Mimosas are synonymous with spa days, holidays, brunches, and all-round relaxation pursuits. Easy to make with only two ingredients, the mimosa is a cocktail lovers’ best friend. However, such simplicity has one drawback; you need to find the best champagne for mimosa making to get an outstanding result. Don’t worry, we have you covered.
What is the best champagne for Mimosas? Dry champagne that has a slightly stronger bubble formation, combined with cleaner, crisper notes is ideal for making remarkable mimosas. This allows your mimosa to sparkle for longer, and the dry champagne better compliment the acidity of the orange.
What Are Mimosas?
In short, a mimosa is a mixed drink which consists of equal parts of sparkling wine and orange juice. Champagne is the most commonly used, though other sparkling wines such as prosecco or cava are sometimes used in place of champagne.
The origin of this classic drink is unclear. Many people claim that it originates with Frank Meier, a bartender at the Ritz in Paris in 1925. The mimosa is not to be confused with the Bucks Fizz, which is 2 parts champagne and only one part fresh orange juice.
Best Champagne For Mimosas (Our Top 10 Picks)
This is, of course, a matter of taste but dry or semi-dry champagnes and sparkling wines are generally preferred for mimosas. This is because they complement the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the orange juice. Here are 10 of the best champagnes for mimosas when it comes to making the classic cocktail;
1. Krug Rosé NV
General Info
- Distiller: Krug
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Country: France, Reims
- Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Review
The House of Krug took root in Reims in 1843, and since then it has blossomed into one of the most prestigious distilleries in the world. Krug champagne is unique because of how Joseph Krug (the founder) chose to look beyond the idea of vintages to create the best possible champagne every single year.
This particular rosé champagne was inspired by the desire to make rosé champagne like no other. The result is surprising and pleasant; it could easily replace a delicate red wine at the table. Don’t be put off as this leads to a more vibrant mimosa with more depth of flavour to support its freshness.
2. Bollinger RD 2004
General Info
- Distiller: Bollinger
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Country: France, Aÿ
- Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Review
Founded in 1952 by Madame Lily Bollinger, the house of Bollinger is famed for is attention to detail and precision. RD champagnes (initials standing for Recently Disgorged) from Bollinger make up a tiny percentage of their stock and are made from only the best vintages. This means that
This particular RD represents the pinnacle of their expertise to-date. As rich and complex champagne with white truffle aromas, this might not seem like the best choice for making a mimosa. If you give it a chance, however, you will find that it lends some of its complexity to the cocktail in a way that really works!
3. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2007
General Info
- Distiller: Tattinger
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5%
- Country: France, Reims
- Grape: Chardonnay
Review
The Taittinger family were wine merchants who moved to Paris in 1870. In 1932, they bought the Château de La Marquetterie from Forest-Fourneaux and began producing champagne. Today Taittinger has become one of the most prominent prestige champagne houses in the world.
The 2007 Comtes de Champagne has a unique legacy; it received the highest score ever given to it by James Suckling (which is a huge deal), and yet it is affordable. So much so that some billionaires have deemed it ‘too cheap’ to buy. Don’t let that fool you, though; it is deserving of its high acclaim and has a crisp, fresh taste that is perfect for making a classic mimosa.
4. Pol Roger 2012
General Info
- Distiller: Pol Roger
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5%
- Country: France, Vallée d’Épernay
- Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Review
Named for its founder, Pol Roger opened in 1849 and is now one of the most beloved champagne houses in the world. Known for producing high-quality, sophisticated and crisp champagnes that stimulate and invigorate the palette.
Despite there being a tiny number of vintages released to the market in 2012, the Pol Roger 2012 is considered to be equal to, if not better than, the legendary 2008 vintage. A light, delicate champagne (which is nonetheless surprisingly strong) with a dry yet fruity taste, there are few champagnes as well suited to making a mimosa as this vintage.
5. Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut NV
General Info
- Distiller: Laurent-Perrier
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Country: France, Tours-sur-Marne
- Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Review
Founded in 1912, the champagne house of Laurent-Perrier has changed its name and ownership since opening its doors. Today it is the largest family-owned (and female-operated) champagne house in the world. Known for pioneering the non-dosage category and dry champagnes, and blend vintages year on year to create a consistent ‘house’ style.
