Brian Nagele
It’s easier than ever to turn your get-together into a sophisticated, interactive event. The setup of an adjustable drink station, also known as a mimosa bar, has become a huge trend for social events. With a range of juices and garnishes, these charming setups let guests create their own sparkling libations that add a creative touch to any event. We’ll sample a wide range of juices, including the traditional and ageless orange juice as well as novel and reviving choices like pomegranate, mango, and passion fruit. With so many options for combining flavors to create the ideal mimosa, each juice offers a distinctive flavor profile.
Orange Juice
As I’m sure you expected, orange juice is going to be one of the best juices for mimosas. It’s a classic for a reason! Orange juice is refreshing and has a great sweetness to it that pairs well with bubbly champagne. I also appreciate the intense sourness you get with certain orange juices that take away from the taste of alcohol and make mimosas all the more drinkable. This combination of flavor and the ability to drink a lot of it makes it the best juice for mimosas if you’re looking to have a true boozy brunch! Plus, orange juice is always readily available at any grocery store, so you don’t have to go out of your way to retrieve it.
Grapefruit Juice
If you’re looking for a tart and tangy juice to mix with your champagne, grapefruit juice is going to be your best bet. It’s a bit more unique than orange juice but still has that classic sour mimosa flavor that everyone knows and loves. I also really enjoy the bright pink-orange color of grapefruit juice, as it adds a more festive, feminine, and flirty appeal to the drink. As such, grapefruit juice is an excellent mixer for the morning of a girl’s weekend or bachelorette party.
Mango Juice
Who doesn’t love mangos? Mangos are by far my favorite fruit, and if you can get great, freshly squeezed ones in your location, you have to give mango mimosas a try!Mango has a combination of peach, orange, and cantaloupe flavors in one single fruit, which is perhaps why I enjoy it so much. The sweetness of the mango shines through and pairs well with the champagne. It’s a fun tropical twist on a classic drink and is perfect for a summer mimosa bar. I also appreciate the orange color is similar to orange juice mimosas, which gives it that classic look that’s hard to say no to.
Pomegranate Juice
For a unique and slightly more sophisticated mimosa, pomegranate juice is an excellent choice. Pomegranate juice is tart and sweet and has a lovely ruby red color. It’s perfect for holiday mimosa bars or whenever you want to add a bit of luxury to your brunch beverage. I find that pomegranate juice can be a bit sweet for my taste, so I like to mix it with another juice like grapefruit or cranberry to balance it out. Alternatively, you can make the pomegranate-to-champagne ratio smaller, which will also produce a lovely pink color. But if you have a sweet tooth, pomegranate juice mimosas are probably perfect for you!
Peach Juice
Sweet, fresh peach juice is another fantastic choice for mimosas. Just like mango, it’s a great summery twist on the classic drink, also called a bellini. I really enjoy the sweetness of peach juice, as it pairs well with the bubbly champagne. It also has a lovely yellow-orange color that’s perfect for summertime or springtime mimosas. Both yellow and white peaches can pair well with champagne. I’ve been referring to the yellow one, which tastes slightly acidic. But if you want more delicate and floral notes, try white peach juice instead. And of course, you can always go with both!
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is similar to pomegranate juice in terms of both color and tartness. Thus, it also makes excellent mimosas for the festive holiday season. However, its combination of sweet, sour, and mildly bitter flavors makes it particularly appealing with dry champagne. I also appreciate that cranberry juice mixes well with other alcohol, such as vodka. This mixing versatility makes it a go-to choice for day parties in which mimosas will be just one out of many drink options. Cranberry juice also has health benefits, as it’s high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Additionally, no added sugar is necessary given its punchy, sour flavor. So if you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, cranberry juice mimosas are a fantastic choice.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is another excellent sweet mixer for champagne, especially if you like the more tropical taste in your alcoholic beverages. I think pineapple juice goes well with everything, even more so than cranberry juice. In addition to champagne, you can mix it with vodka, rum, and gin. That said, it’s the best choice for a mixed drink if you have a party that will include both champagne and other alcoholic beverages. Plus, given pineapple’s intense sweetness and tartness, you don’t have to purchase a juice with added sugar. It’s actually best if you blend the pineapple pieces yourself to get the freshest flavor.
How To Set Up Your Mimosa Bar
Making an at-home mimosa bar is easy! Once you’ve chosen your juices, you’ll only need a few more things for a cute set up. Put some bottles of bubbly on ice, and put out champagne flutes or other glasses for your mimosas. You can display the juices in their original bottles, or get matching carafes for a cleaner look – make sure you label each juice! Once you have your champagne and your juices out, consider adding extra touches and garnishes! You could put out orange slices or other fruits to put on the rim of your glass. For a holiday mimosa, consider cranberries and herbs like fresh rosemary for a wintry garnish. You could also use fresh mint. Other popular additions include edible glitter for some extra sparkle in your sparkling wine, edible flowers, or festive straws. Finish your DIY mimosa bar with some cute signage or fresh flowers and you’re ready for some delicious brunch cocktails!