What’s the Best Champagne for Mimosas?

Welcome to the bubbly world of mimosas!

If you love popping bottles with friends during brunch, you’ve probably wondered about the perfect Champagne to elevate your brunch.

In that case, you’re in the right place! Choosing the best Champagne for your mimosa can be a delightful journey filled with effervescence and flavor.

In this article, we’ll travel across the Champagne region, from budget-friendly choices to those that add a touch of luxury to your celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or simply indulging in a solo mimosa moment, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s pop the cork and dive right into finding the best Champagnes that will turn your classic orange juice into a sparkling sensation!

What Is Champagne?

Let’s start with the basics– what exactly is Champagne, and why does it cost a pretty penny?

Although people often call any sparkling wine ‘Champagne’, real Champagne has a strict formula to follow. It must be made from specific grape varieties grown in France’s Champagne region, following rigorous production methods.

These stringent standards and the labor-intensive processes of making Champagne contribute to its high price. You’re looking at a minimum of $30 to $50 for the most affordable options, with prices climbing significantly beyond that.

Due to the expense, it’s often recommended to enjoy Champagne by itself. This way, you can fully appreciate its crisp flavor and fine bubbles without the orange flavor of a mimosa masking the experience.

However, if your brunch budget allows for a $30+ bottle, go for it! Just keep an eye out for ‘brut’ or ‘extra brut’ on the label, indicating drier Champagnes that complement the juice’s sweetness.

What Champagne or Sparkling Wine For Mimosas: Our Best Picks

Now that you’re well-versed on all you need to know about Champagne let’s get into our best Champagnes for your mimosa.

Champagne Pommery Brut Royal

Blending chardonnay, pinot noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes in equal measure, this vibrant sparkling wine achieves a harmonious balance and is one of the best brut Champagnes.

This medium-bodied brut delivers a subtle touch of fresh citrus, creating a lively burst of flavor that tantalizes the palate when mixed with orange juice.

Veuve Clicquot Brut

For authentic French Champagne in a good mimosa, look no further. This sparkling wine is a well-balanced brut of dry and crispy notes that pairs perfectly with a smooth taste enriched by a light fruity flavor like peach or pear.

Its delectable taste stands out whether enjoyed on its own or blended into brunch cocktails.

Korbel Brut California Champagne

French Champagnes often come with a hefty price tag. However, adopting the same crafting approach with California grapes results in one of the best, less pricey Champagne alternatives than other sparkling wines.

As a classic Champagne alternative, the Korbel Brut is readily available in most stores and offers a spirited sensation on the palate complemented by subtle fruity notes.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Opting for the traditional méthode champenoise, this California sparkling wine strikes a fantastic balance between affordability and quality. Crafted predominantly from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, it unfolds layers of creamy vanilla and a nice fruity flavor, underlined by an elegant taste.

This characteristic profile positions it as an outstanding companion for food, enhancing your brunch or dinner experience.

Chandon Brut Rosé

While sparkling rosé might not be the traditional pick for mimosas, it’s still delightful. It’s a tasty sparkling brut that maintains a dry touch, yet the berry notes deliver that desired sweetness for those with a sweet tooth.

And let’s not forget the unbeatable allure of its captivating color! One reviewer described it as the ‘perfect summer rosé’.

Santa Margherita Brut Rosé

A quality sparkling rosé from the celebrity-favored Santa Margherita, adds a full-bodied flavor missing in regular sparkling wines. Here’s a suggestion; ditch the orange juice and opt for pineapple or cranberry juice for a delightful, sweet, and fruity concoction.

Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

Crafted in 1869, this pricey sparkling wine remains a beloved choice for sipping or making brunchtime cocktails. Boasting a beautiful golden hue, a flavorful, classic taste, and a discreetly crisp finish, it is the perfect accompaniment for your indulgent brunch staples.

Ruinart Blanc De Blancs

This luxurious Ruinart Blanc De Blancs is crafted exclusively from 100% chardonnay for the best mimosas and exudes finesse and elegance. With pronounced notes of fresh citrus and red fruits, it effortlessly complements orange juice, enhancing your mimosa game to the fullest.

What To Look For When Choosing A Champagne For Your Mimosas

When selecting a Champagne for your mimosas, consider a few key factors:

Dryness Level
Choose a Champagne with the right level of sweetness for your taste. “Brut” or “extra brut” labels indicate a drier Champagne, balancing well with the sweetness of the brunch cocktail.

Flavor Profile
Look for a Champagne that complements the citrusy notes of orange juice. Consider options with fruity and crispy profiles, enhancing your mimosa experience.

