The holidays are here, and what better way to add a splash of sparkle and cheer to your celebrations than with a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Forget complicated concoctions; get ready to impress your guests (or just treat yourself!) with the incredibly easy yet utterly show-stopping Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibrant, fragrant experience waiting to happen, perfect for your holiday brunch, an evening gathering, or simply a cozy moment by the fire. With a gorgeous ruby hue and a hint of fresh rosemary, these mimosas are guaranteed to bring a smile to every face and a sparkle to every toast. Let’s dive into making your festive season extra bubbly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why the Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas will become your new go-to holiday drink, but here are four compelling ones that make it an absolute must-try:

Stunning Visual Appeal: Let’s be honest, we eat (and drink!) with our eyes first! The star of this recipe is the show-stopping ice cubes, infused with bright red cranberries and delicate green rosemary. They transform a simple drink into a work of art, making every glass an instant conversation starter and a feast for the eyes.

Effortlessly Elegant: You don’t need to be a mixologist to craft this beauty. The preparation is incredibly straightforward, yet the result looks like it came straight from a fancy cocktail bar. Minimal effort, maximum impact – that’s the kind of holiday magic we all need!
Perfectly Versatile: Whether you’re hosting an all-adult party or a family-friendly gathering, these mimosas cater to everyone. Opt for chilled Champagne or Prosecco for a classic bubbly treat, or choose sparkling apple cider for a delightful, healthy, and non-alcoholic mocktail that everyone can enjoy.

Iconic Holiday Flavors: The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apple, and aromatic rosemary screams “holiday season.” It’s a symphony of festive tastes that perfectly complements the joyous atmosphere, creating a refreshing and memorable sip that embodies the spirit of celebration.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather these simple ingredients to create your beautiful Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas:

🍒 1 cup Fresh Cranberries (for decorative ice cubes)
🌿 6 small sprigs Fresh Rosemary (for a subtle holiday aroma)
🍎 1/2 cup Low-Sugar Cranberry Juice Cocktail
🍏 1/2 cup 100% Pure Apple Juice
🍾 1 standard bottle (750 ml) Chilled Champagne or Sparkling Apple Cider (for a healthy, non-alcoholic option)

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

Creating your enchanting Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas is an enjoyable process, especially when you follow these easy steps:

Craft Your Festive Ice Cubes: Begin by carefully placing about 10-12 fresh cranberries into each compartment of your favorite ice cube molds. The more cranberries you add (without overfilling), the more vibrant your ice cubes will look, truly making your drinks pop!
Layer the Juices: Next, gently pour the low-sugar cranberry juice cocktail into each mold, filling it approximately halfway. Then, top off each compartment with the 100% pure apple juice. Be sure to leave a tiny bit of space at the top, as liquids naturally expand when they freeze. This layering creates a lovely ombré effect in your ice cubes, even before they melt!
Infuse with Rosemary & Freeze: Now for the aromatic touch! Place a small sprig of fresh rosemary into each ice cube mold. This not only adds a beautiful green accent but also infuses a subtle, refreshing holiday fragrance into your drink as the ice melts. Once all your molds are filled and garnished, carefully transfer them to your freezer. Allow them to freeze completely and solidify, ideally overnight, to ensure they are rock-hard and ready to impress.

Assemble Your Refreshment: Once your stunning cranberry-apple-rosemary ice cubes are perfectly frozen, it’s time for the grand finale! Gently pop one or two of these gorgeous ice cubes out of their molds and place them into your preferred cocktail glasses.
Pour & Enjoy: Finally, fill your glasses with your chosen bubbly. For a classic, effervescent delight, pour in chilled Champagne or Prosecco. If you’re opting for a family-friendly or healthier twist, use sparkling apple cider for a delicious non-alcoholic mocktail. Sip back, relax, and savor the refreshing, sparkling joy of your homemade Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

The beauty of Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas lies not just in their taste, but also in their incredible presentation potential. Here’s how to serve them with flair:

Glassware Galore: While traditional champagne flutes are always elegant, don’t shy away from using stemmed coupe glasses for a vintage, sophisticated look. For a more casual yet still chic presentation, consider serving them in stylish tumblers or stemless wine glasses, especially for the mocktail version.
Garnish Game Strong: Beyond the beautiful ice cubes, elevate your presentation with extra garnishes. Float a few fresh cranberries on top of the bubbly, or add an extra small sprig of fresh rosemary to the rim of the glass. A thin slice of green apple, a twist of orange peel, or even a sugared rim (using coarse sugar mixed with a tiny bit of red food coloring for a festive touch) can add that extra sparkle.
Serving for a Crowd: For a party, consider setting up a Mimosa bar! Arrange the glasses with the festive ice cubes already in them. Have your chilled Champagne or sparkling cider nearby in an ice bucket. You can also offer small bowls of extra garnishes like lime wedges, orange slices, and a few more fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for guests to customize their drinks. This allows everyone to enjoy the fun of assembling their own perfect Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas.

