Welcome to the refreshing world of mimosas, where the effervescence of sparklings clashes perfectly with the citrusy magic of juices. But before we sip in this tranquility, let's unlock the secrets of bubbly and its role in crafting this beloved brunch cocktail. Discover the art of selecting the best champagnes for mimosas, whether you like things brut, dry, or blushed rose. So, let's raise our glasses to the refreshing brilliance of mimosas and the special moments they accompany!

Mimosa: The Revitalizing Rush In Cocktails

Mimosa is a popular cocktail, often served at laid-back weekend brunches, pinching sunny days, and big holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving Day. It is a fruity, light, and refreshing beverage made by mixing equal portions of chilled orange juice and champagne.

Wacky as it may sound, this drink’s soul bursts with a fusion that rushes the palate with the liveliness of bubbly and the citrusy allure of orange juice. So, if you’re looking to end your day on a tangy note, a glass of mimosa is the way to go. All you need are some fresh oranges and a good champagne for mimosas.

Champagne: The Sparkling Soul For Mimosas

Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced in the geographically exceptional Champagne region of Northern France, hence its name. Protected by strict rules and regulations, no sparkling wine produced and bottled outside this region can bear the name champagne.

Champagnes are also called "bubbly" due to their pearl-like effervescence and distinct, complex, and nuanced flavor profile. Crafted in a spectrum of styles, namely Brut, Rosé, high-end prestige cuvée, and more, this sparkling wine is the choice for connoisseurs and drinkers alike to unwind, indulge, and toast special moments, such as anniversaries, the New Year, and personal milestones.

Here’s a list of 7 dosages found across champagnes. Dosage, also known as 'residual sugar’, refers to the amount of sugar added to the champagne to tune up its sweetness level as per the desired level.

When selecting a champagne for making mimosas, be sure to check the label for its sweetness level to ensure you achieve the perfect balance of sweetness in your mimosa.

Dosage Level

Sugar Content

Brut Nature Very Dry (0 g/L)
Extra Brut Extremely Dry (0-6 g/L)
Brut Dry (0-12 g/L)
Extra Dry Slightly Sweet (12-17 g/L)
Sec Medium Sweet (17-32 g/L)
Demi-Sec Sweet (32-50 g/L)
Doux Very Sweet (50+ g/L)

What Kind Of Champagne Do You Use To Make a Mimosa?

The world of champagnes is a dazzling realm with millions of expressions, and finding the best bubbly for mimosas can be tricky.

On a somewhat snobbish note, “brut” or “extra dry” styles work as the best champagnes for mimosas due to their low dosage (a fancy word for sugar content) and crisp character, which beautifully complements the sweetness of the orange juice.

Additionally, consider opting for a budget-friendly non-vintage extra dry or brut for mimosas rather than a high-end, expensive vintage one, as their subtle nuances will be easily masked by the vibrant citrus notes and overall zestiness of the orange juice.

What Flavor Of Champagne Is Best For Mimosas?

Champagnes that are less sweet-centered and have a crisp, refreshing flavor profile, allowing the citrus flavors of the orange juice to shine through, are the best bubbly for mimosas. This is why mimosa lovers can’t stop extolling the beauty of brut and extra dry champagnes.

But that's a general guideline, and there’s always room to experiment. Many folks enjoy preparing their mimosas in more unconventional styles.

  • Rosé: A rosé champagne can be preferred to add more sweetness and a fruity-floral feel to the mimosa.
  • Blanc De Blancs: This style is favored for adding more freshness and citrus notes to the cocktail.
  • High-dosage Sec, Demi-Sec, and Doux champagnes are perfect if one prefers their mimosa extra sweet.

In the end, it all boils down to personal taste preferences. Even though "brut" or "extra dry '' rock the culinary art of making mimosas, it is fun to break the rules, experiment, and embrace your individual palate.

Best Champagnes For Mimosas

Whether your palate prefers a brut, extra dry, rosé or a shimmering blanc de blancs, there are plenty of great options to choose the best champagne for mimosa drink. Here’s a list of the best champagnes for mimosas, known for elevating the famed cocktail with their finesse.

The best part is that they will make you bask in tranquility without breaking the bank!

The best part is that they will make you bask in tranquility without breaking the bank

Best Champagne For Mimosa Drink 

Reasons

Price Range

Garnish

Best-Suited Occasion

Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial 


Crisp, citrusy, and versatile for blending with juices.

