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Light & Festive Spiked Apple Cider Mimosa Bar

spiked apple cider mimosa bar - featured image

A bubbly, bright, and easy-to-make spiked apple cider mimosa bar that’s perfect for holiday brunches, parties, and gatherings. This build-your-own bar features a balanced apple cider base, dry champagne, and festive garnishes for a crowd-pleasing drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider (fresh, unfiltered)
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) champagne or prosecco (dry brut or extra brut)
  • 4–6 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) pomegranate seeds
  • 4–6 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1-2 ounces bourbon or vodka per glass

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon sugar rim: Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar. Set aside to dry.
  2. Mix the apple cider base: In a small pitcher or measuring cup, combine 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir until the maple syrup is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness with more lemon juice if needed.
  3. Set up the garnishes: Arrange sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks in small bowls on a tray. If using optional spirits, set them out with a small jigger.
  4. Build the mimosa: Fill each glass about 1/3 full with the apple cider base. Top with champagne or prosecco, pouring slowly to preserve bubbles. Leave about 1/2 inch from the rim for garnishes.
  5. Add garnishes: Drop in a cinnamon stick, a few pomegranate seeds, and an apple slice. If using rosemary, gently slap the sprig before adding to release oils. Float an orange slice on top for an extra fancy touch.
  6. Serve immediately: Mimosas are best fresh. Let guests build their own at the bar for a more interactive experience.

Notes

For best results, chill all ingredients for at least 2 hours before serving. Rim glasses just before serving to prevent sticky sugar. Don’t over-garnish—stick to 2-3 garnishes per glass. The apple cider base can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider mimosa, apple cider mimosa bar, holiday mimosa, brunch cocktail, easy mimosa recipe, festive drink, build-your-own mimosa bar