gives the cocktail real orchard flavor. If you only have clear apple juice, cut the sweetness with a dash of lemon.