$50 - $80

Orange slice

Brunch, celebrations

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow


Harmonious brioche and citrus notes enhance mimosa flavors.

$60 - $100

Lemon twist

Special occasions, brunch

Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial


Ripe fruitiness and spice for celebratory dessert mimosas.

$50 - $90

Orange slice

Dessert mimosas, celebrations

Henriot Brut Souverain


Fresh, balanced, and complements the acidity of fruit juices.

$40 - $80

Lime wheel

Weddings, upscale brunch

Piper Heidsieck Brut


Creamy texture and pear/apple notes elevate mimosa experience.

$40 - $70

Grapefruit wedge

Romantic evenings, celebrations

Taittinger Brut La Francaise


Light, citrusy, and perfect for casual brunch mimosas.

$50 - $90

Orange twist

Casual brunch, garden parties

Ruinart Brut Blanc De Blancs


Lemon zest and minerality add a unique twist to mimosas.

$60 - $100

Lemon peel

Fine dining, weddings

Simonet Blanc De Blancs Brut


Budget-friendly and crisp apple notes for easy mimosas.

$25 - $35

Lime twist

Picnics, casual gatherings

Le Paradou Côtes de Provence


Fruity, summery, and ideal for outdoor brunch gatherings.

$20 - $50

Strawberry

Outdoor brunch, summer parties

Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec


Sweetness suits dessert mimosas and pairs with sweet dishes.

$60 - $100

Peach slice

Dessert mimosas, special occasions

Is Brut or Dry Champagne Better For Mimosas?

First things first, it is important to understand that ‘Dry champagne’ is a category of bubbly that includes 3 styles: Extra Brut, Brut Nature, and Brut. So, to determine which champagne is better for mimosas, Brut or a Dry option, we have to decide whether to choose Brut or other dry options, such as Extra Brut or Brut Nature.

To answer your question, all three dry options are suitable for making mimosas, and the choice comes down to your preferences for sweetness and acidity in your cocktail.

If you prefer a cocktail with just a hint of acidity and less sweetness, then the dry and less sweet persona of Brut champagne makes it the best choice for mimosas. On the other hand, Extra Brut and Brut Nature are suitable options if you prefer a cocktail that is less sweet, sharper, and more acidic in taste.

Which Is Best Champagne For Mimosas - Brut Or Extra Dry?

Another question that intimidates cocktail fans is whether to choose brut or extra dry champagne for mimosas. Now, both styles have subtle differences in their dosage levels, and choosing either brut or extra dry for mimosas depends on personal preferences for sweetness.

Choose Brut as dry champagne for mimosas if you prefer the cocktail to be crisp and less sweet. On the other hand, extra dry champagne is good for mimosas if you want to enjoy the cocktail in a more balanced and sweet way.

What's The Correct Ratio Of Bubbly To Juice For a Mimosa?

To prepare mimosas, the ideal ratio of the bubbly and the orange juice is 1:1, which means one part chilled champagne to one part chilled orange juice.

Which Sparkling Wine Instead Of Champagne For a Mimosa?

When preparing a mimosa, you can consider switching champagne with other sparkling wine options, such as Prosecco, which is slightly lighter and sweeter than champagne, Cava, or a domestic sparkling wine.

These options are also budget-friendly and will allow your mimosa to shine and drip its blush with its delightful effervescence, freshness, and mouth-watering citrusy flavor.

How To Make Mimosas?

To prepare mimosas, first get hands on core ingredients: champagne or your preferred sparkling wine, such as prosecco, and an equal portion of orange juice.

These days, people also experiment with different citrus juices, swapping the orange juice with options like grapefruit, cranberry, pineapple, peach, mango, or pomegranate juice.

Here’s a Detailed List Of Ingredients:

  • One part chilled champagne or other sparkling wine
  • One part citrus juice (usually orange juice)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Make sure that your chosen sparkling wine and citrus juice are chilled to around 45°F.
  2. Whether you’re preparing a single glass for yourself or making a pitcher for 8-9 servings of mimosas for a gethering, measure both liquids in equal parts.
  3. Gently pour equal parts of both into a flute or tall glass that won’t just elevate the aesthetic appeal but will also preserve the cocktail’s bubbles and aromatic appeal.
  4. Stir gently for a perfect blend.
  5. if you prefer your mimosa colder, add ice cubes to the glass.
  6. Garnish your mimosa with a slice of orange or a twist of orange zest. Other garnishing options include fresh berries, a pleasant mint sprig or a sugared rim.