The Best Champagne For Mimosas

Actually, the best bubbly isn't Champagne at all. Learn what to buy instead.

There’s a reason that mimosas are practically synonymous with brunch. All these perennially-popular cocktails require is the cheerful pop of a bottle of sparkling wine and a quick splash of orange juice. Then, they’re ready for toasting with minimal effort—which is just the vibe you want for a laid-back brunch.

The only tricky thing about mimosas, in fact, is the question of what type of bubbly is best when making them at home.

While Champagne is traditional, there’s a strong argument for using other types of bubbly: namely, the cost. Read on to learn what bubbly to stock up on so you’re never more than two ingredients away from the perfect brunch cocktail.

What Is Champagne?

First things first, what is Champagne, and what makes it so expensive?

While “Champagne” sometimes gets used as a blanket term for any kind of sparkling wine, only wine that meets very high quality standards can be labeled as such.

Not only does it have to be made from specific varieties of grapes, but the fruit must be grown in France's famed Champagne region, and the production methods must meet strict regulations.

These high standards and the labor-intensive production and cellaring processes involved with making Champagne result in a hefty price tag. The cheapest bottles range from $30 to $50, and prices shoot up steeply from there.

Because of the cost, it usually makes the most sense to drink Champagne on its own so the sweet-tart citrus juice doesn’t mask the nuanced, yeasty flavor and fine bubbles that you’re paying for.

That said, if your brunch budget allows for a $30+ bottle of the good stuff, go for it. Just look for brut or extra brut on the label: These terms are used for drier Champagnes that will balance out the sweetness of the juice.

Otherwise, read on for the best Champagne alternatives to buy when mixing up mimosas.

The Best Sparkling Wine for Mimosas

So what sparkling wines are best for mimosas? These alternatives have all the effervescence of Champagne with much more wallet-friendly prices.

Cava

Spain's inexpensive sparkling wine is made with the Macabeu grape using the same traditional méthode champenoise as its famous French counterpart. You can pick up a good bottle for under $15 (sometimes even under $10), meaning it costs at least half as much as the cheapest bottle of Champagne.

Prosecco

Named for a village in Italy and made with the Prosecco (AKA Glera) grape, this affordable sparkler is another excellent choice for mimosas. Just like with Champagne, look for brut or extra dry varieties to balance the sweetness of the juice.

Crémant

Crémant, which translates to “creamy,” is a lesser-known type of French bubbly that’s made near the Champagne region using the same grapes and fermentation process, but is far less expensive.

What's the Correct Ratio of Bubbly to Juice for a Mimosa?

Some argue that a true mimosa is comprised of equal parts sparkling wine and juice. Others claim two parts bubbly to one part juice is the ideal amount. And still others like their bubbly with just a splash of juice.

Whatever ratio you prefer is fine, so do a taste-test with a small portion of bubbly and juice before you make a big pitcher for brunch with friends.

Mimosa Variations

• Pomegranate Mimosa topped with pomegranate juice and seeds, plus Aperol

• Blushing Mimosas with pineapple juice and grenadine

• White Christmas Mimosas made with orange liqueur and cranberry juice

Learrn More: Check out our favorite brunch cocktails and Champagne cocktails.

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