What Is the Best Champagne for Mimosas?

Sep 17, 2024

4 min read

1. Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Champagne Matters

When it comes to crafting the perfect mimosa, choosing the right champagne is key. The right bubbly balances the acidity of the juice, creating a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for brunch or celebrations. Too sweet, and the mimosa becomes cloying; too expensive, and the subtle flavors of the champagne can be overshadowed by the juice. See our bonus video at the end of this post. So, how do you pick the right bottle? Lets find out!

2. Types of Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Mimosas

Brut Champagne

Brut, which means "dry" in French, is the most popular choice for mimosas. Its crisp, clean taste complements the sweetness of orange juice without adding extra sugar. Brut champagnes are great for those who want to keep their mimosas on the drier side, letting the citrus juice shine.

Recommended Pairing: Classic orange juice or grapefruit juice for a sharper mimosa.

Prosecco

Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine, is a more affordable and slightly sweeter option than Brut champagne. It’s known for its fruity and floral notes, which pair beautifully with more tropical juices like pineapple or mango.

Recommended Pairing: Try Prosecco with peach juice or a peach-orange blend for a Bellini-style mimosa.

Cava

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that offers bold flavors and exceptional value. It’s a great middle-ground option that gives a balanced flavor profile, not too sweet and not too dry.

Recommended Pairing: Use Cava with cranberry or pomegranate juice for a unique twist.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For non-drinkers or baby showers, non-alcoholic sparkling wines or club soda can serve as great champagne substitutes. The bubbles keep the drink festive without the alcohol.

Recommended Pairing: Any juice works, but try fresh-squeezed lemonade for a refreshing virgin mimosa.

3. Recommended Champagne Brands for Mimosas

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re hosting a large event, there’s no need to splurge on expensive bottles. Some great affordable options include:

La Marca Prosecco – A fruity and floral sparkling wine that’s perfect for mixing.
Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava – Crisp and affordable, this cava is a brunch favorite.

Mid-Range Choices

For a step up in quality without breaking the bank:

Mionetto Prosecco Brut – A dry prosecco with just enough fruitiness to complement most juices.
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne – A reliable, elegant choice that pairs well with orange juice.

Splurge-Worthy Champagne

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge, these high-end bottles will elevate your mimosas:

Veuve Clicquot Brut – A popular luxury champagne known for its rich flavor.
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial – A sophisticated champagne with bright fruit and floral notes, perfect for a celebratory toast.

4. Champagne to Avoid

While it may be tempting to go for the priciest bottle on the shelf, not all champagnes are ideal for mimosas. Avoid:

Extra-Dry Champagne: Despite its name, extra-dry champagne actually has more sweetness than Brut, which can result in an overly sweet mimosa.
Rosé Champagne: The delicate flavors of rosé champagne can be overwhelmed by juice, making it a poor choice for mimosas unless you’re using milder juices like white peach.
Tips for Serving the Perfect Mimosa
Once you’ve chosen the ideal champagne, it’s important to serve it right to ensure the best flavor and presentation. Here are some tips:
- Chill Your Ingredients: Both the champagne and juice should be well-chilled before serving. Warm champagne can lose its bubbles quickly.
- Ratio Matters: The classic mimosa ratio is 1:1 champagne to juice, but adjust based on personal preference. For a stronger mimosa, reduce the juice.
- Serve in Proper Glassware: Champagne flutes are ideal, as they help retain the bubbles longer.
- Garnish for Style: Add a slice of orange, berries, or a sprig of mint to elevate the presentation.

5. Conclusion: Finding What is the Best Champagne for Mimosas

In the end, the best champagne for mimosas depends on your personal preference, the occasion, and your budget. Whether you opt for Brut, Prosecco, or Cava, the key is finding a sparkling wine that balances well with your choice of juice, creating a mimosa that’s light, refreshing, and perfectly suited for brunch or special celebrations.

Bonus Number 1:

Here are some of the best places to buy champagne near Lansing, MI:

Mega-Bev (Lansing)Mega-Bev is known for its wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including a solid range of champagnes. It's popular for its variety and competitive pricing, making it a great option for both everyday purchases and special occasions (Lansing Guru).
Total Wine & More (Lansing)Total Wine & More is another excellent choice with an extensive selection of champagnes and sparkling wines. They offer both in-store shopping and curbside pickup, which adds to the convenience (Total Wine & More).
Chandler's Top Shelf (East Lansing)If you're closer to East Lansing, Chandler's Top Shelf is a highly rated liquor store known for its impressive selection of wines, spirits, and champagnes. They have a great variety and are known for their excellent customer service (Chandler's Top Shelf).