Grinch Mimosa is a festive, green holiday cocktail that’s quick to make and guaranteed to bring cheer to your Christmas brunch. This Grinch Mimosa combines bright flavor and playful color, ready in just 5 minutes for a joyful toast.
Growing up, I loved adding a playful twist to holiday gatherings, and this recipe instantly reminded me of those family brunches filled with laughter and sparkle. The Grinch Mimosa pairs beautifully with my Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe, making celebrations feel extra magical
Why You’ll Love This Grinch Mimosa
This Grinch Mimosa is more than just a cocktail—it’s a festive centerpiece for your holiday table. With its cheerful green hue, fruity sparkle, and quick 5-minute prep, it’s perfect for Christmas brunch, holiday parties, or a cozy toast with family. Plus, it pairs beautifully with sweet treats and savory bites alike, making it a versatile drink everyone will adore.
PrintGrinch Mimosa Recipe
This festive Grinch Mimosa is a quick and colorful holiday cocktail, perfect for Christmas brunch or parties. Sparkling, fun, and ready in 5 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 mimosa 1x
Ingredients
1 oz green apple liqueur (such as Midori)
3 oz champagne (or sparkling wine)
1 oz fresh lime juice
Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Mint leaves (for garnish)
Sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Glass: If desired, rim your glass with sugar. Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into sugar for a frosty effect.
Mix the Mimosa: In the prepared glass, pour in the green apple liqueur and fresh lime juice.
Add the Bubbles: Slowly top with champagne (or sparkling wine) to avoid excessive fizzing.
Garnish & Serve: Drop in a few fresh cranberries and add a mint leaf for a festive Grinch-green look. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can easily make this Grinch Mimosa kid-friendly by swapping the champagne with sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda for a fun, non-alcoholic version
Nutrition
- Serving Size: servings 1
- Calories: 124kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1 g
Ingredients
- 1 oz green apple liqueur (such as Midori): This gives the cocktail its signature Grinch-green color and a sweet, fruity flavor.
- 3 oz champagne or sparkling wine: Adds bubbles, elegance, and a festive sparkle to the drink. You can also use prosecco or cava.
- 1 oz fresh lime juice: Provides a refreshing, tangy balance to the sweetness of the liqueur. Freshly squeezed is best.
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish): These give a pop of red color, making the drink look extra Christmas-y.
- Mint leaves (for garnish): A final touch of green that adds freshness and aroma.
- Sugar (optional, for rimming the glass): Creates a frosty, decorative effect and a little extra sweetness if desired.
- Lime wedge (optional, for rimming): Used to moisten the rim of the glass before dipping it in sugar.
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prepare the Glass
If you’d like a frosted holiday look, start by rimming your champagne flute or wine glass with sugar. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into a small plate of sugar until it’s evenly coated. This adds a festive sparkle to your drink.
Step 2 – Mix the Base
Pour the green apple liqueur directly into the bottom of your prepared glass. Next, add the freshly squeezed lime juice. This combination creates the vibrant Grinch-green base while balancing sweetness with a zesty citrus twist.
Step 3 – Add the Bubbles
Slowly top the glass with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Pour gently down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles and prevent the drink from fizzing over. The bubbles will mix naturally with the liqueur for a smooth blend.
Step 4 – Garnish & Serve
Drop a few fresh cranberries into the drink and add a sprig of mint leaves on top. The red and green colors create a perfect holiday presentation. Serve immediately while it’s chilled and bubbly.
Discover the magic! Click here for our Witches’ Nightcap Cocktail, Mermaid’s Sparkle Punch, and Halloween Margaritas recipes
Creative Twists on Grinch Mimosa
- Frozen Grinch Mimosa: Blend the green apple liqueur, lime juice, and a handful of ice before topping with champagne for a slushy holiday treat.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Replace the champagne with sparkling apple cider or lemon-lime soda so little ones can enjoy a festive sip too.
