Grinch Mimosa gives a classic brunch drink a bright green twist.
Orange juice and a small splash of blue curaçao create the color, while chilled sparkling wine adds a crisp finish.
A red sugar rim and cherry bring a playful holiday touch.
It comes together in just a few minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe gets its color from ingredients that also taste good together. Blue curaçao adds orange flavor, so it fits the juice instead of competing with it. The red details give the drink a clear festive look without a pile of decorations.
- Quick to build: No syrup, shaker, or cooking is needed.
- Citrus flavor: Orange juice and orange liqueur make a smooth pairing.
- Flexible sweetness: Brut sparkling wine keeps the drink from becoming too sweet.
- Easy portions: Build each flute as guests are ready for a fresh glass.
What You’ll Need
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Glass: 7-ounce champagne flute
- 1 teaspoon red sanding sugar, for the rim
- 1 small orange wedge, for moistening the rim
- 2 ounces chilled pulp-free orange juice
- 1/4 ounce blue curaçao liqueur
- 3 ounces chilled brut sparkling wine, such as prosecco or Champagne
- 1 drained maraschino cherry, with no stem or pit
Tools You Need
- Small plate
- Cocktail jigger
- Spoon
- 7-ounce champagne flute
How to Make Grinch Mimosa
Chill the juice, sparkling wine, and glass before you begin for the best fizz.
Step 1: Add the Red Rim
Spread 1 teaspoon red sanding sugar on a small plate.
Rub 1 small orange wedge around the flute rim, then gently dip the damp edge into the sugar.
Discard the used wedge and any sugar left on the plate.
Step 2: Mix the Green Base
Pour 2 ounces chilled pulp-free orange juice and 1/4 ounce blue curaçao liqueur into the prepared flute.
Stir gently with a spoon until evenly green. The exact shade depends on the juice and liqueur brand.
Step 3: Pour the Sparkling Wine
Tilt the flute slightly and slowly add 3 ounces chilled brut sparkling wine, pausing briefly if the foam rises.
Set the flute upright. Let the fizz settle and give it a gentle stir only if the color looks uneven.
Step 4: Finish With the Cherry
Gently lower 1 drained maraschino cherry, with no stem or pit, into the flute with a spoon.
Remove the spoon and serve immediately. The cherry will usually settle at the bottom.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Blue curaçao has a blue color and an orange flavor. Mixed with yellow-orange juice, it makes a green drink, though the shade varies by brand. Dry sparkling wine balances the juice and liqueur. Chilled ingredients help the wine hold its dissolved carbon dioxide, so the bubbles last longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm ingredients: They lose fizz faster and make the drink feel heavy.
- Adding too much blue curaçao: It can turn the drink blue and make it overly sweet.
- Choosing very pulpy juice: Pulp clouds the color and changes the texture.
- Pouring too quickly: The wine can foam over the sugar rim.
- Adding ice to the flute: It takes up space and waters down this measured recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Brut prosecco, cava, and Champagne all work. Choose a dry style to balance the liqueur. For an alcohol-free version, use alcohol-free brut sparkling wine and blue curaçao syrup in place of the wine and liqueur. Start with 1 teaspoon syrup, then adjust the color and sweetness before topping up. Alcohol-free brands vary, so check their labels if complete alcohol avoidance matters.
Make-Ahead Tips
Measure the juice and blue curaçao into a covered jar and refrigerate for a few hours. Rim each glass shortly before serving so the sugar stays neat. Open and add the sparkling wine at serving time. Once assembled, this drink is best enjoyed right away rather than stored.
What to Serve With Grinch Mimosa
- Savory egg bites
- Butter croissants
- Smoked salmon toast
- Fresh berries and a cheese board
Macros Information
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
These are estimates per cocktail, including the full teaspoon of rim sugar. Juice, wine, and liqueur brands change the values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is my mimosa more teal than green?
A: Orange juice color and blue curaçao strength vary. Try a more yellow juice or a little less blue curaçao next time.
Q: Is blue curaçao alcoholic?
A: The liqueur is alcoholic. Blue curaçao syrup is a different product and is usually alcohol-free; check the label.
Q: Can I use orange juice with pulp?
A: Yes, but the drink will be cloudier. Pulp-free juice gives a smoother texture and clearer color.
Q: Which sparkling wine should I buy?
A: A brut style works well because the juice and curaçao already add sweetness. Use a bottle you enjoy drinking.
Q: Can I make a pitcher?
A: Mix the juice and curaçao ahead using the same ratio. Add sparkling wine to individual glasses as you serve them.
Q: Do I need food coloring?
A: No. The blue liqueur and orange juice supply the green color. The exact shade will vary.
Q: Can I skip the cherry?
A: Yes. The drink will still taste citrusy and crisp. The cherry mainly adds the red accent and a small sweet finish.
Q: Can I use regular sugar for the rim?
A: Yes. It will give a plain white rim with the same sweetness. Red sanding sugar creates the festive color.
Final Thoughts
Grinch Mimosa is a simple way to bring bright color and fresh citrus to brunch. Keep everything chilled and pour the wine slowly for a neat rim and lively fizz. Leave a comment with your favorite brunch pairing. Cheers!
