Apple Cider Mimosa: Fall’s Bubbly Signature Sip
As the leaves turn and the air carries a crispness that whispers autumn, few cocktails feel as perfectly seasonal as the Apple Cider Mimosa. Effervescent, lightly spiced, and subtly sweet, this autumnal take on the classic brunch favorite offers a harvest-inspired twist that’s as easy to love as it is to make.
The first time I made an apple cider mimosa was at a cozy fall brunch, the table adorned with cinnamon sticks, pumpkin muffins, and apple compote. The bubbly in my fridge was begging to be opened, and the fresh local cider sitting on the counter sealed the deal. A dash of cinnamon sugar on the rim and voilà—fall in a flute.
It’s a cocktail that captures the best of both worlds: the celebration-worthy sparkle of champagne and the cozy warmth of apple cider. Perfect for brunch, Thanksgiving, or even just a lazy Sunday in your favorite sweater.
Quick Facts: Apple Cider Mimosa
Method: Built in glass
Flavor profile: Crisp, fruity, lightly spiced
How to serve it: Straight up
Glassware: Champagne flute
Alcohol content: ~10–11% ABV, 12–14 grams of alcohol per serving (depends on the sparkling wine used)
Ingredients
- 2 oz chilled apple cider (preferably fresh, unfiltered)
- 4 oz sparkling wine (Brut champagne, Prosecco, or Cava)
- Optional: cinnamon sugar for the rim
- Optional: thin apple slices or a cinnamon stick for garnish
For best results, use a dry (Brut) sparkling wine to balance the sweetness of the apple cider. Prosecco brings a fruitier edge, while Cava offers elegance at a more accessible price point. Champagne is the most refined but can be pricey—reserve it for special occasions.
When choosing apple cider, aim for fresh, unfiltered cider from a local orchard if available. It has a deeper flavor than store-bought varieties and really shines in simple cocktails like this.
To add a touch of spice and presentation flair, a cinnamon sugar rim enhances the seasonal feel. Just mix equal parts cinnamon and sugar, moisten the rim of the flute with apple cider or a cut apple slice, and dip it into the mixture.
Equipment Needed
This cocktail doesn’t require much—part of its charm is in its simplicity:
- Champagne flutes
- Jigger (optional for measuring)
- Small plate for rimming (if using cinnamon sugar)
- Paring knife or mandoline (for thin apple slices)
You don’t need a shaker, strainer, or mixing glass—just a steady hand and chilled ingredients. The flute preserves carbonation and visually elevates the experience with long, delicate bubbles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill all ingredients. Ensure both your apple cider and sparkling wine are well chilled—this cocktail is best served icy cold.
- Prepare your rim (optional). Mix cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Moisten the rim of the flute with apple cider or an apple wedge, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Pour 2 oz apple cider into the flute. Always start with the cider to avoid excessive foaming.
- Slowly top with 4 oz sparkling wine. Pour gently down the side of the glass to maintain the carbonation and prevent overflow.
- Garnish. Add a thin apple slice, float a small apple wedge, or perch a cinnamon stick on the rim for extra flair.
- Serve immediately. This drink doesn’t hold well, so enjoy right after making it.
Total prep time: under 5 minutes.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Apple Cider Mimosa brings together the bright acidity of sparkling wine with the comforting sweetness and subtle spice of apple cider. The result is crisp, refreshing, and just a touch cozy.
The first sip is all bubbles and fall orchard fragrance. The cider softens the dryness of the wine without overpowering it. A cinnamon-sugar rim adds gentle spice and a hint of decadence. Think of it as fall’s answer to brunch champagne—festive, refined, and oh-so-sippable.
Pair this drink with autumn brunch classics like cinnamon rolls, butternut squash frittata, apple-stuffed French toast, or pumpkin pancakes. It also complements savory bites like bacon-wrapped dates, cheese boards, or flaky croissants.
For a more warming version, swap your cider for spiced apple cider and garnish with a dehydrated orange slice or clove-studded apple wedge.
Garnishing and Presentation
When it comes to presenting the Apple Cider Mimosa, simplicity with seasonal flair is key. A thin apple slice perched on the rim or slipped into the flute adds elegance. Choose red-skinned apples for contrast or green for a tart pop of color.
For gatherings, consider a cinnamon sugar rim for added sparkle and sweetness. It adds a visual cue that this is no ordinary mimosa.
