Cranberry Pineapple Mimosa: A Sweet, Tart Holiday Drink

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Introduction

Nothing says celebration quite like a mimosa, and the Cranberry Pineapple Mimosa adds a holiday twist to this classic brunch favorite. With its perfect balance of sweet pineapple juice, tart cranberry juice, and effervescent sparkling wine, this drink is as festive as it is delicious. Its vibrant ruby-red hue and tropical undertones make it the perfect cocktail to toast the season, whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, ringing in the New Year, or enjoying a quiet morning by the fire.

I first discovered this delightful combination while experimenting with holiday cocktails for a Christmas brunch. I wanted something that combined the festive tang of cranberries with a splash of tropical sunshine to counterbalance the winter chill. The addition of pineapple juice was a game-changer—it added just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle tropical vibe that took the drink to the next level. One sip, and it quickly became a staple for my holiday gatherings.

Beyond its stunning appearance and delicious flavor, this mimosa is incredibly easy to make and highly customizable. Whether you prefer it sweeter, tarter, or more effervescent, it’s a drink that can be tailored to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your holiday celebrations.

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The Perfect Drink for Every Holiday Occasion

The Cranberry Pineapple Mimosa is versatile, festive, and easy to make, making it the ideal drink for a wide range of holiday moments. Its balance of sweetness and tartness ensures that it’s always refreshing and never too heavy, no matter the occasion.

Holiday Brunch

Brunch is a quintessential part of the holiday season, and this mimosa is the perfect addition to your spread. Its fruity, bubbly nature pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes, from pancakes and waffles to quiches and casseroles.

Christmas Morning

Start your Christmas Day on a celebratory note with this colorful and cheerful cocktail. Its vibrant red hue and bright flavors evoke the joy and warmth of the season, making it the perfect drink to sip while opening presents.

New Year’s Eve Toast

Ring in the New Year with a glass of this sparkling delight. Its effervescence and festive flavors make it a great alternative to traditional champagne toasts, and the cranberry and pineapple combination adds a unique twist to the celebration.

Holiday Parties

Hosting a holiday party? This mimosa is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to serve in large batches. Prepare a pitcher or a mimosa bar where guests can mix their own drinks, customizing the ratios to their liking.

Relaxing Weekends

Who says holiday cocktails have to be reserved for big occasions? Treat yourself to a glass of this refreshing drink during a quiet weekend morning. Pair it with a cozy breakfast or sip it solo while enjoying the tranquility of the season.

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Why Cranberry and Pineapple Work So Well Together

The beauty of the Cranberry Pineapple Mimosa lies in the way its flavors complement and enhance each other. Each ingredient brings something unique to the mix, resulting in a drink that’s perfectly balanced and delightfully festive.

• Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice adds a tart, tangy note that’s quintessentially festive. Its ruby-red color makes the drink visually stunning, while its refreshing acidity balances the sweetness of the pineapple juice. Cranberries are also rich in antioxidants, adding a touch of healthiness to your holiday indulgence.
• Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice provides a natural sweetness and tropical flair that brightens the drink. Its juicy, slightly tangy flavor perfectly complements the cranberry juice, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tart.
• Sparkling Wine: The crisp, bubbly nature of sparkling wine ties the drink together, adding effervescence and a celebratory feel. Brut or dry sparkling wines work best to balance the sweetness of the juices, but Prosecco or Cava are excellent alternatives for a more budget-friendly option.
• Optional Garnishes: A sprig of rosemary, a twist of orange peel, or a few fresh cranberries make beautiful garnishes that enhance the drink’s festive appearance and add subtle aromatic notes.

Together, these ingredients create a cocktail that’s fruity, bubbly, and bursting with holiday cheer.

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How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Mimosa: The Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz cranberry juice (100% juice recommended for tartness)
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 4 oz champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or orange twists

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Instructions

1. Chill the Ingredients
   • Make sure the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and sparkling wine are well-chilled before preparing the cocktail. Cold ingredients enhance the flavor and keep the drink refreshing.
2. Mix the Juices
   • In a champagne flute, pour the cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the Sparkling Wine
   • Slowly top the glass with sparkling wine, allowing the bubbles to settle before adding more. This helps maintain the effervescence and prevents overflow.
4. Garnish and Serve
   • Garnish the mimosa with a sprig of rosemary, a few fresh cranberries, or a twist of orange peel for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, tart sparkle of the holidays!

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Optional Variations

1. Citrus Twist
   Add a splash of orange juice or grapefruit juice for an extra layer of citrusy complexity.
2. Non-Alcoholic Version
   Substitute sparkling water or ginger ale for the champagne to create a refreshing mocktail that’s perfect for all ages.
3. Berry Medley
   Include a splash of raspberry or pomegranate juice to add depth and color to the drink.
4. Spiced Mimosa
   Infuse the juices with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spiced flavor that enhances the holiday vibe.
5. Herbal Infusion
   Add a splash of rosemary- or thyme-infused simple syrup for a herbal twist that complements the cranberry and pineapple beautifully.

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Picture Gallery

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FAQ Section

Q: Can I make this cocktail in advance?
A: You can mix the cranberry and pineapple juices ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Add the sparkling wine just before serving to keep the drink bubbly and fresh.

Q: What’s the best type of sparkling wine to use?
A: A dry or brut sparkling wine works best, as it balances the sweetness of the juices. Prosecco and Cava are also great options for a more affordable yet equally delicious alternative.

Q: Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened cranberry juice will make the drink much sweeter. Adjust the ratio of pineapple juice accordingly to maintain balance.

Q: How can I serve this for a large crowd?
A: Prepare a large pitcher of the juice mixture and set up a self-serve mimosa bar with bottles of sparkling wine, garnishes, and instructions for mixing.

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When to Serve It

Holiday Brunch

Pair this mimosa with your favorite brunch dishes for a festive morning feast.

New Year’s Eve

Toast to the New Year with this bubbly, fruity cocktail in hand.

Holiday Gatherings

Serve this drink as a welcome cocktail to greet your guests in style.

Quiet Mornings

Brighten your winter mornings with a glass of this sweet and tart mimosa.

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Conclusion

The Cranberry Pineapple Mimosa is a cocktail that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays—bright, bubbly, and bursting with festive flavor. Its balance of tart cranberry, sweet pineapple, and sparkling wine makes it a refreshing and versatile drink that’s perfect for any occasion, from Christmas brunches to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

So grab your champagne flutes, mix up a batch, and toast to the season with this sweet, tart holiday favorite. Cheers!