Mimosas are a quintessential brunch beverage, loved for their refreshing blend of sparkling wine and citrus juice. Whether hosting a weekend brunch or indulging in a lazy morning, choosing the right wine can elevate your mimosa game. In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for making mimosas, ensuring that every sip is as delightful as possible.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Wines

It’s important to consider several aspects when choosing a sparkling wine for mimosas to achieve the finest results. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

• Sweetness Level: The sweetness of the wine should complement the citrus juice without overwhelming it. Generally, “Brut” or “Extra Dry” are ideal because they offer a subtle sweetness that balances well with orange juice. Avoid too sweet wines, such as “Demi-Sec” or “Doux,” as they can make the mimosa cloyingly sweet.
• Acidity: A good sparkling wine for mimosas should have a high level of acidity. Acidity helps to cut through the juice’s richness and enhances the drink’s overall refreshing quality. Wines with vibrant acidity will make your mimosa crisp and lively.
• Bubble Quality: The quality of the bubbles plays a significant role in the mimosa experience. Look for sparkling wines with fine, persistent bubbles. This ensures the bubbles last longer in the drink, providing a pleasant mouthfeel and enhancing the mimosa’s effervescence.
• Affordability: Since mimosas combine wine and juice, you don’t need to invest in a high-end bottle. Many affordable sparkling wines offer excellent quality and flavor for mimosas, allowing you to enjoy a great mimosa without breaking the bank.
• Region and Production Method: The region where the sparkling wine is produced can influence its flavor profile. Traditional regions like Champagne, France, or the Prosecco region in Italy are renowned for their sparkling wines. However, excellent options are also available from other regions, like Spain’s Cava or Crémant from France. The production method, such as the traditional method for Champagne or the Charmat method for Prosecco, can also affect the flavor and bubble quality.

Top Sparkling Wine Recommendations

Selecting the right sparkling wine can transform your mimosa into a delightful and memorable drink. Here’s a closer look at some of the best sparkling wines for making mimosas, each offering unique qualities to enhance your brunch experience:

Prosecco

Prosecco is one of the most popular choices for mimosas due to its approachable flavor profile and affordability. Prosecco is a Veneto-region sparkling wine that tastes a little sweeter than Champagne and has a fruitier, lighter style. It typically features notes of green apple, honeysuckle, and citrus, making it an ideal partner for orange juice.

• Recommended Brands: La Marca Prosecco, Mionetto Prosecco, Zonin Prosecco
• Flavor Profile: Fruity, slightly sweet, with notes of green apple and citrus
• Best For Classic mimosas with a touch of sweetness

Cava

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine known for its crisp, clean taste and excellent value. Produced in the Catalonia region using the traditional method (similar to Champagne), Cava has bright acidity and apple, pear, and citrus flavors. Its dry, refreshing profile makes it a great choice for those who prefer a less sweet mimosa.

• Recommended Brands: Freixenet Cava, Codorníu Cava, Segura Viudas Cava
• Flavor Profile: Crisp, dry, with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus
• Best For: Dry mimosas with a clean, refreshing taste

Champagne

Champagne is an excellent choice for mimosas for a touch of luxury. Champagne is a French wine produced traditionally in the Champagne region. It has complex tastes and polished bubbles. It typically features brioche, almond, and citrus notes, adding a sophisticated edge to your mimosa.

• Recommended Brands: Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée
• Flavor Profile: Complex, with notes of brioche, almond, and citrus
• Best For Special occasions or a more refined mimosa experience

Crémant

Crémant is a French sparkling wine made outside the Champagne region that uses similar traditional methods. It offers a taste profile similar to champagne’s at a more affordable price. Crémant is a versatile option for mimosas, with notes of green apple, citrus, a trace of toast, and delicate bubbles.

