When it comes to elevating your brunch gatherings, there’s one cocktail that brings together fun, flavor, and flair: the Green Mimosa. This refreshing twist on the classic mimosa combines the citrusy brightness of orange juice, the effervescent sparkle of champagne, and the bold blue hue of Cointreau to create a mesmerizing green-hued drink that not only tastes delightful but also looks absolutely stunning on the table.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch with friends, celebrating a bridal shower, or simply want to impress with your mixology skills, the Green Mimosa is a total crowd-pleaser. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to master this beautiful cocktail—from ingredients and tools to tips, variations, and food pairings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green Mimosa is:
- Simple: Just three core ingredients and a few minutes of prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and presentation to your liking.
- Visually striking: Its vibrant green hue makes it a centerpiece at any brunch table.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for festive mornings, spring celebrations, or just a chill Sunday.
If you enjoy fresh, zesty flavors and like your drinks with a little bubbly charm, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients for Green Mimosa
To create the perfect Green Mimosa, you’ll need the following:
- 1 oz Blue Cointreau (or Blue Curaçao as a substitute)
- Orange Juice – fresh-squeezed preferred
- Champagne – Brut or your favorite sparkling wine
- Optional Garnish: Fresh orange slices or strawberries
The green color is the result of combining the blue liqueur with the orange juice, creating a vibrant and unexpected shade that’s ideal for festive gatherings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Champagne flutes or stemmed glasses
- Jigger or shot glass (to measure 1 oz)
- Mixing spoon or stirrer
- Straw (optional for serving)
- Citrus juicer (if squeezing fresh juice)
- Chopping board and knife (for garnish)
No cocktail shaker needed—this recipe is all about keeping things easy and elegant.
How to Make the Green Mimosa
Here’s the step-by-step process to whip up this elegant drink:
- Add the Blue Cointreau
Pour 1 oz of Blue Cointreau into the bottom of each champagne glass. - Pour in the Juice and Bubbles
Top up with equal parts orange juice and champagne, filling the glass almost to the brim. Adjust to taste:- Prefer it sweeter? Use more orange juice.
- Like it dry? Lean heavier on the champagne.
- Garnish (Optional)
Add a slice of fresh orange or a halved strawberry to each glass. This enhances both presentation and flavor. - Stir Gently
Drop in a straw or use a stirrer to give it a soft swirl so all ingredients blend into that signature green. - Serve Immediately
These are best enjoyed freshly made—chilled, fizzy, and bright.
Pro Tips & Recipe Variations
- Make it a Mocktail: Swap champagne for sparkling apple cider or club soda and skip the Cointreau for a dash of blue sports drink or blue raspberry syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical kick.
- Try Prosecco: If you prefer a slightly sweeter sparkling wine, prosecco is a perfect substitute for champagne.
- Chill Ingredients First: For best results, make sure all components are well chilled before mixing to avoid diluting the drink with ice.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Green Mimosas are best served fresh due to the fizz of the champagne. However, if you have leftover mimosa mixture:
- Store in a pitcher covered with plastic wrap or a lid in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
- Avoid adding garnish or stirring until ready to serve to keep it looking and tasting fresh.
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute ingredients.
Note: Once champagne is opened, its bubbles start to fade, so the drink won’t be as fizzy later on.
Food Pairings for the Green Mimosa
This drink pairs beautifully with a variety of brunch dishes:
- Savory Options: Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon bagels, quiche Lorraine, or avocado toast
- Sweet Treats: Belgian waffles, fruit tarts, lemon scones, or honey-drizzled ricotta pancakes
- Cheese Boards: A fresh cheese platter with Brie, goat cheese, nuts, and grapes can complement the citrusy tang of the mimosa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Absolutely! While fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor, any good-quality orange juice (pulp-free works best for aesthetics) will work.
Is Blue Cointreau the same as Blue Curaçao?
Not quite. Blue Cointreau is a higher-end, orange-flavored liqueur with a blue tint. If you can’t find it, Blue Curaçao is a fine (and more affordable) substitute, though it’s typically sweeter.
Can I batch this for a crowd?
Yes! Multiply the recipe to fill a pitcher, but only mix right before serving to preserve the fizz. Pre-pour the Cointreau in each glass and top up with juice and champagne on demand.
Will this actually look green?
Yes! The blue from the Cointreau (or Curaçao) and the yellow-orange from the juice mix into a vibrant green hue. Stirring gently ensures an even color.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just want to jazz up your weekend mornings, the Green Mimosa is a playful and elegant choice. It’s simple to make, impressive to serve, and endlessly customizable. The citrusy, bubbly flavor is as cheerful as its color, making it a go-to cocktail for brunch enthusiasts everywhere.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest or Instagram, tag your brunch crew, and let us know how your mimosas turned out! Want more vibrant drink recipes and entertaining tips? Subscribe to our blog and never miss a delicious idea. Cheers to sipping in style! 🍾🥂💚
