grand marnier grapefruit mimosa

I know a grapefruit mimosa may not sound like the most appetizing cocktail. Why would anyone mix bitter juice with bitter wine? Well, because freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is so aromatic, sweet-tart, and refreshing, we had to make it work. And yes, cheap sparkling wine can be awfully bitter, but the good stuff? Not necessarily.

Finally, if you balance the drink with a really good orange liqueur, you won’t even notice bitterness in this grapefruit mimosa. You’ll be too busy smelling the layers of fresh citrus, admiring the beautiful blush hue, and sipping the spritzy ambrosia.

The really cool thing about this cocktail is that it only involves three simple ingredients. It’s very accessible and quick to throw together for a last minute brunch. Read on below to get the recipe adjusted for a crowd!

how do I make the best grapefruit mimosa?

As usual, you have to use high quality parts to get a delicious outcome. Start with really good ingredients and taste as you go. Keep in mind that sugar and acid levels vary dramatically in both fresh citrus fruit and sparkling wine. Your taste buds and preferences are also different from mine! Start with the ratios below, then add more Grand Marnier for sweetness, or an extra splash of grapefruit juice or sparkling wine to get to a cocktail you really love. 

• Grapefruit juice: Use ripe Ruby Red grapefruit, if you can find them. They’re so sweet, juicy and add a beautiful color to this mimosa. And squeeze your own juice. This grapefruit mimosa doesn’t need much, and freshly squeezed juice adds so much more flavor and aromatics than the processed juice. 
• High quality Prosecco (or other fruity sparkling wine): Use a wine you would drink by itself. Don’t use the cheapest sparkling wine just because you’re mixing it with juice. In general, the cheaper you go, the more bitter the wine. Combine bitter wine with grapefruit juice, and you could have a really terrible drink.
• Grand Marnier: the silent champion of this grapefruit mimosa— this famous French liqueur rounds out the cocktail and adds a ton of complexity and richness. Don’t use a dusty plastic bottle of triple sec!

make this grapefruit mimosa for a crowd:

Serves 8:

1. In a pitcher or glass jar, combine 2 cups grapefruit juice and 1 cup Grand Marnier.
2. Refrigerate until ready.
3. Fill half a champagne flute with the grapefruit mixture, then top with chilled Prosecco. 
4. Serve!

more sparkling wine cocktails:

classic champagne cocktail

sparkling elderflower gin cocktail

sparkling raspberry basil shrub cocktail

Love mimosas? Try this gorgeous bourbon mimosa! It combines the classic flavors of bourbon and orange to make a quick and refreshing cocktail. Perfect for brunch!

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