If you’re looking to shake up your next brunch or get-together, this Orange Cranberry Mimosa Cocktail Recipe might just do the trick. It’s a simple blend of orange juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling wine—definitely a fun twist on the classic mimosa.
Honestly, I love making this cocktail because the sweet and tart balance hits just right. Cranberry juice brings a pop of color and a little tang, while orange juice keeps things bright and familiar.
You don’t need much to pull this off, either. Just a few ingredients, a couple of tools, and you’re set in minutes.
Check out the list below for what you’ll need and how to put it all together. Maybe give it a whirl and see if it livens up your next brunch!
Orange Cranberry Mimosa Cocktail Recipe
This orange cranberry mimosa is about as easy as it gets, but it’s still a crowd-pleaser at brunch. It’s fresh, it’s tasty, and you really don’t need fancy equipment.
Equipment
- Champagne flutes or any tall, narrow glass
- Small pitcher or mixing glass
- Jigger or measuring cups
- Bar spoon or even just a small spoon
- Citrus juicer (manual or electric), if you want to use fresh oranges
- Sharp knife and cutting board (for garnish)
- Fine mesh strainer (handy if you’re picky about pulp)
- Ice bucket or chilled bowl for the bubbly
- Small skewers or cocktail picks for garnishes like orange slices or cranberries
I’m partial to champagne glasses—they just make the drink feel a bit more festive. Squeezing oranges by hand works, but if you’ve got a juicer, it’ll save you a bit of mess.
Ingredients
- 2 oz orange juice (fresh is best, but use what you have)
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine (champagne, prosecco, or cava—pick your favorite)
- Orange slices (garnish)
- Fresh cranberries (garnish)
- 1 splash lemon juice (optional, for extra zing)
- 1 dash cinnamon or a cinnamon stick (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 0.5 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur (optional, for a little kick)
- Ice, if you want it extra cold
I always reach for fresh-squeezed orange juice if I can—it just tastes brighter. For the sparkling wine, prosecco or a dry champagne both work, and the bubbles are really what make this drink pop. If you’re in the mood, a splash of orange liqueur is a nice touch.
Instructions
- Start by chilling your champagne flutes and sparkling wine.
- Pour the orange juice and cranberry juice into your glass or a small pitcher.
If you’re adding Cointreau or lemon juice, toss those in now.
Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
Slowly top everything off with sparkling wine—no one wants a fizz volcano.
You can stir again, but just a little, so you don’t lose the bubbles.
Garnish with a slice of orange, a few cranberries, and maybe a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve right away, while it’s still cold and bubbly.
I always save the sparkling wine for last, right before serving, so it stays fizzy.
Garnishes aren’t just for looks—they add a bit of flavor, too.
Notes
Any sparkling wine works here, so don’t stress over the brand. Prosecco makes it a bit sweeter, while cava or brut champagne keeps it dry. Sometimes I set up a little mimosa bar with different juices and garnishes—people seem to love making their own.
If you want to prep ahead, just mix the juices and chill them. Add the sparkling wine at the last second to keep things lively. Fresh orange juice really does make a difference, but honestly, bottled juice is fine if that’s what you’ve got.
There’s plenty of room to play with this recipe. Add a splash of pomegranate juice for something different, or swap the orange liqueur for Grand Marnier. For kids or anyone skipping alcohol, sparkling water is a great substitute. I’ve served these with muffins or fruit salad and they always go fast.
Equipment
- Small pitcher or mixing glass
- Cocktail picks
Ingredients
- 2 oz orange juice fresh is best
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine champagne, prosecco, or cava
- orange slices for garnish
- fresh cranberries for garnish
- 1 splash lemon juice optional
- 1 dash cinnamon or cinnamon stick optional
- 0.5 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur optional
- ice optional
Instructions
- Chill your champagne flutes and sparkling wine.
- Pour orange juice and cranberry juice into your glass or small pitcher.
- Add Cointreau or lemon juice if using, then stir gently.
- Slowly top with sparkling wine to avoid overflowing.
- Garnish with an orange slice, cranberries, or a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
Tasting Notes
So, the first sip of this orange cranberry mimosa? The citrus jumps out immediately—bright, sweet, but not in-your-face.
There’s this tang from the cranberry that really keeps things in check. It just balances the whole thing out in a way that feels right.
On a chilly Christmas morning, those bubbles from the sparkling wine? They somehow make everything feel a bit more festive and light. I’ve always thought this is one of the best drinks for the holidays—crisp, clean, and honestly, that pink color from the cranberry is just fun.
It looks great on a brunch table, especially when you want things to feel a little extra. I mean, who doesn’t like a pretty drink?
A couple of things I always notice with this cocktail:
- Aroma: You get that fresh orange, and there’s just a bit of berry in the background
- Taste: Sweet, but the cranberry tartness keeps it interesting
- Texture: Bubbly, smooth—nothing heavy
People usually mention they like that it’s not overly sweet. It really does taste best when it’s super cold and served in a flute glass.
Sometimes I’ll drop in a slice of orange or a few cranberries for a bit of flair. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes the whole drink feel a little more special for winter get-togethers.

