Cranberry Rum Mimosa: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Cocktail

Looking for the perfect cocktail to elevate your holiday brunch or add a touch of sparkle to your festive gatherings? Look no further than the Cranberry Rum Mimosa! This delightful concoction combines the tartness of cranberry, the warmth of rum, and the bubbly effervescence of champagne (or your favorite sparkling wine) for a truly unforgettable drink.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas morning brunch, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious cocktail, the Cranberry Rum Mimosa is the perfect choice.

## Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Rum Mimosa

* **Festive Flavors:** The combination of cranberry and rum is synonymous with the holiday season, creating a warm and inviting flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these mimosas in minutes.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a formal gathering or a casual get-together, this cocktail is always a hit.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the sweetness and strength to suit your personal preferences.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** The vibrant red color of the cranberry juice and the bubbly champagne create a visually stunning cocktail that’s sure to impress.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start mixing, gather the following ingredients:

* **Cranberry Juice:** Use 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor and vibrant color. Cranberry juice cocktail will also work, but it will be sweeter. Consider unsweetened cranberry juice if you prefer less sweetness.
* **Rum:** We recommend using a good-quality white rum or spiced rum. White rum provides a clean and crisp base, while spiced rum adds a touch of warmth and complexity. Gold rum can also be used, but it might alter the color slightly.
* **Champagne (or Sparkling Wine):** The star of the mimosa! Choose a dry or brut champagne or sparkling wine for a balanced flavor. Prosecco is also a great option and is often more budget-friendly. The dryness will cut through the sweetness of the cranberry juice and rum.
* **Orange Liqueur (Optional):** A splash of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, adds a touch of citrusy sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. This is optional but highly recommended for a more sophisticated taste.
* **Fresh Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs (for Garnish):** These add a festive touch and make the mimosas look even more appealing.
* **Ice:** To chill the glasses before pouring the mimosas.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Champagne Flutes or Coupe Glasses:** The classic choice for serving mimosas. Coupe glasses offer a wider opening and a more vintage look.
* **Jigger or Measuring Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Cocktail Shaker (Optional):** If you prefer to chill the rum and cranberry juice before adding the champagne.
* **Ice Bucket (Optional):** To keep the champagne chilled.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the Cranberry Rum Mimosa!

**Step 1: Chill the Glasses (Optional)**

To keep your mimosas refreshingly cold, chill the champagne flutes or coupe glasses in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can fill the glasses with ice and let them sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Discard the ice before pouring the mimosas.

**Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry-Rum Mixture**

In a cocktail shaker (optional), combine the cranberry juice, rum, and orange liqueur (if using). Add ice and shake gently to chill the mixture. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can simply stir the ingredients together in a pitcher or directly in the champagne flutes.

**Step 3: Assemble the Mimosas**

Pour the cranberry-rum mixture into the chilled champagne flutes, filling each glass about one-third to halfway full. The ratio of cranberry-rum mixture to champagne is key. Adjust to your taste.

**Step 4: Top with Champagne**

Slowly top each glass with champagne or sparkling wine, filling it almost to the top. Pour gently to avoid excessive fizzing.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

Garnish each mimosa with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Detailed Recipe

**Yields:** 1 serving
**Prep time:** 5 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 ounces chilled cranberry juice
* 1.5 ounces white rum or spiced rum
* 0.5 ounce orange liqueur (optional)
* 4-5 ounces chilled champagne or sparkling wine
* Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, for garnish
* Ice

**Instructions:**

1. Chill a champagne flute or coupe glass in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a cocktail shaker (optional), combine cranberry juice, rum, and orange liqueur (if using). Add ice and shake gently to chill.
3. Pour the cranberry-rum mixture into the chilled glass, filling it about one-third to halfway full.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine, filling the glass almost to the top.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

## Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter mimosa, use cranberry juice cocktail or add a splash of simple syrup or agave nectar. For a less sweet mimosa, use unsweetened cranberry juice or a drier sparkling wine.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try adding a splash of other fruit juices, such as orange juice, pineapple juice, or pomegranate juice. You can also add a few drops of bitters for a more complex flavor.
* **Make it Non-Alcoholic:** Substitute the rum with sparkling cider or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version.
* **Create a Mimosa Bar:** Set up a mimosa bar with a variety of juices, fruits, and garnishes so guests can customize their own drinks.
* **Batch It Up:** For larger gatherings, you can easily make a large batch of the cranberry-rum mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then simply add the champagne.
* **Rim the Glass:** For an extra touch of elegance, rim the glass with sugar or crushed cranberries before pouring the mimosa. To do this, lightly moisten the rim of the glass with a lemon or lime wedge, then dip it in a plate of sugar or crushed cranberries.
* **Infuse the Rum:** Elevate your mimosa by using infused rum. Cranberry infused rum would be especially festive, or try orange, vanilla, or even ginger infused rum.

## Serving Suggestions

The Cranberry Rum Mimosa is the perfect cocktail to serve at a variety of occasions, including:

* **Holiday Brunch:** Pair it with classic brunch dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
* **Christmas Morning:** A festive and celebratory drink to enjoy while opening presents.
* **New Year’s Eve:** A sparkling way to ring in the New Year.
* **Thanksgiving:** A refreshing cocktail to complement the rich flavors of the Thanksgiving feast.
* **Bridal Showers and Baby Showers:** A sophisticated and elegant drink for special occasions.
* **Casual Gatherings:** A fun and flavorful cocktail to enjoy with friends and family.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (depending on the type of champagne and amount of sugar).
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving.
* Sugar: Approximately 8-12 grams per serving (depending on the type of cranberry juice and champagne).

This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Pairing the Mimosa with Food

The Cranberry Rum Mimosa pairs well with a variety of foods, especially those that are sweet, savory, or slightly acidic. Here are some specific pairing suggestions:

* **Sweet:** Pastries, muffins, scones, fruit salads, yogurt parfaits.
* **Savory:** Eggs benedict, quiche, smoked salmon, bacon, sausage.
* **Cheese:** Brie, goat cheese, cream cheese.
* **Fruit:** Cranberries, oranges, raspberries, strawberries.

## Make Ahead Tips

While the mimosa is best served immediately, you can prepare some components in advance to save time when you’re ready to serve.

* **Cranberry-Rum Mixture:** Combine the cranberry juice, rum, and orange liqueur (if using) in a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Garnish:** Prepare the cranberries and rosemary sprigs in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Chill Glasses:** Chill the champagne flutes or coupe glasses in the refrigerator several hours ahead of time.

When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the cranberry-rum mixture into the chilled glasses and top with champagne.

## Storing Leftovers

Mimosas are best consumed immediately to enjoy their bubbly effervescence. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the champagne will lose its fizz over time.

## Variations on the Cranberry Rum Mimosa Theme:

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few exciting variations you can try:

* **Cranberry Ginger Rum Mimosa:** Add a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer for a zesty kick. Garnish with a candied ginger piece.
* **Spiced Pear Cranberry Rum Mimosa:** Muddle a few slices of pear with the cranberry juice and rum before adding the champagne. The pear complements the spice notes of the rum beautifully.
* **Rosemary Infused Cranberry Rum Mimosa:** Infuse your rum with rosemary for a few days for a more herbaceous and aromatic experience. The rosemary enhances the festive notes of the drink.
* **Cranberry Orange Rum Mimosa:** Add freshly squeezed orange juice to the mix. The citrus brightens the drink and adds another layer of flavor.
* **Cranberry Pomegranate Rum Mimosa:** Combine cranberry and pomegranate juice for a richer, deeper flavor profile. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds makes for a beautiful garnish.

## The Perfect Cocktail for Any Celebration

The Cranberry Rum Mimosa is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s the embodiment of festive cheer, a celebration in a glass. Its beautiful color, delicious flavors, and easy preparation make it the perfect cocktail for any occasion, big or small. So, gather your ingredients, raise a glass, and toast to good times with this delightful Cranberry Rum Mimosa!

Enjoy responsibly!