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.
You also have to try this Apple Cider Gin Cocktail and Classic Aperol Spritz!
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This apple cider champagne cocktail is a warm fall twist on a classic mimosa, with plenty of sparkle and a cinnamon sugar rim. If you love a festive fall drink, you will also want to try my Apple Cider Gin Cocktail, Classic Aperol Spritz, and Negroni Sbagliato.
The champagne adds just the right dryness to cut the cider's sweetness, and a splash of brandy makes it feel extra special. This is the newest addition to my apple recipe collection, and it was created and photographed by my talented daughter, Gabby.
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 created and photographed by my super-talented daughter Gabby.
I love this apple cider cocktail because it's festive, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. The mix of apple cider, champagne, and a touch of cinnamon sugar gives it that warm fall flavor that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.
You can adjust it to your taste, make it non-alcoholic, swap in Prosecco, or dress it up with gold sprinkles and apple slices for a stunning presentation. It works just as well for a cozy brunch as it does for a big celebration.
Is This Really a Mimosa?
Not technically, a true mimosa is made with orange or grapefruit juice. But the name Apple Cider Mimosa has caught on for this style of sparkling wine cocktail, so that is what it is called here too.
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: swap the champagne and brandy for sparkling apple juice or ginger ale.
- Switch the spirit: try bourbon or a flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier, Chambord, or cinnamon liqueur in place of brandy.
- Different citrus: lime juice on the apple slices adds a fun twist instead of lemon.
- Spice it up: add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon sugar rim, or mix in gold or silver edible sparkles for a festive touch.
- Change the garnish: fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary work well instead of apple slices, or top with a little whipped cream.
- Extra tart: a splash of cranberry juice with the cider adds more tang.
Recipe Tips
- Chill everything. Cold cider, cold bubbly, and cold brandy (if using) keep the drink from tasting watered down or warm.
- The 1-hour chill is optional. If your cider and brandy are already cold, you can skip straight to mixing and serving.
- Dip the rim in cider first, not water. It helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a little extra apple flavor to every sip.
- Batch it for a party. Mix the cider and brandy ahead and rim the glasses in advance, then just top with bubbly when guests arrive so it stays fizzy.
- Serve immediately. This is not a make-ahead-and-sit drink, the bubbles fade fast.
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
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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.
- 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.
Nutrition
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.
You can mix the cider and brandy ahead and keep it chilled, and even rim the glasses in advance. Just add the bubbly right before serving so the drink stays fizzy.
Yes, the dryness of the champagne balances the sweetness of the cider nicely, which is exactly what makes this cocktail work.
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.
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! 😉