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Apple cider mimosas come together quickly and bring the cozy flavors of fall to the holiday table.
One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is sipping an apple cider mimosa, parade on TV in the background, while my family starts prepping the feast. Taste of Home has a whole rainbow of mimosa recipes, but this apple cider version from Anna Miller of Churdan, Iowa, is the one that truly screams fall. I first tried one at a local restaurant and immediately fell in love with everything about it—the golden color, crisp bubbles and rich apple flavor felt like autumn in a glass.
I’m no bartender, but that’s the beauty of a mimosa—it’s simply juice and champagne, which makes it a cocktail anyone can pull off, even when there’s an entire Thanksgiving menu to tackle. Add a cinnamon sugar rim, and you have a festive drink that’s perfect for kicking off Turkey Day.
Apple Cider Mimosa Ingredients
- Sparkling wine: Champagne is the classic choice for mimosas, but don’t feel like you have to splurge. Inexpensive champagne, Prosecco, cava or any dry sparkling wine is ideal here. Since the apple cider is the star of the show, save fancier bottles for sipping on their own.
- Apple cider: Apple cider gives this mimosa a rich apple flavor and a gorgeous golden color that feels made for fall. You can also make it with filtered apple juice, but the drink won’t have quite the same depth.
- Garnishes: A cinnamon sugar rim and a thin apple slice make these mimosas feel extra festive. No cinnamon sugar in the pantry? Stir together 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. For a caramel-apple twist, use brown sugar instead.
Directions
Step 1: Rim the glass
This step is optional, but makes the finished cocktails look extra festive. Moisten the rim of a champagne flute or wine glass with a little water. Pour the cinnamon sugar onto a small plate, then gently dip the rim into the mixture until it’s evenly coated.
Editor’s Tip: Homemade cinnamon sugar is easy to make. Just mix 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and use any leftovers to sprinkle on buttered toast or oatmeal.
Step 2: Add the apple cider
Pour the apple cider into the prepared glass.
Editor’s Tip: If you’d rather skip measuring, fill the glass just under halfway with apple cider.
Step 3: Top with champagne
Top the apple cider with the champagne or sparkling wine, pouring gently to keep the bubbles from foaming over. If desired, garnish the cocktail with a thin apple slice and serve it immediately.
Editor’s Tip: Be sure to chill both the cider and sparkling wine before mixing so your mimosa is perfectly cold.
Apple Cider Mimosa Variations
- Turn it into a mocktail: Skip the champagne and use sparkling apple juice for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free drink. If you prefer a less-sweet drink, using club soda or sparkling water will add bubbles without extra sugar.
- Dress it up: Instead of the apple slice, add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth or fresh herbs (like a sprig of rosemary or a few mint leaves) for a bright herbal note. For Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch, float fresh cranberries or pomegranate arils on top for a festive pop of red.
- Give it a spirited twist: For a stronger cocktail, add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum or caramel-flavored vodka before pouring the sparkling wine.
Can you store apple cider mimosas?
Apple cider mimosas are best enjoyed right after they’re mixed, while the sparkling wine is crisp and bubbly. Once poured, the carbonation starts to fade, so leftovers won’t have the same festive fizz. If you do have some left, you can refrigerate them, but expect a flatter drink.
Can you make apple cider mimosas ahead of time?
Apple cider mimosas should be mixed just before serving for the best fizz, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Chill the apple cider and sparkling wine several days ahead, and rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar before guests arrive. If you’re adding apple slice garnishes, cut them a few hours ahead and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Store them in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve drinks.
Apple Cider Mimosa Tips
Can you make a mimosa with apple juice?
Yes! You can make an apple mimosa by using filtered apple juice instead of unfiltered apple cider. Your cocktail will still be crisp, bubbly and delicious—it will just have a lighter color and a milder apple flavor. Apple cider brings a deeper golden hue and a bolder, more concentrated apple taste, which is why it’s my go-to for festive mimosas all autumn long.
Can you make a pitcher of apple cider mimosas?
A pitcher of mimosas is a great option for parties or for serving a crowd, but wait to add the sparkling wine until right before serving it so you don’t lose that festive fizz. Stick with the same ratio as a single-serving mimosa: 3 parts apple cider to 4 parts sparkling wine.
Pour 2-1/4 cups of apple cider into a drink pitcher and keep it chilled until guests arrive. Just before serving, pop open a standard 750-milliliter bottle of chilled champagne or sparkling wine and add it to the pitcher. This makes about six mimosas, depending on the size of your glasses.
What can you serve with apple cider mimosas?
Apple cider mimosas are made for brunch! Serve them alongside cozy fall favorites like overnight egg casserole, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pancakes or French toast casserole. They’re also the perfect little something to sip while you’re chopping, stirring, and readying the Thanksgiving feast.
They’re just as festive for holiday happy hour, too. Set out a pitcher with warm appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped figs and cranberry brie bites, or with a simple cheese board featuring sharp cheddar, sliced apples and candied pecans.
