For making mimosas, the ideal champagne is typically a dry (brut) Champagne because its dryness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the orange juice, creating a balanced flavor
. Brut Champagne has less than 12 grams of residual sugar per liter, which helps maintain a crisp and refreshing profile in the cocktail
. Recommended types of Champagne for mimosas:
- Brut Champagne: The classic and most popular choice, providing dryness and crispness.
- Blanc de Blancs: Made from Chardonnay grapes, offering a light and fresh flavor that pairs well with orange juice.
- Rosé Champagne: Adds a fruity twist with berry notes, suitable if you want a more flavorful mimosa variation
Popular Champagne brands for mimosas include:
- Veuve Clicquot Brut: A consistent, high-quality choice often recommended for mimosas
- Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut: Known for quality and consistency, a solid classic option
- Pommery Brut Royal: An affordable yet sophisticated option with vibrant acidity
Alternatives to Champagne:
- Cava (Spain): A dry sparkling wine similar in style to Champagne but usually more affordable; highly recommended for mimosas
- Prosecco (Italy): Another popular and budget-friendly sparkling wine with a light, fruity profile that mixes well with orange juice
- Crémant: A French sparkling wine outside Champagne region, offering good quality at a lower price
Additional tips:
- Use pulp-free orange juice for a smooth texture that lets the Champagne’s bubbles shine
- Serve the mimosa well chilled to enhance crispness and flavor integration
- The classic ratio is 1:1 (equal parts Champagne and orange juice), but you can adjust to taste
In summary, while true Champagne brut is ideal for mimosas, many prefer affordable sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco to save cost without sacrificing taste. If using Champagne, choose a dry brut style such as Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon for the best balance with orange juice
