Sweet, tart and bubbly, this recipe for Caramel Apple Cider Mimosas is a perfectly refreshing cocktail for your next fall party, Thanksgiving brunch, or holiday gathering!
A traditional mimosa is only two ingredients: orange juice and champagne (or sparkling wine).
But since this recipe is inspired by warm autumn flavors, apple cider replaces orange juice and we’re adding a splash of caramel flavored whiskey.
If you can’t find a caramel flavored whiskey, we have some substitutions below in the ‘Tips’ section below.
The Ingredients
- Champagne (Or other sparkling wine like cava or prosecco)
- Apple cider (not a apple juice)
- Caramel flavored whiskey
- Fresh apple slices (honey crisp or granny smith are both delicious!)
How to Make the Mimosas
These mimosas are easy to make!
Simply add 2 ounces of apple cider to your champagne glass with .5 ounces (equal to 1 tablespoon of caramel flavored whiskey.
Top off with 4 ounces of champagne a few apple slices for garnish and that’s it! Delicious, bubbly apple goodness!
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase the amount of apple cider and top off with less champagne.
How to Make the Garnish
To make the apple garnishes, cut the apple in four slices parallel to and around the core.
Then cut each section in very thin 1/16th of an inch slivers. Take a section of three or 4 slivers and then stick a decorative toothpick in it.
Before serving lay one of apple garnishes across the top of the glass.
How Many Apple Cider Mimosas Can You Get From One Bottle of Champagne ?
Each glass will have 4 ounce pours of champagne. Count on six mimosa servings per standard 750ml (25 fl. oz.) bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.
Having a party?
One 750ml bottle = 6 mimosa servings
Two 750ml bottles = 12 mimosa servings
Three 750ml bottles = 18 mimosa servings
What Type of Champagne or Sparkling Wine is Best in These Mimosas?
If you use a Champagne or sparkling wine that fits your budget and you enjoy drinking, you won’t be disappointed.
Since apple cider is sweet, opt for a dryer (less sweet) Champagne or sparkling wine.
If it says “extra dry” or “brut” on the label you’re on on the right track.
“Brut,” which means means raw or unrefined, in French, and is less sweet than “extra dry” designation on bottles of Champagne and other types of sparkling wine across the globe.
Additions + Substitutions
Swap out the Champagne: If Champagne in your area is too pricey, sparkling wines like Prosecco (from Italy) or Cava (from Spain) are often more affordable, but just as delicious.
Dress The Rim: Mix 2 parts of sugar to 1 part ground cinnamon and place on a small dish. Rub the glass rim with an an orange slice or dip in water. Then dip the rim of the glass in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Do this step before making the mimosas.
More Boozy Flavor: If you can’t find caramel whiskey, substitute it with a splash of caramel flavored Vodka like Smirnoff Kissed Caramel instead.
You can also substitute the caramel whiskey with a splash of liqueur like bourbon, Grand Marnier, or honey whiskey before topping with the champagne. One tablespoon which is equal to .5 ounce is all you need per glass.
Do a test run before serving to guests as it will change the final flavor.
For a Non-alcoholic Mimosa: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling white wine or non-alcoholic champagne that even the kids will love. Or for something warm, try this Hot Mulled Apple Cider recipe instead.
Tips
1. Pour the champagne slowly so it doesn’t spill over the glass.
2. If you’re making the apple slices garnishes ahead of time, place them in a bath of plain soda water water or water with lemon juice to keep from them browning.
Get The Recipe!
Easy Caramel Apple Cider Mimosas
This fall inspired mimosa is the perfect quick and refreshing cocktail for your next fall or holiday brunch! This recipe is for a single glass, but a standard 750ml bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine is enough for 6 servings.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces champagne, well chilled
- 2 ounces apple cider, chilled
- 1 tablespoon caramel flavored whiskey
For Garnish
- apple slices
- cinnamon sticks (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Add apple cider and caramel whiskey to each serving glass.
Pouring slowly top with champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
Dress The Rim: Mix 2 parts of sugar to 1 part ground cinnamon and place on a small dish that’s slightly wider than the rim of the glasses you’re using.
Rub the glass rim with an an orange slice or dip in water. Then dip the rim of the glass in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. Do this step before making the mimosas.
Try Another Caramel Liqueur: Try a carmel flavored vodka, rum or other caramel flavored liquer instead. Each style will change the flavor a bit, so give it a test run before serving to guests.
Stick With Cider: Tempted to use apple juice? It isn’t as concentrated as apple cider, so for best flavor stick with apple cider.
