Holly Jolly Mimosa

Holiday mornings always feel a little brighter when a bubbly cocktail is involved, and the Holly Jolly Mimosa has become one of my favorite ways to kick off a festive gathering. The first time I served it was during a Christmas brunch with friends, and the room instantly lit up when the cranberry red and sparkling champagne hit the glasses. It is simple, playful, and seasonal without feeling too heavy, which makes it perfect for sipping alongside breakfast or appetizers.

I love this drink because it combines the crisp, refreshing feel of a traditional mimosa with a sweet holiday twist. The vanilla vodka adds a smooth layer that pairs beautifully with cranberry juice, making the flavor both bright and cozy at the same time. Champagne brings the bubbles that every brunch cocktail deserves, and the rosemary and cranberries give it that unmistakable Christmas cocktail look. It is the kind of drink people reach for before you even announce what it is.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Holly Jolly Mimosa is everything a holiday brunch cocktail should be: light, bubbly, and full of bright berry flavor. It’s festive without being overly sweet, and the vanilla vodka adds just enough warmth to give it a seasonal twist. This drink also looks stunning in a champagne flute, which makes it great for social media shares and holiday spreads.

Here are a few reasons it stands out:

• Quick and easy recipe that comes together in minutes.
• Beautiful color and presentation perfect for Christmas cocktails.
• Vanilla vodka adds a cozy depth that elevates the classic mimosa.
• Cranberry and rosemary garnish create an eye catching holiday look.
• Works with Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine depending on your taste.

Together, these perks make it a go to cocktail for brunch, parties, and cheerful gatherings.

Ingredients

The Holly Jolly Mimosa uses a short list of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building flavor and creating a festive look. The cranberry juice provides tart sweetness, while the vanilla vodka softens the edges and adds a creamy undertone. Champagne or sparkling wine gives the drink its celebratory feel.

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz champagne or sparkling wine
• cranberries for garnish
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

These ingredients work together to create a bright, balanced drink. Feel free to adjust the cranberry juice or the bubbly depending on how strong or sweet you prefer your mimosas.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This cocktail is flexible and works well with a variety of liquor choices. While vanilla vodka brings a comforting sweetness, you can choose different brands or substitutes depending on what you have on hand or the flavor profile you prefer.

Here are some recommended options:

• Vanilla Vodka: Absolut Vanilla and Smirnoff Vanilla are budget friendly and smooth.
• Cranberry Juice: Use 100 percent cranberry juice for a tart flavor or cranberry cocktail juice for sweetness.
• Champagne: Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot for a classic, dry finish.
• Prosecco: La Marca or Cavit for a sweeter, fruit forward bubbly.
• Sparkling Wine Substitute: Cava is crisp and affordable, making it great for larger gatherings.

Each of these choices will slightly shift the flavor, so pick your favorite style based on the mood you want the drink to have.

Equipment and Glassware

This drink requires very little equipment, which is part of why it’s so popular for brunch and holiday entertaining. A well chilled champagne flute helps preserve the bubbles and keeps the drink crisp.

You will need:

• Champagne flute
• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer

Chilling the glass beforehand is a small step that makes the drink feel even more refreshing.

How to Make It

This recipe is simple, but the order of steps matters to maintain the mimosa’s bubbles and keep the presentation clean. Shaking the vodka and cranberry mixture first helps chill the base without diluting the Champagne later.

1. Place a champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vanilla vodka and cranberry juice.
3. Shake gently to chill the mixture without over diluting it.
4. Strain the cranberry and vodka mixture into the chilled flute, filling it halfway.
5. Top the glass with Champagne or sparkling wine.
6. Add fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish.

You can stir the drink lightly, but many people enjoy the layered effect where the bubbles naturally blend the flavors.

Pro Tips

A few thoughtful touches can elevate this cocktail from simple to extraordinary. These tips help refine the balance of flavors and make the presentation even more festive for your holiday table.

• Use chilled cranberry juice to keep the drink colder longer.
• Do not overshake the cranberry vodka mixture or it will dilute the drink.
• Pour the Champagne slowly to keep the bubbles intact.
• Add a sugar rim if you want extra sweetness.
• Use clear ice cubes in the shaker to avoid clouding the final drink.
• Choose fresh rosemary for a stronger aromatic finish.
• Opt for a dry sparkling wine if your cranberry juice is already sweet.

These simple tips help create a polished, restaurant quality mimosa.

Variations

One of the best parts about mimosas is how easy they are to customize. The Holly Jolly Mimosa can be adapted to match your brunch menu, holiday theme, or flavor preferences.

Try one of these fun twists:

• Replace vanilla vodka with orange vodka for a citrus version.
• Add a splash of orange liqueur for extra complexity.
• Use cranberry raspberry juice for a sweeter fruit profile.
• Add a few pomegranate seeds for color and texture.
• Make a non alcoholic version using sparkling cider instead of Champagne.

Each variation still carries the festive charm of the original but with a personalized twist.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail is perfect for holiday brunches, Christmas morning breakfasts, and winter celebrations. It adds color and sparkle to any table and complements both sweet and savory dishes. Because it’s light and bubbly, it pairs especially well with brunch recipes.

Here are some pairing ideas:

• French toast casserole or cinnamon rolls
• Quiche Lorraine or vegetable frittata
• Holiday fruit salad
• Cranberry orange muffins
• Other brunch cocktails like a Cranberry Spritz or Pomegranate Bellini

Its tart sweetness helps balance richer dishes, making it a versatile addition to your holiday menu.

Storage and Serving Notes

Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh, especially when bubbles are involved. While you can prepare the cranberry vodka mixture ahead of time, wait to add the Champagne until just before serving.

Some helpful notes:

• Keep all ingredients well chilled in advance.
• Store the cranberry vodka base in the refrigerator up to a day ahead.
• Do not batch with Champagne as it will lose fizz.
• Garnishes can be prepped and refrigerated for easy assembly.

These steps help maintain quality and keep the drink crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Here are answers to a few common questions about making the Holly Jolly Mimosa.

Can I use Prosecco instead of Champagne?
Yes, Prosecco adds a slightly sweeter, fruitier character that works beautifully.

Does the drink taste very sweet?
It depends on the cranberry juice you use. Pure cranberry juice creates a more tart drink, while cranberry cocktail juice makes it sweeter.

Can I make a big batch for a party?
You can batch the cranberry vodka mixture, but add the sparkling wine individually when serving.

What if I don’t have vanilla vodka?
You can use regular vodka and add a splash of vanilla extract.

Can I add ice to the drink?
It’s best not to add ice to a mimosa because it dilutes the bubbles. Chill everything instead.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love festive brunch cocktails and Christmas drinks, here are more holiday recipes to enjoy:

• Cranberry Mimosa: A tart and bubbly classic that never disappoints.
• Pomegranate Prosecco Winter Punch: Bright, fruity, and perfect for sharing.
• White Christmas Margarita: A creamy, tropical inspired holiday cocktail.
• Peppermint White Christmas: Refreshing and perfect for winter celebrations.
• Holiday French 75: A sparkling gin cocktail with holiday flair.