• Recommended Brands: Crémant d’Alsace by Jean-Baptiste Adam, Crémant de Bourgogne by Louis Bouillot, Crémant de Loire by Bouvet-Ladubay
• Flavor Profile: Crisp and lively, with notes of green apple, citrus, and toast
• Best For a Budget-friendly option with a Champagne-like quality

Brut Rosé

Brut Rosé is a sparkling wine that adds a unique twist to the classic mimosa. Its subtle berry flavors and pink hue offer a refreshing alternative to traditional options. The delicate flavors of red berries and a hint of floral notes can enhance the fruitiness of the mimosa, making it a visually appealing and flavorful choice.

• Recommended Brands: Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, Ruinart Brut Rosé
• Flavor Profile: Light, with notes of red berries, citrus, and a hint of floral
• Best For A colorful and flavorful twist on the classic mimosa

Pairing Mimosas with Brunch Foods

Mimosas are a versatile drink that pairs well with various brunch dishes. The key to a successful pairing is to match your food’s flavors and textures with your mimosa’s characteristics. Here’s a guide to pairing different styles of mimosas with popular brunch foods:

Classic Mimosa (Orange Juice + Prosecco)

Made with fresh orange juice and Prosecco, this classic mimosa has a sweet and zesty flavor profile that complements a range of brunch cuisine. Here are some ideal food pairings:

• Eggs Benedict: The rich and creamy hollandaise sauce complements the citrus brightness of the mimosa, creating a well-balanced bite.
• Avocado Toast: Avocado’s creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor complement Prosecco’s refreshing qualities.
• Fruit Salad: The fruity tones of the mimosa are enhanced by a fresh fruit salad featuring citrus, melons, and berries.

Cava Mimosa

Cava, with its crisp and dry profile, pairs beautifully with bold or savory dishes. Its crisp finish and vibrant acidity make it a flexible option for a range of brunch fare:

• Spanish Tortilla: This potato and egg dish from Spain complements the crisp acidity of Cava, balancing its savory and slightly oily texture.
• Chorizo Hash: Chorizo hash’s spicy and hearty flavors pair well with Cava’s refreshing bubbles and citrus notes.
• Smoked Salmon: Cava’s dryness and crispness make it an excellent match for smoked salmon’s rich and savory taste.

Champagne Mimosa

Champagne brings a touch of elegance to mimosas, making it perfect for more sophisticated brunch fare. The complex flavors and refined bubbles enhance a variety of gourmet dishes:

• Lobster Eggs Benedict: The luxurious and delicate flavors of lobster eggs and Champagne’s nuanced and complex profile elevate Benedict.
• Crêpes Suzette: The delicate, citrus-infused crepes pair beautifully with Champagne’s refined bubbles and subtle toasty notes.
• Salmon Tartare: The fresh, clean flavors of salmon tartare are well complemented by Champagne’s sophisticated and crisp nature.

Crémant Mimosa

Crémant offers a similar profile to Champagne but at a more accessible price point. Its versatility makes it a great match for a range of brunch foods:

• Quiche Lorraine: The creamy, cheesy filling of Quiche Lorraine pairs nicely with Crémant’s vibrant acidity and fine bubbles.
• Bagels with Lox: Crémant’s crispness and bright flavors complement the salty and rich taste of bagels with Lox.
• Vegetable Frittata: The light and airy texture of a vegetable frittata is enhanced by Crémant’s refreshing and lively characteristics.

Brut Rosé Mimosa

Brut Rosé adds a touch of color and berry flavor to your mimosa, offering a unique twist on traditional brunch pairings. Its fruity and floral notes make it an interesting choice for various dishes:

• Berry-Laden Pancakes: The fruity notes of Brut Rosé enhance the sweet and tangy flavors of berry-topped pancakes or waffles.
• French Toast with Fruit Compote: The subtle berry flavors of the Brut Rosé complement the sweetness of French toast topped with fruit compote.
• Goat Cheese Salad: The tangy and creamy goat cheese pairs well with the fruity and floral notes of Brut Rosé, creating a delightful contrast.