- Tropical Grinch Mimosa: Swap lime juice for pineapple juice to give your drink a sunny, tropical spin while keeping the bright green color.
- Berry Grinch Mimosa: Add a splash of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice before topping with champagne for extra tartness and a deeper holiday flavor.
- Extra Sparkle: Rim the glass with colored sugar (red or green) for a playful, candy-cane look.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Grinch Mimosa
- Chill Everything First: Make sure your champagne, liqueur, and lime juice are well chilled—this keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Pour Slowly: Always add the champagne last and pour down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh lime gives the best tangy flavor.
- Choose Quality Bubbles: A dry sparkling wine like brut or cava balances the sweetness of the liqueur better than overly sweet options.
- Make it Picture-Perfect: Add a festive garnish—cranberries, mint leaves, or even a candy cane hook—to wow your guests.
Serving Suggestions for Grinch Mimosa
- Holiday Brunch: Serve alongside classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, or a savory quiche to brighten your Christmas morning table.
- Festive Appetizers: Pair with finger foods such as cheese boards, shrimp cocktail, or stuffed mushrooms for an elegant holiday spread.
- Sweet Treats: The fruity, bubbly flavor of this drink balances beautifully with Christmas cookies, cheesecake, or chocolate truffles.
- Party Punch Style: For larger gatherings, mix a batch in a pitcher, then pour into glasses right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.
- Themed Presentation: Use clear champagne flutes or festive glasses to show off the green color, and garnish with cranberries and mint for a picture-perfect holiday vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Grinch Mimosa
A Grinch Mimosa is a festive holiday cocktail made with green apple liqueur, lime juice, and champagne, creating a bubbly drink with a bright green color perfect for Christmas gatherings.
2. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Grinch Mimosa?
Yes! Simply replace champagne with sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda and keep the green apple flavor for a kid-friendly holiday treat.
3. How can I make my Grinch Mimosa extra festive?
Rim the glass with colored sugar, garnish with cranberries and mint leaves, or serve in themed glasses for a fun holiday presentation.
4. Can I prepare Grinch Mimosa in advance?
It’s best served fresh to maintain the bubbles. However, you can prepare the base mixture of green apple liqueur and lime juice ahead and add champagne just before serving.
5. What foods pair well with Grinch Mimosa?
This cocktail goes wonderfully with brunch dishes, holiday cookies, cheese boards, or light appetizers for a festive spread.
6. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for one serving, but you can scale up easily for parties or larger gatherings.
7. Can I substitute other liqueurs for Midori?
Yes — melon liqueurs or sour apple schnapps can work, though they may slightly alter the flavor and color.
8. How can I make a Grinch Mimosa less sweet?
Use a dry sparkling wine and reduce the amount of green apple liqueur, adding extra lime juice for balance.
9. Is Grinch Mimosa gluten-free?
Yes, this cocktail is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free sparkling wine and liqueur.
10. Can I serve Grinch Mimosa at New Year’s Eve?
Absolutely! Its bubbly and festive vibe makes it perfect for both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Conclusion
The Grinch Mimosa is more than just a festive cocktail—it’s a cheerful, flavorful celebration in a glass. With its vibrant green color, zesty lime twist, and sparkling bubbles, it brings joy to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, a cozy family celebration, or a festive New Year’s toast, this drink is sure to stand out. Its quick preparation makes it a go-to recipe for last-minute entertaining, and the playful presentation adds a whimsical touch that guests will remember.
What makes this Grinch Mimosa truly special is how easily it can be adapted. From kid-friendly versions with sparkling cider to tropical twists with pineapple juice, there’s a variation for everyone. Paired with sweet treats like Christmas cookies or savory dishes like brunch quiche, it becomes part of a complete festive experience. This recipe is a reminder that holiday cooking is about creativity, joy, and sharing moments. Cheers to making your celebrations sparkle with this fun, delicious drink!