Apple Cider Mimosas are a warm fall twist on a typical brunch cocktail. Packed with apple flavor, plenty of sparkle, and a touch of cinnamon sugar, this easy fall cocktail is perfect for any special meal or for Thanksgiving.
An apple cider cocktail with warm autumn spices and just the right amount of bubbly to enjoy when the temperatures drop. The Champagne adds just the right amount of dryness to cut the cider’s sweetness, and the brandy is an extra special touch.
Plus the delicious cinnamon sugar rim makes every sip more special! Sweet and slightly tart, it’s my favorite holiday drink and is so easy to make!
I know it's been quite a while since I posted a drink recipe! I'm usually enjoying something with Campari like this Negroni Sbagliato or this Campari Maitre D.
These flavorful drinks are made with 3 ingredients. You could enjoy them at a brunch or special meal, and especially, for Thanksgiving. Make sure you have super chilled ingredients (chill also the brandy, if you’re using, if not the drink will be too warm), dip the rims in the cinnamon-sugar, pour, and add your garnish. That is all it takes to put together this super elegant and delicious drink! Goes so well with all your fall recipes.
Jump To
- Why are mimosas such a special drink?
- Is this really a mimosa?
- What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
- Here is what you need to make this fall cocktail
- FAQ'S
- Apple Cider Mimoas recipe ideas:
- These apple cider mimosas pair well with autumn recipes like these:
- Apple Cider Mimosa (Easy Fall Cocktail)
I get so happy when it’s finally fall and I can share all my favorite pumpkin and apple recipes. If you’ve been following me around here since the beginning, you know how apples hold a special place in my heart!
This is the newest addition to my bursting apple recipes! And it was a created and photographed by my super talented daughter Gabby.
Why You Will Love This Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The blend of apple cider with champagne, accented by a hint of cinnamon-sugar, offers a warmly festive flavor that's perfect for fall and Thanksgiving celebrations.
- Easy to Make: With basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, these mimosas are simple to create, even for cocktail beginners.
- Customizable: You can adjust this thanksgiving mimosa to your personal taste. Prefer it non-alcoholic? Just skip the brandy or rum. Want it more festive? Add gold or silver sprinkles on the rim.
- Perfect for Any Size Gathering: The recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings or scale down for cozy brunches.
- Visually Appealing: With the garnishing of apple slices and the option to add sprinkles, this cocktail isn't just delicious, it's also visually stunning and sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile: While we recommend champagne, you can also use Prosecco or any sparkling wine you prefer, making it adaptable based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Why are mimosas such a special drink?
The most fabulous part of a mimosa is the addition of Champagne! And even though it’s typically made with French Champagne, you could sub an Italian Prosecco. They are elegant and really no-fuss to put together. Makes for an impressive cocktail when you have special company.
To make an autumn riff on a typical brunch cocktail, we used apple cider in place of orange juice.
Now you may be wondering…
Is this really a mimosa?
Honestly, it is not a true mimosa, as a mimosa is made typically with grapefruit or orange juice. But this sparkling wine cocktail’s name has somehow caught on …so the name Apple Cider Mimosa is how it will stay!
What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
- Apple juice: The apples are completely mashed and strained in a cloth, pressing out the juice. Once it’s pressed, it must be filtrated and pasteurized. You can leave apple juice at room temp until it is opened.
- Apple cider: The cider is made with the juice of the apples that is totally raw and unfiltered. You will most likely see the darker color and sediment on the bottom of the bottles. Apple cider has to be refrigerated.
The bottom line is…it's best to use pure apple cider instead of apple juice. IF all you have is apple juice, you could sub it in, but flavor won't be the same as making it with the cider.
Here is what you need to make this fall cocktail
The Ingredients
Apple Cider: Apple cider is sweet and slightly tart, so it pairs so nicely with the dryness from the bubbly Champagne (or Prosecco).
Champagne: Use whatever bubbly you prefer. I usually make this with Prosecco, as we often have a bottle on hand (Italians like to give each other Prosecco when they're invited for dinner!). The drier the better! Any sparkling wine will do. And to keep it alcohol free, use a nonalcoholic sparkling wine (and omit the Brandy).
Brandy: A splash of Brandy makes this a true fall cocktail. It mellows out the flavor of the sweet-tart cider and dry bubbly. It could be totally left out! I just bought a mini bottle. But typically I make it without the Brandy to make it lighter.
Variations and Substitutions
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can easily substitute the champagne and brandy with sparkling apple juice or ginger ale. The taste will still be festive and delicious.
- Switch Up the Spirits: If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other spirits. Consider swapping out the brandy or rum for bourbon or even a flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier or Chambord.
- Different Citrus: Instead of applying lemon juice to the apple slices, you could try other citrus fruits. Lime juice could add an exciting twist.
- Spice it Up: For a winter version of this cocktail, add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
- Change Up the Garnish: Instead of apple slices, garnish with fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a holiday touch.