Affordability
While some Champagnes can be pricey, there are excellent options at various prices. Find one that fits your budget without compromising quality.

Versatility
Opt for a versatile Champagne that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into mimosas. A well-balanced choice adds to the overall flexibility of use.

Bubbles
The bubbly factor especially tends to bring your brunch game to the next level. Bubbly and lively Champagne tends to blend seamlessly into mimosas.

Alternatives To Champagne You Can Use To Make Your Mimosas

If you’re looking for an alternative to your mimosas, consider these options:

Prosecco: An Italian sparkling wine that is slightly sweet compared to Champagne, making it a popular mimosa choice.

Cava: Hailing from Spain, cava is another sparkling wine that offers a crisp and refreshing taste, ideal for mimosa mixing.

Sparkling Rosé: Bring a touch of pink to your mimosa by using sparkling rosé. Its fruity and floral notes are a delightful twist.

Moscato: For those with a sweet tooth, the natural sweetness of Moscato can complement the citrusy kick of orange juice.

Sparkling Brut Or Extra Brut: These drier sparkling wines, similar to Champagne, can provide a sophisticated touch to your mimosa.

Sekt: A German sparkling wine, often less expensive than Champagne, offering diverse flavors.

Here are our top alternate picks:

Mionetto Prosecco

In contrast to French Champagnes, this Italian sparkling wine is the best Prosecco offering livelier and crispier bubbles, and delivering a swift impact on your palate. Its vibrant, preserving flavor profile makes it a budget-friendly bubbly Prosecco that is an excellent choice for a classic mimosa.

La Vostra Prosecco

As a budget-friendly alternative to Champagne in mimosas, Prosecco is frequently chosen for its affordability. This light-bodied Prosecco presents an excellent choice, showcasing delightful notes of baked apple, white peach, and honeysuckle.

It forms a perfect partnership with a cold glass of orange juice.

La Marca Prosecco

This prosecco is popular for its affordability, widespread availability in liquor stores, and seamless compatibility with orange juice. It is a top choice for its light and refreshing qualities, featuring hints of green apple and citrus.

St Regis Nosecco Non-Alcoholic Wine

Embodying a crisp and lively character, this wine is crafted in the style of prosecco, making it a superb companion for orange juice.

However, unlike its Italian counterpart, this rendition is alcohol-free.

Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva

Consider a Spanish sparkling cava if you seek an affordable, yet excellent, sparkling wine. It combines a refreshing crispness with notes of green apple, grapefruit, and brioche and a continuous effervescence, a perfect pairing with orange juice.

How To Make The Best Mimosas

Making mimosas is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make this popular brunch cocktail:

Ingredients
Champagne or your preferred sparkling wine.
Freshly squeezed orange juice.
Optional: Triple sec or orange liqueur.
Ice cubes (if desired)

Instructions
Ensure your Champagne, orange juice, and any optional ingredients are chilled. A cold mix enhances the refreshing quality of the mimosa.
Use fluted glasses to preserve the bubbles. Chill the glasses beforehand for an extra touch of elegance.
For a classic mimosa, aim for a 1:1 ratio of Champagne to orange juice. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Start by pouring the Champagne into the glass. Tilt the glass at an angle to minimize the loss of bubbles.
Gently pour the orange juice over the back of a spoon or along the side of the glass to layer it on top of the Champagne.
If you want a bit more complexity, add a splash of triple sec or orange liqueur. Be careful not to overpower the drink; it’s all about balance.
Use a stirrer or a long spoon to gently mix it all together. Don’t stir vigorously to maintain the bubbles.
Garnish your mimosa with a slice of fresh orange for a twist for a decorative touch.
Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately to savor the bubbles and flavors.

FAQs

Is Brut Or Dry Better For Mimosa?
Brut is typically better as its drier nature balances well with the sweetness of orange juice.

What Kind Of Champagne Is Sweet?
Champagnes labeled “Demi-Sec” or “Doux” are sweeter options. These contain a high sugar content, providing a delightful sweetness that contrasts with the traditional dryness of many Champagnes.

What Is A Good Cheap Champagne For Mimosa?
Our recommendation is Korbel Brut.

Should Champagne Be Chilled When Pouring Mimosas?
Yes, as a cold temperature enhances the refreshing qualities of the drink and preserves the bubbles.

Final Note
Whether you prefer the traditional or seek to experiment with different flavors, the journey to discovering your ideal Champagne or sparkling wine for your mimosas promises to be an enjoyable experience.

So just, kick back and relax with your mimosa whether you’re enjoying it on a brunch with friends or during a holiday. If you’re on a healthy streak, then here’s a guide on how to enjoy the holidays, sans the guilt.

Cheers!