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Apple Cider Mimosa

A new way to enjoy mimosas at brunch is with hard cider instead of champagne.This Apple Cider Mimosa is a refreshing combination of Rosé Hard Cider and Orange Pineapple Juice that is fresh new take on a classic!

Side view of Rosé Cider Mimosa in champagne flutes

Before we can talk about this new twist on a classic breakfast alcoholic drink, we must talk about the original.

What’s in a Mimosa?

When you ask this question you might get a funny look. Everyone I am friends with knows what’s in a mimosa, and how you make one probably because we love to drink.

A mimosa is the original 2 ingredient cocktail. Just orange juice and champagne. Well, that is true to some degree.

A mimosa is a cocktail that is one part champagne and one part citrus juice. Usually orange juice but that doesn’t mean that you can only make a mimosa using orange juice.

Case in point, this recipe is for a hard cider mimosa that is made with a new juice blend. And I couldn’t stop messing with it at that point, I had to go a step farther, and mess with the champagne part too.

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overhead shot of flutes with juice before the cider is added to cider mimosa

What is Hard Cider?

Hard cider is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting apple juice. It is definitely sweeter than beer but for me it is easier on the tongue than champagne.

It does have the bubbles that are needed to bring the flavors of the juice to the forefront.

Last month I turned a margarita on it’s head and made one with beer instead of tequila so I am continuing the tradition and substituting hard cider for the champs.

The real reason is champagne gives me a headache so I went with something I can drink without the side effects.

There are plenty of brands and types(flavors) of hard cider including pear, crisp apple, dry, and even cherry blossom. I’m a sucker for Rosé sparkling wine so I thought I would use this variety of cider for my cider mimosa.

Plus the pinkish/red color of the cider looks very pretty with the orange/yellow color of the juice!

pouring Rosé Hard Cider into the cider mimosa

Ingredients Needed

  • Orange Pineapple Apple Juice
  • Rosé Hard Cider
  • Apples for chilling and garnish
  • Fresh mint for garnish

How to Make an Apple Cider Mimosa

First: Using a melon baller, scoop out balls of apple and dip in water with lemon to prevent browning. Freeze them until ready to serve mimosas.

Second: In your champagne flute, or other drinking glass, add 2 ounces of orange pineapple juice and 6 ounces of Rosé Hard Cider. I use Angry Orchard Brand for this one.

Third: Garnish with frozen apple ice cubes and a few sprigs of mint. Enjoy responsibly!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Is this just an apple cider mimosa?

Technically yes, because the Rosé Hard Cider is made with rare red flesh apples that give it the pretty pink color. And it is mixed with a citrus juice. But not plain old orange juice.

Because cider is made from apples, I thought it only appropriate to use a juice blend. One with the citrus juice necessary for it to be called a mimosa, and one that pairs well with the crisp apple flavors in the cider.

And because of the higher sugar content of cider over champagne, I chose a lower sugar juice blend.

One that struck my fancy is an orange pineapple apple blend. The pineapple and orange juices give you the mimosa experience and the additional apple juice helps that flavors to blend together.

Feel free to use what every juice blend strikes your fancy!

Can I use any juice blend?

Yes, feel free to use a juice blend that has your favorite flavors. You can also use plain orange juice if you prefer.

Best Hard Cider Brand to Use

This is a subjective question based on your flavor preferences, but I use Angry Orchard Hard Cider Rosé variety. Strongbow is pretty good too. There are so many choices out there, go with your favorite.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

overhead pic of rose cider mimosa

Can I change the ratio of cider to juice?

Of course you can, it’s your cocktail:)

What if I can’t find the rose flavor?

Feel free to use the pear flavor as it pairs well with the juice blend. But if you can’t find that either, any hard cider will do.

I made some “apple ball ice cubes” using a melon baller. Scooping out spheres of apple and freezing them beforehand makes a pretty garnish that doesn’t block your access to the cider mimosa AND keeps your cocktail chilled if you are a slow drinker in the morning time.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

 overhead shot of cider mimosa

More Party Foods

side angle of cider mimosa in champagne flute

Rosé Cider Mimosa with Orange & Pineapple

A new way to enjoy mimosas at brunch is with hard cider instead of champagne. This Cider Mimosa is a refreshing combination of Rosé Hard Cider and Orange Pineapple Juice that is fresh new take on a classic!
4.84 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks and Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 cocktails
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Orange Pineapple Apple Juice
  • 2 Rosé Hard Cider
  • Apples for chilling and garnish I use Pacific Rose variety
  • Fresh mint for garnish *optional

Instructions

Make the apple "ice cubes"

  • Using a melon baller, scoop out balls of apple and dip in water with lemon to prevent browning.
  • Freeze them until ready to serve mimosas.

Make the Cider Mimosas

  • In your champagne flute, or other drinking glass, add 2 ounces of orange pineapple juice and 6 ounces of Rosé Hard Cider. I use Angry Orchard Brand for this one.
  • Garnish with frozen apple ice cubes and a few sprigs of mint.
  • Enjoy responsibly!

Video

Notes

*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it with some stars.  Thank you!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g

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Recipe Rating




Dustin Angell

Wednesday 21st of April 2021

Sounds like an interesting idea. As a hard cider nerd, I also like the replacement of champagne with cider, because it was with cider that bottle carbonation was first developed, which is what champagne is all about. Also, the hard cider world is much deeper and varied than most realize. Not all hard cider is sweet or even bubbly. Since every apple seed that germinates creates a new apple variety, and the location of the tree effects the taste, their really are no limits to cider variety.

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Jules

Wednesday 8th of April 2020

I made this for a brunch we hosted and it went over so well. I loved being able to ball up the apples ahead of time. My guests thought that was genius and I thought it was delicious!

Sandra Shaffer

Tuesday 7th of April 2020

Great addition to our brunch. Next time I'll need to double the ingredients. Brunch for 4 went though this quick!