The Mimosa is one of the classic daytime cocktails. Great for Mother's Day, early weddings, and a critical component to just about any high-end brunch service, the simple distribution of orange juice and sparkling wine is a compelling combination.
Though this light, easy-to-drink cocktail is often made with champagne (with a lowercase C), the more expensive Champagne (capital C) is actually not the best option to use for a few different reasons.
First, why use expensive Champagne when you're only going to mask some of its flavor profiles with orange juice? There are cheaper bubbly options that will serve the same purpose.
Second, why not consider the birthplace of the cocktail and use an alternative like cava? The combination of sparkling wine and orange was reportedly first used centuries ago in Spain in places like Alicante, Catalonia, and Valencia, which is famous for its oranges.
The cocktail gets its name by mistake. It was incorrectly said to be invented at the Hotel Ritz Paris around 1900, getting its name from a yellowish plant that grows around the Mediterranean regions called the mimosa.
BUCK'S FIZZ
The traditional Mimosa is made with equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice, but what if guests are looking for a little more? The Buck's Fizz is the answer. Made with two parts wine to one part orange juice, this Mimosa variation packs more punch than the standard option.
POINSETTIA
Also named after a plant, the Poinsettia uses cranberry juice instead of orange juice. As the name reflects, this Mimosa variation is a great option for winter holiday brunches or for guests looking for a slightly more bitter flavor profile. Sometimes vodka or Cointreau can be added for depth of flavor and higher alcohol content.
BELLINI
Finally, we have the Bellini. While it is similar to a Mimosa, you could argue the Mimosa is actually the real variation of the two. Originating at Harry's Bar in Venice, the Bellini gets its name because its unique, pink color reminded inventor, Giuseppe Cipriani, of a toga painted by famous Venetian artist, Giovanni Bellini. It is made with Prosecco and peach purée.
When you think about when these beverages are served, it's almost always an upscale environment that involves a celebration, whether it be a holiday or a simple Sunday. Mimosas are designed to create festive environments as well as enhance them.
That being said, if the beverage is made to enhance the experience, how can one enhance the beverage?
The answer is with glassware. Sparkling wine stemware that is carefully selected will add an air of elegance to any situation. Choosing the right pieces can be a daunting process, with considerations ranging from style to design and production. That's why we put together the Sparkling Wine Selection Guide to help you through all the questions and considerations.