Individual vs. Batch: While the recipe is best assembled individually to maintain fizziness and presentation, you can pre-pour the juices into the ice molds days or even weeks in advance. Then, when guests arrive, simply pop out the ice cubes and top with bubbly!
Pairing Suggestions: These mimosas are perfect for holiday brunches alongside egg casseroles, pancakes, or fruit platters. They also make a delightful welcome drink for evening gatherings, pairing wonderfully with light appetizers like cheese boards, mini quiches, or shrimp cocktails.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

The beauty of preparing Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas is that the most time-consuming part, the ice cubes, can be made well in advance. Here’s how to store and ensure your mimosas are always ready to impress:

The Festive Ice Cubes: Once your cranberry and rosemary infused ice cubes are completely frozen (ideally overnight), you can store them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from absorbing any freezer odors and keeps them fresh and vibrant. Stored this way, they will last perfectly for up to 2-3 weeks, meaning you can have them prepped and ready for multiple holiday occasions without any last-minute fuss.
Chilled Juices: Keep your low-sugar cranberry juice cocktail and 100% pure apple juice refrigerated. They typically last for a few days to a week after opening, depending on the brand. For the best taste and freshness, check the “best by” date on your juice containers.
Champagne or Sparkling Cider: These should always be stored chilled in the refrigerator, especially before serving. Once opened, Champagne or sparkling cider will lose its fizz relatively quickly. It’s best to use them immediately after opening for maximum effervescence. If you do have leftovers, recork them immediately with a champagne stopper, but expect some fizz loss after 24 hours.

Assembled Mimosas: For the ultimate taste and sparkle, Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas should be assembled just before serving. The carbonation from the Champagne or sparkling cider will dissipate over time, so mixing them too far in advance is not recommended. Prepare them glass by glass as guests arrive or are ready for a refill.

FAQs Sections

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones for the ice cubes?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly for the ice cubes and will yield the same beautiful visual effect. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
What kind of Champagne or sparkling wine is best for these mimosas?
A dry (Brut) or Extra Dry Champagne or Prosecco is generally recommended for mimosas. Their crispness balances beautifully with the sweetness of the juices, creating a refreshing taste.

Is there a way to make the mocktail version even healthier?
To reduce sugar further, you can opt for unsweetened cranberry juice and unsweetened apple juice, or even a blend with sparkling water instead of sparkling cider.
How far in advance can I prepare the festive ice cubes?
The beautiful cranberry and rosemary ice cubes can be prepared up to 2-3 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the freezer. This makes holiday entertaining a breeze!
Can I use a different herb if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
While rosemary adds a unique holiday aroma, you could experiment with a tiny sprig of fresh mint or even thyme for a different herbaceous note. Or, simply omit the herb if you prefer.

What if my ice cube trays are too small for a rosemary sprig?
If your molds are small, you can use smaller pieces of rosemary, or just float the cranberries in the ice and add a fresh rosemary sprig to the glass when serving.
Can I pre-mix the cranberry and apple juices?
Yes, you can mix the cranberry and apple juices in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. However, for the best presentation of the layered ice cubes, it’s fun to pour them separately into the molds.
How many calories are in the alcoholic version of the Festive Cranberry Apple Mimosas?
The calorie count will vary depending on the Champagne used, but generally, a mimosa made with Brut Champagne adds approximately 50-70 calories per serving on top of the mocktail’s ~75 calories, totaling roughly 125-145 calories per glass.

Can this recipe be adapted for a large party or brunch buffet?
Absolutely! Prepare a large batch of the festive ice cubes in advance. On the day of the party, set up a station with glasses, the ice cubes, and bottles of chilled Champagne/sparkling cider for guests to assemble their own drinks.
What other fruit combinations could I use for the ice cubes?
Get creative! Try adding a few blueberries, sliced kiwi, or a thin slice of orange peel to the ice cubes for different flavors and colors. Pomegranate seeds would also look stunning and festive.