FAQ'S
All depending on your taste and your budget. You could also go for an Italian Prosecco (a sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy). They have some really great price points (especially the Costco brand, if you are a member there).
I will typically use whatever I have on hand, and most of the time, we always have Prosecco.
Yes! If you leave out the brandy and also use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, it will be totally alcohol free, and still delicious.
Yes, even thought it’s best enjoyed at the moment (the bubbles will go flat). Just before guests arrive, you could mix the apple cider, Champagne (or whatever sparkling wine you choose) and Brandy (if you’re using) and store in the fridge. You could prep the glasses with the cinnamon-sugar rim and pour the drinks when your guests arrive.
If you want to prep a few hours before guests arrive (and are using the Brandy), just mix the apple cider and brandy (not the Champagne). Refrigerate the mix. Keep the bubbly on ice. Prep the glasses with the cinnamon sugar. When the guests arrive pour the cider/brandy in each glass and add the bubbly. Add the garnish, if you’re using.
Absolutely! Champagne pairs wonderfully with apple cider, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The bubbles in the champagne also add a fun, fizzy twist to the cider, making this combination a festive choice for celebrations.
Yes, champagne and apple juice can make a tasty combination. While apple juice is naturally sweeter than cider, it can still provide a nice contrast to the dryness of the champagne. Just be sure to use unsweetened apple juice to avoid an overly sweet drink.
Traditionally, mimosas are made with orange juice. However, the juice choice can be quite versatile depending on personal preference. Other popular juice options include cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit, and of course, apple cider, which all pair well with champagne.
The main alcohol in a mimosa is usually champagne, a type of sparkling wine. However, variations of the cocktail can include other spirits, such as brandy or rum, as seen in our Apple Cider Mimosa recipe.
For this cocktail, cold apple cider is the optimal choice. However, if you happen to prepare your own hot cider, simply refrigerate it until you're ready to incorporate it into the mix.
For these mimosas, I highly recommend using apple cider instead of apple juice! Cider is made from washed, cut, and ground apples pressed into a juice without heat. It's more concentrated and adds an authentic fall flavor. Apple juice, on the other hand, is heat-treated and filtered, making it a milder choice.
Apple Cider Mimoas recipe ideas:
- Cider Best with apple cider, but you could use apple juice in a pinch. Add a splash of cranberry juice to make it more tart (if you have on hand).
- Cinnamon: If you have any cinnamon flavored liqueur on hand, add a splash.
- Whipped Cream: A little whipped cream on top and any sparkly sprinkles would make it even more festive.
- Sparkles: Add some silver or gold sparkles to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to make it festive!
- Pitcher: For a party, prep right before guests arrive and leave the pitcher chilled in the fridge. Prep the glasses with cinnamon-sugar and serve when guests arrive.
These apple cider mimosas pair well with autumn recipes like these:
- Apple and Onion Braised Turkey Tenderloin
- Cranberry Glazed Turkey Tenderloin
- Slow Roasted Italian Pork with Polenta
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Lasagne
- Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Easy Apple Gin Cocktail- Made with Apple Cider
- Kalács-Hungarian Nut Roll
Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)
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Apple Cider Mimosa (Easy Fall Cocktail)
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Mimosas:
- 1 ounce brandy or dark rum (optional)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup chilled champagne Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- apple slices for garnish
- fresh lemon juice
To Rim the Glasses:
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice
- Additional apple cider
Instructions
- Prep Brandy and cider: If using Brandy, mix the brandy with the apple cider and chill for at least an hour.
- Prep the apple garnish: Slice the apples and take out the seeds. Leave the peel on. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the apples (to prevent browning)and set aside in a small bowl.
- Rim glassses: In a small bowl, add the sugar and cinnamon and stir together to combine. In another small bowl, add 1/4 cup apple cider. Dip the rim of glasses in the apple cider. Next, dip in the rim cinnamon-sugar mixture
- Divide the Brandy/cider mixture in each glass. Pour 4 ounces of bubbly in each glass (use Champagne, Prosecco or whatever bubbly wine you prefer).
- Garnish with apple slices. CHEERS!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Bubbly: If using Champagne, go for a extra dry or brut. You could sub an Italian Proscecco or any sparkling wine you like. You’re mixing 1 part apple cider to 2 parts bubbly for each serving (with a drop of Brandy or rum, if using). To keep the drink lighter, leave out the Brandy or rum.
- Sprinkles: To make it even more festive, get gold or silver sprinkles for rim of glass.
- Quantity: Quantities may vary based on the size of your champagne flutes. Double recipe if you are serving for more.
- Storing: Best to enjoy immediately. The bubbles will go flat and won’t be the same the next day.
Julianne says
What an interesting idea! I am all about the Mimosa and this sounds incredible. I will definitely give it a try at my next book club meeting! 😉