Apple Cider Mimosa

Mimosas are always a brunch time favorite. An apple cider mimosa is a fun fall twist on the classic! They’re light, bubbly, and a festive way to celebrate any occasion when the leaves start to turn.

Apple cider mimosas are great for an autumn boozy brunch with your girlfriends, a great addition to a fall bridal shower mimosa bar, or to celebrate occasions of any kind. 

If you’re looking for a fun Thanksgiving cocktail, this apple cider mimosa (alongside this cranberry mimosa) would be a fantastic option! I mean, a Thanksgiving mimosa has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? You can even have a special option for the kids by including this easy and delicious Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail on the party the menu.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Mimosa

Level of difficulty: Easy. 

Flavor: Apple cider with a bubbly pop of champagne. If you add a cinnamon-sugar rim, each sip will also get a nice hint of fall spices.

Time: It will take you less than 5 minutes to prepare this apple cider mimosa recipe.

Ingredients to Make a Cider Mimosa

• Apple cider
• Champagne (or sparkling wine)
• Optional: ground cinnamon and granulated sugar for a cinnamon-sugar rim, and/or fresh apple slices for garnish

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe Variations

• Try pumpkin pie spice for the rim. Have pumpkin pie spice on hand? Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a spiced-sugar rim.
• Make it into a caramel apple mimosa by using caramel sauce + the cinnamon-sugar mixture to rim your glasses.

Apple Cider Vs. Apple Juice

Apple cider is usually a fresh-pressed juice that is often unfiltered and unpasteurized. Fresh apple cider is seasonal, made during apple season which generally runs from late summer through early fall.

Apple juice is processed to have a longer shelf life. It is usually filtered and pasteurized with a sweeter and smoother taste. 

What is the Best Champagne for Mimosas?

While some will say using a true French champagne is a must for a mimosa, it’s an expensive option. Sparkling wines are an excellent, and more cost effective, alternative. Prosecco, Cava, or Brut are popular choices for making mimosas. 

What is the Best Mimosa Ratio?

The perfect mimosa ratio is based on personal preference. If you’re new to mimosas, start with a 50/50 ratio and adjust from there. I prefer ⅓ juice to ⅔ champagne. My best friend does 99% champagne and 1% juice (you know, to give her drink a little color). 

Expert Tips for this Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe

Start with chilled ingredients. Since no ice is used in the making of a mimosa, you want to make sure the ingredients you plan to use are cold. 

Don’t stir your mimosa. The act of pouring your juice and champagne together will mix your drink perfectly. Stirring will make your champagne lose its fizziness faster.

Mini bottles of champagne are perfect if you’re making mimosas for one. I’m a huge fan of mini bottles of champagne because they give you more flexibility! Does only one person at your brunch want a mimosa? No problem! No need to open an entire bottle of champagne. 

Want to make a virgin mimosa? You can! For those who are abstaining from alcohol, replacing the champagne with sparkling grape juice or a sparkling non-alcoholic wine. Making virgin mimosas is a great way to include the kiddos or someone who is pregnant in the festivities!