Tips for Serving and Enjoying Mimosas

Serving and enjoying mimosas involves more than just mixing orange juice and sparkling wine. To ensure your mimosas are always refreshing and delightful, consider these tips:

Chill Your Ingredients

Starting with chilled ingredients is crucial for the best mimosa experience. Cold sparkling wine and orange juice refresh the drink and help maintain the bubbles’ effervescence.

• Wine: Store your sparkling wine in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. If you’re short on time, chill the bottle in an ice bucket for about 20 minutes.
• Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice should also be well-chilled. If you’re using store-bought juice, keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix.

Use Fresh Juice

While pre-packaged orange juice is convenient, freshly squeezed juice offers superior flavor and a vibrant citrus aroma. Fresh juice adds a natural sweetness and tanginess that enhances the overall taste of your mimosa.

• Squeeze Your Own: Use a citrus juicer to extract the juice from ripe oranges. This ensures the freshest flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Filter Out Pulp: Remove excess pulp from the freshly squeezed juice if you prefer a smoother mimosa.

Perfect the Mimosa Ratio

The classic mimosa ratio is 1 part sparkling wine to 1 part juice, but you can adjust this based on your taste preference. Some prefer a stronger wine flavor, while others prefer a more pronounced citrus taste.

• Start with a 50/50 Ratio: Pour equal parts sparkling wine and juice into your glass. Taste and adjust the ratio as needed.
• Avoid Over-Pouring: To maintain the bubbles, avoid over-filling the glass. Leave some room at the top for a gentle stir.

Garnish for Elegance

A simple garnish can elevate your mimosa from a basic drink to a beautifully presented brunch treat. Garnishes add visual appeal and can complement the flavors of the drink.

• Citrus Slices: A wedge of orange or lemon over the rim of the glass adds color and intensifies the citrus taste.
• Berries: Strawberries and raspberries in season can add a taste and a splash of color.
• Herbs: A mint sprig or a lemon peel twist can add a hint of freshness and sophistication.

Choose the Right Glassware

The type of glass you use can affect the mimosa experience. Traditional champagne flutes are ideal for preserving the bubbles and showcasing the drink’s effervescence.

• Champagne Flutes: These narrow glasses help concentrate the bubbles and maintain the drink’s sparkle.
• Coupe Glasses: Coupe glasses are an elegant option for a vintage touch, though they may not keep the bubbles and flutes.

Serve Immediately

Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh and immediately after mixing. The bubbles in the sparkling wine will dissipate over time, so serve the drink as soon as it’s prepared to ensure maximum effervescence.

• Prepare Just Before Serving: Mix your mimosas right before your guests are ready to enjoy them to keep the bubbles lively.
• Avoid Pre-Mixing: If you must prepare in advance, separate the juice and sparkling wine and mix them before serving.

Experiment with Flavors

While the classic mimosa uses orange juice, you can experiment with different juices and flavorings to create unique variations.

• Juice Variations: Try grapefruit, blood orange, or pineapple juice for a twist on the traditional mimosa.
• Flavor Enhancements: To create custom mimosa variations, add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or a hint of flavored syrup.

Conclusion

The right wine can make or break your mimosa, turning a simple drink into something special. By choosing a sparkling wine that balances well with citrus juice, you can create the perfect mimosa for any brunch occasion. Whether you prefer Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne, the options are plentiful and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use any sparkling wine for mimosas?

Yes, but some wines work better than others. Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne are popular choices.

Should I use Brut or Extra Dry sparkling wine?

Brut is a good option as it could be sweeter, making it a versatile choice for mimosas.

Can I make mimosas in advance?

Making mimosas before serving is best to preserve the bubbles and freshness.

What are some non-alcoholic alternatives for mimosas?

Sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine can substitute for those who prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Additional Resources

• Wine Folly: Sparkling Wine Guide
• The Spruce Eats: Best Sparkling Wines for Mimosas
• Decanter: How to Choose the Best Champagne