Pomegranate mimosa

This pomegranate mimosa is a bright and beautiful twist on the classic champagne cocktail. It's really easy to make, and full of festive color, fruitiness and fizz. Perfect to toast any occasion.

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There's something about bubbles that makes a drink feel that bit special and celebratory. Especially when those bubbles come from a sparkling wine, rather than a soda, the small bubbles feel that bit more elegant.

However while champagnes, cavas etc can be delicious on their own, they can also be great in cocktails. Some are a little stronger, like variations on kir, like the raspberry-flavored kir imperial, or gently citrus french 75 and variations.

Then you have others that are longer drinks, with a lower amount of alcohol. They're perfect for daytime sipping and a classic side to brunch, as a result. Mimosas and bellinis are the most well known, with a number of variations existing on the theme.

What is a mimosa?

A mimosa is a simple cocktail made with champagne and citrus juice, typically orange juice. Traditionally, it is equal parts of the two ingredients.

The exact origins are unclear, but believed to be from the early 20th century. Some credit Frank Meier, bartender in the 1920s at the Ritz in Paris, who changed the ratio of a similar cocktail, the Buck's Fizz, which has more champagne. But other stories exist, too.

The mimosa is also similar to another cocktail, the bellini, which is made with peach puree and prosecco. These days, you'll find many variations on the theme using different juices and sparkling wines.

While there's no hard and fast rule, I'd generally consider those made with thinner juices a mimosa, like this or my pineapple mimosa, and those with a thicker fruit puree a bellini, like my strawberry bellini.

Ingredients and adaptations

This cocktail is simply pomegranate juice and sparking wine - there's nothing more to it than that! Though you can vary it a little here and there. You can use bought pomegranate juice or, make your own by juicing or blending and straining pomegranate arils.

This variation is slightly different from the classic ratio in that I've suggested 2 parts champagne (or other sparkling wine) to pomegranate juice. This is partly to not be too sweet, though pomegranate juice is still on the tarter side. However feel free to adjust up or down to taste.

You can also mix in a little orange juice, in keeping with the classic, or lemon, to add a bit more tartness. You can also vary a little more, and make it stronger, with the addition of a spirit. A little triple sec or Aperol would work well for that citrus element.

Some pomegranate arils make a very fitting garnish, though you can skip if you don't have any.

This pomegranate mimosa has such a great color and flavor, and it's versatile in when you might enjoy it. Being light, it's perfect for brunch, and the color is fitting for both festive occasions and Valentine's day. Easy, bubbly, bright - a great addition to many an occasion.

Try these other easy sparkling cocktails:

• Sloe gin fizz (another sparkling cocktail with a pink color)
• Lillet spritz (a lovely floral and light variation on the spritz theme)
• Cava sangria (a tasty variation on sangria using cava, Spanish sparkling wine)
• Plus get more cocktail recipes in the archives.

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