As the holiday season approaches, there’s an unmistakable magic in the air—twinkling lights, cheerful gatherings, and the joy of sharing delicious treats. It’s during this festive time that I stumbled upon the delightful creation of the Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it’s not just a drink; it’s an experience waiting to be savored!
I found myself searching for a drink that could be both festive and non-alcoholic, and this mocktail quickly became my go-to. The combination of freshly squeezed orange juice, sweetened cranberry juice, and bubbly sparkling apple cider dances on your palate, leaving a refreshing finish. Plus, who can resist the visual charm of a sugared rim and a garnish of bright, festive cranberries or a sprig of rosemary?
In just five minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing beverage that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering. Let’s dive in and elevate our home celebrations with this sparkling beauty!
Why You'll Love This Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail
- This Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail is incredibly easy to whip up, taking just five minutes to prepare.
- The delightful combination of flavors creates a refreshing beverage that everyone can enjoy, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- With its vibrant colors and beautiful sugared rim, this mocktail is sure to impress your guests visually as well.
- Its versatility allows you to customize garnishes, elevating the drink’s presentation and making it a festive staple for any occasion.
Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail Ingredients
For the Sugared Rim
- 1 slice orange – Perfect for wetting the rim and adding a zesty touch.
- sugar – Choose superfine sugar for a sparkling finish that enhances the mocktail’s elegance.
For the Drink
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice – Freshly squeezed adds a burst of natural flavor, unlike store-bought.
- 2 oz cold sweetened cranberry juice – Provides a rich sweetness that balances the tartness of the orange juice.
- 2 oz cold sparkling apple cider – The bubbles bring a festive touch and elevate the overall experience of the Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail.
- pinch ground cinnamon – A warm spice that adds depth and holiday aromatics.
For Garnish
- fresh cranberries (optional) – Add a pop of color and a festive feel to your presentation.
- cinnamon stick (optional) – Ideal for a lovely stirrer that infuses extra flavor.
- rosemary sprig (optional) – Provides a fragrant twist that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail
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Wet the Rim: Start by taking a slice of orange and gently rubbing it around the rim of your glass. This helps the sugar stick beautifully for that delightful sugared rim!
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Dip in Sugar: Next, dip the wet rim into sugar, preferably superfine, to create a sparkling finish. Make sure it coats evenly for maximum impact!
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Combine Ingredients: In the glass, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, sweetened cranberry juice, and sparkling apple cider. Stir gently to blend the flavors, making sure everything is well combined.
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Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle in a pinch of ground cinnamon to infuse the drink with a warm, holiday aroma. This little addition will make a big difference in flavor!
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Garnish: Finally, enhance your charming mocktail with optional garnishes—add fresh cranberries, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Optional: For an extra special twist, try adding a splash of pomegranate juice for a gorgeous color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail?
Elevate your holiday gatherings with delightful food pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this festive drink.
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Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy goat cheese balances the sweetness of the mocktail, creating a harmonious spread.
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Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches filled with spinach and feta offer a savory contrast to the fruity taste of your Orange Cranberry Mimosa. Their flaky crust and fluffy filling make them irresistible.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples brightens up your table, echoing the refreshing notes of your drink.
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Holiday Spinach Dip: Creamy spinach dip served with crispy pita chips adds a comforting touch to your gathering, enhancing the overall festive vibe.
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Roasted Nuts: A mix of spiced and salted nuts provides a delightful crunch and savory depth, making them perfect for munching alongside your mocktail.
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Cinnamon Rolls: For a special sweet treat, warm cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing pair beautifully with the mocktail’s flavors, adding a festive sweetness.
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Sparkling Water: Keep guests refreshed with fizzy sparkling water, enhancing the celebratory feel without overshadowing the flavor of your Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail.
These pairings will transform your gathering into a memorable holiday celebration!
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktails are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sugared rim by wetting the glass with orange juice and dipping it in sugar up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its sparkle. Additionally, you can mix the orange juice, sweetened cranberry juice, and ground cinnamon together in a container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the mixture into the prepared glass, top with cold sparkling apple cider, and garnish with cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for that festive flair. This way, you’ll have a refreshing drink ready to impress with minimal effort!
Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful twists!
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Citrus Medley: Swap the orange juice for a mix of grapefruit and tangerine juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
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Spiced Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a slice of jalapeño to introduce a warm, spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
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Sparkling Fruit Punch: Combine sparkling apple cider with your favorite fruit-flavored sparkling water for a bubbly, fruity delight.
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Herbal Infusion: Infuse the drink with fresh mint or basil for a herbal layer that enhances the overall flavor profile. It adds an unexpected twist that could surprise your guests.
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Non-Sweetened Version: Use unsweetened cranberry juice and adjust sweetness with a splash of maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and less sugar.
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Tropical Bliss: Incorporate some pineapple juice or coconut water for a tropical vibe that transports you to a summer paradise amidst holiday festivities.
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Berry Burst: Muddle fresh raspberries or blueberries into the mixture for a burst of flavor and a beautiful color that’s visually stunning.
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Ginger Zing: Add a splash of ginger beer instead of sparkling apple cider for a zesty, invigorating mocktail that’s perfect for holiday cheer.
How to Store and Freeze Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail
Fridge: Store any leftover Orange Cranberry Mimosa in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. The flavors will remain delightful, though the fizz might diminish slightly.
Freezer: Freezing isn’t recommended for this mocktail, as the carbonation will be lost when thawed. Instead, prepare fresh servings for each occasion!
Serving Tip: For the best experience, prepare your Orange Cranberry Mimosa right before serving to ensure it’s bubbly and refreshing!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To create a perfect sugared rim for your Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail, ensure you use superfine sugar as it adheres better and looks more elegant.
- When combining the juices and soda, stir gently to prevent the sparkling apple cider from losing its fizz, maintaining a refreshing effervescence.
- Always use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor, as it offers a vibrant taste compared to bottled varieties.
- For a more aromatic experience, consider adding the pinch of ground cinnamon directly to the sparkling apple cider before mixing for an even distribution of flavor.
Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect orange for my mocktail?
Absolutely! When selecting an orange, look for ones that are firm, bright, and heavy for their size. A bit of texture is okay, but avoid any with dark spots or blemishes that might indicate overripeness. The best oranges are in season during the winter months, so you’re in luck for your holiday mocktail!
How long can I store leftover Orange Cranberry Mimosa?
You can store any leftover Orange Cranberry Mimosa in the fridge, covered tightly, for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that while the flavors will stay lovely, the effervescence from the sparkling apple cider may lessen over time. For the most bubbly experience, prepare fresh servings as needed!
Can I freeze the Orange Cranberry Mimosa?
Freezing isn’t recommended for this mocktail, as the carbonation will be lost when thawed. If you do want to make a frozen version, instead prepare a slushy mocktail by blending the orange juice and cranberry juice with ice right before serving!
What should I do if my mocktail is too sweet?
Very easily! If your Orange Cranberry Mimosa ends up sweeter than you’d like, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a little extra sparkling apple cider. The acidity from the lemon helps to balance out sweetness, giving your drink a refreshing lift.
Is this recipe suitable for my guests with dietary restrictions?
Yes, it’s very versatile! The Orange Cranberry Mimosa is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. However, always check the labels of your cranberry juice and any sugar you use, as some brands may include additives. If you’re serving guests with allergies, such as nut allergies, you can feel safe with this mocktail as it’s allergen-free!
Can I make this mocktail in larger batches for a party?
Absolutely! You can easily scale up the ingredients when you’re hosting a holiday gathering. For a pitcher, combine 1 part freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 parts sweetened cranberry juice, and 2 parts sparkling apple cider. Just prepare the sugared rims individually to maintain that lovely sparkle!
Orange Cranberry Mimosa Holiday Mocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wet the Rim: Start by taking a slice of orange and gently rubbing it around the rim of your glass.
- Dip in Sugar: Dip the wet rim into sugar, preferably superfine, to create a sparkling finish.
- Combine Ingredients: In the glass, whisk together the orange juice, sweetened cranberry juice, and sparkling apple cider. Stir gently.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle in a pinch of ground cinnamon to infuse warmth.
- Garnish: Enhance your mocktail with optional garnishes like cranberries, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of rosemary.
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