Mimosas are beautiful in both their simplicity and their range of possibilities. Light, celebratory, and endlessly sippable, they’ve earned their place as the unofficial drink of brunch. The classic OJ-and-bubbles combo is tried and true for a reason—but there’s also a world of fresh mimosa takes out there to explore.
Necoya Tyson, founder of Richmond’s annual Mimosa Fest, held each fall, offers a few tips on how to take your mimosas up a level. Prepare to bring your brunch-hosting skills to new heights.
Pour in a Purée
Why should oranges hog the fizzy fun? Raspberries, strawberries, peaches, and mangoes all make perfect pairs for champagne or prosecco in purée form. These vibrant fruits not only add color, but they also offer a fresh, juicy flavor that balances beautifully with the dryness of sparkling wine. Bonus: they look fantastic in a glass.
Don’t Forget the Rim
Like any cocktail, the rim of a mimosa is not to be overlooked—a small detail that makes a big impact. It’s a canvas for creativity, whether you go classic with sugar, seasonal with cinnamon (a great match for cider mimosas), or bold with caramel or chocolate. You can even theme it to match a holiday or special occasion—think crushed candy hearts for Valentine’s Day or gold sugar for New Year’s brunch.
Embrace the Season
If you need inspiration, just look at the calendar. Peppermint-mosas are made for Christmastime—just mix lemonade with a splash of peppermint syrup, top with bubbly, and garnish with a candy cane for a festive twist. In the fall, lean into apples, caramel, and warm spices—Tyson suggests a caramel rim and an apple slice garnish. For summer, her go-to is a blueberry lemonade mimosa: refreshing, fruity, and primed for patio mornings in your slippers.
Whether it’s a backyard brunch or a leisurely weekend sip, mimosas have earned their spot on the menu—and with these simple upgrades, a simple drink becomes hall of fame-worthy. Switching up the same old recipe is easy to try and even easier to love. Experiment with your favorite flavors, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. “I like to play around,” says Tyson, and she encourages others to do the same.
