One of the joys of winter is the availability of cranberries. Those dark tart berries are the very essence of winter. I love using them in spreads, breads, pastries, desserts, drinks, and in so many other ways. However, most of all as a Cranberry Dream Mimosa.
A mimosa is a cocktail made of orange juice, citrus juice, or other specified juices topped with champagne, sparkling wine, or Prosecco. Prosecco was my sparkling wine of choice combine with a mixture of juices made-up of cranberry, pomegranate, and fresh orange juice to create a cocktail mixture. For the most part, the combination lends itself to a bright fun signature drink.
Clearly, the color of the cocktail is magnificent! Without a doubt, enhanced by the rich regal color adds to the interest of the drink. This is one simply delicious cocktail that can be made in a matter of minutes.
How To Make Cranberry Dream Mimosa
In a cocktail shaker combine cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, simple syrup, and orange juice to make two servings. Next, fill a champagne flute about 1/3 full with the mixture from the shaker. Then, top the flute with Prosecco, champagne, or sparkling wine. Tilt the champagne flute and slowly pour the Prosecco to top the flute. Now, by pouring the Prosecco on an angle prevents the cocktail from overflowing. Obviously, I had to learn this the hard way. Just saying! Lol…
Special Note: If you like a sweeter mimosa, add a simple syrup to the cocktail. Begin by combining a half cup of sugar and half cup water into a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Cool, then use to sweeten the cocktails as needed.
What Is The Difference Between The Sparkling Wines?
Sparkling wines are not easily explained. As a result, there is so much information that can make it very confusing. There are three basic types of sparkling wines and they are Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava.
- Champagne is the only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France which can be called Champagne. First of all, the grapes are fermented with sugar and yeast. Then, the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, which produces carbon dioxide that creates the bubbles. Undoubtedly, champagne is the most popular sparkling wine in the world.
- Prosecco is made in northeast Italy from the Glera grape. However, they have a higher content of sugar. Realistically, you can drink Prosecco along or it can be used in a mimosa, spritz, Bellini, or other drinks. The bubbles found in Prosecco takes place in steel tanks.
- Cava (Sparkling wine) is made in Spain from many different various grapes. However, Cava’s price point is usually around that of Prosecco. Now, it is processed more like champagne. Actually, a lot of the sparkling wines are also produced here in the U.S. typically in California.
Who Created The Mimosa?
In 1925 the mimosa is said to be created by a bartender by the name of Frank Meier at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. The cocktail started with a pairing of chilled fresh-squeezed orange juice with a sparkling Champagne. Clearly, the whole ponce of the cocktail creation was to have an excuse to start drinking before lunchtime. Imagine that! And to top it all off the cocktail was named after the Mimosa plant because of its close resemblance to the orange foliage.
Variation of the cocktail now includes the use of different citrus or fruit juice paired with Champagne, Prosecco, or other sparkling wine). I love the versatility of using different citrus juices with this cocktail.
I couldn’t imagine brunch without a mimosa. It’s such a fun cocktail, it’s sure to put a smile on your face. However, make sure you drink responsibly.
Here are a few other fun cocktails you might like to try:
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- 4 ounces cranberry juice
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 3 teaspoons simple syrup (optional)
- Prosecco or (Champagne or other sparkling wine) to fill the glass
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- ¾ cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup simple syrup (optional)
- 1 bottle of Prosecco or (Champagne or other sparkling wine)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- Cranberries and rosemary sprigs (optional)
- In a cocktail shaker or jar combine cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, orange juice, and simple syrup (optional).
- Combine until thoroughly blended. Next filled each of the Champagne flutes ⅓ full with the cranberry mixture from the shaker. Then tilt the champagne flute and slowly pour the Prosecco, champagne, or sparkling wine to top it off. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
- Add juices and simple syrup (optional) to a pitcher, then add the bottle of Prosecco. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Cool, then use to sweetened the cocktails as needed.
