Pink Mimosas

Pink mimosas are proof that the simplest cocktails are often the best cocktails. The orange juice mimosa will always be classic, but this rosy variation keeps popping up at bridal showers and Mother’s Day tables for a good reason. Pink lemonade brings more pucker than OJ, and that tartness really wakes up dry champagne. The colors don’t hurt either—a pale, sunset-pink swirl in a flute, garnished with a few red raspberries bobbing along the bottom like little jewels.

The recipe itself is barely a recipe; it’s simply equal parts chilled champagne (poured slowly so the bubbles don’t rush the rim) and pink lemonade. Have fun putting your own spin on it. Swap in Prosecco for something fruitier, cava for toasty depth, or a dry sparkling rosé to double down on the pink. A sprig of rosemary dropped into the glass turns the drink into something you’d order at a hotel bar; a sugared rim makes it feel maximally femme.

Pink Mimosas Ingredients

• Champagne or sparkling wine: The bubbles are the backbone of any mimosa, lending celebratory effervescence and a dry, crisp counterpoint to the sweet lemonade. Champagne is the go-to, but don’t feel like you need to break out the good stuff (you’re mixing it with pink lemonade, after all). Prosecco, cava or any sparkling wine works beautifully in this cocktail.
• Pink lemonade: This is what gives the pink mimosa drink its signature blush hue and sweet-tart flavor. Store-bought works well, though freshly squeezed pink lemonade will take the cocktail to another level.
• Fresh raspberries or lemon slices: Garnishes do double duty, adding a pop of color and offering a little something to nibble on as the glass empties. Drop a few raspberries directly into the flute so they bob along the bottom, or perch a thin lemon wheel on the rim for a classic look.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the cocktail

Pour the champagne into a champagne flute or wine glass. Add the pink lemonade to the glass.

Step 2: Garnish the cocktail

Garnish the pink mimosas with raspberries and lemon slices, as desired.

Pink Mimosas Variations

• Swap the bubbles: Trade the champagne for Prosecco, cava or even a dry sparkling rosé to play up the pink hue. Each brings its own personality, from Prosecco’s fruit-forward sweetness to cava’s toasty depth.
• Make frozen mimosas: Blend the pink lemonade with ice until it’s slushy, then spoon it into the flute and top it with chilled champagne.
• Add berry puree: Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries in the bottom of the glass before pouring the cocktail. The fruit deepens the color and adds a little burst of berry flavor to every sip.
• Rim the glass: Dip the flute’s rim first in lemon juice, then in pink sanding sugar for a sweet finishing touch. It’s an easy upgrade for brunches, bridal showers or Valentine’s Day.
• Infuse it with herbs: Drop a small sprig of rosemary, thyme or mint into the glass before serving pink mimosas. The herbs add an aromatic, garden-fresh note that plays nicely against the tart lemonade.
• Skip the alcohol: For a non-alcoholic pink lemonade mimosa, replace the champagne with chilled sparkling water, club soda or a non-alcoholic champagne or sparkling wine. It’s just as festive and brunch-worthy without the buzz.

How to Make Pink Mimosas for a Crowd

Set up a pink mimosa bar so guests can pour their own. Chill several bottles of champagne in an ice bucket and decant the pink lemonade into a pretty pitcher or glass carafe. Set them out alongside small bowls of fresh raspberries and lemon slices for garnishing. Any leftover pink lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to a week, while an opened bottle of champagne stays bubbly for two to three days when sealed with a sparkling wine stopper.

Can you make mimosas ahead of time?

Mimosas are best made to order, since the champagne loses its fizz soon after being mixed with juice. That said, you can absolutely prep the components ahead: Chill the champagne and pink lemonade overnight, wash and dry the raspberries, and slice the lemons up to a day in advance.

Pink Mimosas Tips

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

A champagne flute is the traditional choice for mimosas, as its tall, narrow shape does a great job of preserving the bubbles. That said, the best glass really depends on the occasion. Coupes have a vintage, glamorous vibe that makes them perfect for a bridal shower or a New Year’s Eve toast. For a more casual brunch or backyard party, stemless wine glasses are a smart pick since they’re sturdier, harder to tip over and easier to wash. Any wine glass will work, so don’t stress if you don’t have a matching set of flutes.

What can you serve with pink mimosas?

Pink mimosas are an ideal brunch beverage, so lean into it! They pair beautifully with classics like eggs Benedict, quiche Lorraine, smoked salmon bagels and crispy hash browns, and the citrusy sweetness is a nice foil to rich, salty foods like bacon, breakfast sausage or a frittata. For sweeter pairings, try them alongside lemon ricotta pancakes, a berry-topped Dutch baby, almond croissants or a fresh fruit salad.

Can you use frozen pink lemonade concentrate in this pink mimosas recipe?

Frozen pink lemonade concentrate works well in a pink mimosa recipe as long as you reconstitute it with water according to the package directions. Using it straight from the can will make the drink overly sweet and syrupy, so be sure to dilute it before assembling the cocktails.