Green Mimosa

Making a green mimosa is not rocket science, but when you taste it, you may never go back to using plain old orange juice in your mimosas. Midori is a melon liqueur made in Japan, known best as the star player in the Midori sour. But nothing else tastes like it. Adding this playful, colorful spirit to the classic mimosa gives it an unmistakable emerald glow and a one-of-a-kind flavor.

An ideal mimosa is all about balance: half bubbles, half juice, and just enough sweetness to feel festive without tipping into sugar overload. This version absolutely nails it. The recipe makes a small batch of green mimosas, enough for six cocktails. Sure, they’re great for St. Patrick’s Day when you add a rainbow sour belt garnish, but it’s also a genius idea for a gender-neutral baby shower, a Wicked movie viewing, or a spring brunch that needs that extra-awesome touch.

Green Mimosa Ingredients

• Champagne or sparkling wine: A dry Prosecco, cava or champagne keeps the drink crisp and refreshing rather than sweet. No need to spend a million dollars; there are great bottles under $20. Keeping your sparkling wine chilled means you don’t need to dilute your mimosa with ice.
• Melon liqueur: There are other melon liqueurs, but Midori is the play. It’s made with rare Japanese muskmelons, and brings a sweet, honeydew-like flavor and that signature bright green color.
• Orange juice: Orange juice is the traditional mimosa ingredient, but it also pairs perfectly with melon liqueur. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is ideal, but any of the best orange juice brands from the grocery store works beautifully.
• Optional garnishes: If you’re going for a St. Patrick’s Day vibe, mini marshmallows and rainbow sour belt candy add a touch of whimsy. If you’re more into a spring or summer party mimosa, consider adding frozen green honeydew melon balls or a mint sprig.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

In a large pitcher or container, combine the champagne, melon liqueur and orange juice. Stir gently to combine them.

Editor’s Tip: Add the sparkling wine last and stir gently to keep the carbonation lively and the texture light. More stirring means fewer bubbles.

Step 2: Garnish and serve

Serve the green mimosas in champagne flutes or wine glasses. If desired, on a toothpick, skewer one mini marshmallow, one rainbow sour belt and a second mini marshmallow. Place the rainbow garnish on top of the glass.

Green Mimosa Variations

• Try pineapple juice: Replace the orange juice with pineapple juice for a more tropical, slightly tangier version that still keeps that vibrant green hue.
• Lighten it up: Replace half of the sparkling wine with club soda or a spirit-free bubbly to make a lower-alcohol option that still feels festive. You’ll keep the bubbles and brightness while just dialing things back a bit.
• Skip the candy: Garnish the cocktails with a chunk of honeydew or cantaloupe for a more grown-up vibe. A sprig of mint or basil can also give them a fresh, aromatic twist that balances the sweetness of the melon liqueur.

How to Make Green Mimosas for a Crowd

Green mimosas are perfect for batching and serving to a crowd, which is great news if you’re hosting. Mix everything in a large pitcher or drink dispenser right before serving the cocktails, and keep your sparkling wine chilled until the last possible second to preserve those bubbles. If you’re setting up a mimosa bar, keep the melon liqueur and juice in separate carafes so guests can build their own.

Store any leftover juice mixture (without the sparkling wine) in the refrigerator for up to two days, and always add fresh bubbles when you’re ready to serve again.

Can you make green mimosas ahead of time?

You can prep the green mimosa components ahead of time by mixing the melon liqueur and orange juice, then storing it in the fridge. Wait to add the sparkling wine until just before serving so the drink stays fizzy and fresh.

Green Mimosa Tips

What’s the best type of glass for a mimosa?

The best type of glass for a mimosa depends on the vibe you’re going for. Champagne flutes keep things classic and help preserve bubbles. Consider stemless wine glasses or regular wine glasses for parties; they’re less likely to tip over during enthusiastic brunch conversations.

What can you serve with green mimosas?

Green mimosas pair beautifully with classic brunch favorites like quiche, breakfast casseroles and pastries, especially anything slightly savory to balance the sweetness. Make it a theme with a fruit platter (melons), avocado toast (green) or even something indulgent like cinnamon rolls (green frosting, maybe?) because this drink is here to support all your unhinged green party ideas.