Laurent-Perrier was the first champagne house to reintroduce the concept of brut champagne with the ‘ultra-brut’ blend. This is refreshing and balanced champagne which errs on the drier side and makes a stunning mimosa. For best effect blend some ice and orange juice together and you will get a delightful, invigorating cocktail for your brunch.
6. Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012
General Info
- Distiller: Moët & Chandon
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5%
- Country: France, Epernay
- Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
Review
Moët & Chandon have been one of the most famous champagne houses in the world since they opened in 1743. For over 270 years this renowned French winemaker has been the gateway to prestige champagne for people all over the world. They have added sparkle to weddings, birthdays, and special events which range from the marriage of Napoleon Bonaparte to the Oscars.
Every Grand Vintage is unique and complex because they only make them in the very best years. The 2012 Grand Vintage is a soft and supple champagne which has an initial sweetness that gives way to a drier acidity. As a result, the 2012 Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage is perfect for making sophisticated and balanced mimosas.
7. Taittinger Brut Réserve NV
General Info
- Distiller: Taittinger
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Country: France, Reims
- Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Review
Taittinger is, of course, one of the most recognisable and familiar champagne houses in the world. Their reputation for precision and excellence proceeds them and makes Taittinger champagne prestigious and sought after (with good reason).
The Brute Réserve NV is a perfect example of why their reputation is so well deserved; a soft finely blended champagne with fruity touches and a crisp after taste. Dominated by Chardonnay grapes, it is one of the driest champagnes on this list, but it makes an undeniably beautiful, and quintessentially classic, mimosa.
8. Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee
General Info
- Distiller: Laurent-Perrier
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Country: France, Tours-sur-Marne
- Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Review
The level of care which Laurent-Perrier shows in making every single bottle of champagne has rendered them world-famous as well as one of the most well-regarded champagne houses in the Grand Cru area of champagne.
Laurent-Perriers La Cuvée is a perfect example of why this champagne house is so well respected. With a fresh, delicate nose and balanced flavour which starts sharp but mellows well. When added to orange juice, it makes a well-balanced and zesty mimosa that your friends and family will love!
9. Heidsieck & Co Monopole ‘Gold Top’ 2010
General Info
- Distiller: Heidsieck & Co Monopole
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5%
- Country – France, Reims
- Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Review
Founded in 1785, Heidsieck & Co are a prestigious and mature champagne house. Despite this, they are not as well known as many of their contemporaries – at least not outside of champagne connoisseur circles. However, for those in the know, they represent one of the best producers in the world today.
Their 2010 ‘Gold Top’ illustrates just why they have such a good reputation. With undertones of peach and an excellent, well-rounded finish, this champagne is perfect for making mimosas. This is a no-expenses-spared option for those really special occasions, and it is worth every penny!
10. Canard-Duchêne Brut NV
General Info
- Distiller: Canard-Duchêne
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12%
- Country: France, Ludes
- Grape: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Review
Canard-Duchêne opened its doors in 1860, just 8 years after barrel-maker Victor Canard married winemaker Léonie Duchêne. Their shared passion for wine led to the creation of this unique champagne house. Known for producing unique, complicated, and invigorating champagnes, they operate within the limits of the most prestigious in France.
Their Brut NV is known for balancing quality and affordability in a very unusual way. Crisp, stimulating and clean it nonetheless has a fruity palette and sharp finish that draws the muscles of the jaws. This means you need to choose a sweet orange juice, but if you do the results will be phenomenal!
The Art Of Making Mimosas
Everyone has their own way of making the perfect mimosa, but everyone agrees that you need to get the right champagne. Once you have chosen the right champagne for you, you should experiment a little.
A simple way to really wow your guests, however, is to either blend orange juice and ice before adding your champagne and a little bit of mint. Alternatively, adding a touch of gin to your mimosa mix will give you an extra tang. These days there are few limits on experimentation; you are really only restricted by your taste and imagination.
Conclusion
Despite its slightly murky advent, the mimosa is undoubtedly the cocktail for brunches, spa days, and afternoon teas around the world. Whether you want to make a birthday breakfast sparkle, or you just fancy having a brunch with your besties, making mimosas is sure to prove a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t forget, any of these champagnes will be the perfect companion for a Passionfruit Martini cocktail!