Other garnishing ideas include:
- A small cinnamon stick, vertically placed inside the flute
- A star anise pod for a dramatic touch
- Dehydrated apple chip as a floating garnish
Serve the mimosa in a tall, narrow flute to emphasize the bubbles and keep the drink effervescent longer. Presentation-wise, place your glass on a rustic wooden tray with fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and fall foliage for a visually irresistible setup.
Pairing Suggestions
The Apple Cider Mimosa’s versatility makes it ideal for both sweet and savory pairings.
Brunch Favorites:
- Pumpkin spice waffles
- Apple cinnamon muffins
- Butternut squash quiche
- Croissant breakfast sandwiches
Appetizer Options:
- Soft cheeses like brie or camembert
- Prosciutto-wrapped apples or pears
- Sage sausage bites
- Roasted nuts
Dessert Pairings:
- Apple pie or galette
- Caramel flan
- Spiced doughnuts
- Pear tart with almond crust
The key is to match the cider’s warm notes with foods that highlight fall spices, fruit, or buttery richness.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Apple Cider Mimosa is a modern twist on the traditional mimosa, which dates back to 1920s Paris. The original version—sparkling wine and orange juice—was served at the Ritz Hotel and became a brunch staple across Europe and the U.S.
The cider version likely emerged from the American love of seasonal drinks and fall ingredients. As apple cider became more available and popular in markets and orchards, it was only a matter of time before it found its way into champagne flutes.
Although there’s no singular bartender credited with inventing this variation, the Apple Cider Mimosa has grown in popularity every fall—especially in farm-to-glass bars, harvest festivals, and seasonal brunch menus.
It’s a great example of how the mimosa template—sparkling wine + juice—can be endlessly customized for the season.
Serving Suggestions
The Apple Cider Mimosa is perfect for autumn brunches, Thanksgiving morning, harvest parties, bridal showers, or even a fall wedding toast. It brings both elegance and warmth to any occasion.
To serve for a crowd, create a DIY mimosa bar:
- Offer bottles of chilled sparkling wine
- Fresh apple cider in a pitcher
- Cinnamon sugar rimming station
- Garnishes like sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise
Or pre-mix a large batch just before serving:
Batch for 8 servings:
- 16 oz apple cider
- 32 oz (1 bottle) sparkling wine
Mix gently just before serving and pour into flutes already rimmed and garnished. Serve immediately to preserve the bubbles.
Ideal serving temperature is very cold—between 38–42°F. Chill all components for several hours beforehand, and serve in pre-chilled flutes if possible.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
With a 2:4 ratio of cider to sparkling wine, this drink lands around 10–11% ABV, depending on your wine’s strength. That’s about the same as a glass of bubbly—perfect for brunch or mid-afternoon sipping.
To lower the alcohol, use non-alcoholic sparkling wine (there are excellent options from Fre, Noughty, or Leitz) or sparkling apple juice for a zero-proof version.
You can also swap in ginger beer for a spicier, lower-alcohol alternative, though it won’t have the same sparkle or finesse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, but fresh, unfiltered cider offers the best flavor. Just avoid overly sweet or processed versions.
What’s the best sparkling wine for this?
Dry (Brut) wines like Prosecco, Champagne, or Cava work best to balance the cider’s sweetness.
Can I make it ahead of time?
No—only mix right before serving to preserve the bubbles.
Can I serve it warm?
No—this is a cold sparkling cocktail. If you’re after a warm drink, try mulled cider or hot toddies instead.
Is this suitable for a mimosa bar?
Absolutely! It’s an excellent fall addition. Pair with cranberry juice, pear nectar, or spiced syrups for variety.
Apple Cider Mimosa Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz chilled apple cider
4 oz chilled sparkling wine (Brut or semi-dry)
Optional: cinnamon sugar rim, thin apple slice, or cinnamon stick
Directions
- Chill flute and ingredients.
- Rim glass with cinnamon sugar (optional).
- Pour 2 oz apple cider into flute.
- Top slowly with 4 oz sparkling wine.
- Garnish with apple slice or cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately.
Conclusion
The Apple Cider Mimosa is everything we love about fall in one celebratory sip. Bubbly, crisp, and comforting, it adds seasonal elegance to brunch, holidays, and cozy gatherings alike. Its simplicity makes it ideal for impromptu toasts or festive brunch bars, while its flavor brings all the cozy vibes of a crisp autumn morning.
