Sparkling Grapefruit Mimosa Recipe for Brunch

My Grapefruit Mimosa is a little different than simply combining champagne and grapefruit juice. Homemade simple syrup and a splash of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier lend extra sweetness and depth to this pink, bubbly cocktail.

Grapefruits are fantastic in cocktails

When grapefruits are in season and you can pick up a bag of large, juicy, pink fruit, it’s the perfect time to experiment with cocktails. Their bright acidity and floral bitterness make them a compelling partner for sparkling wine. A Grapefruit Mimosa is an easy, elegant option that elevates a simple brunch or celebration glass without much effort.

Grapefruit mimosas are especially appealing in winter and early spring, when fresh berries are scarce but citrus fruits are at their peak. The flavor is vibrant and refreshing, but because grapefruit leans toward tart and slightly bitter, a little sweetness helps balance the drink. That balance is the key to a mimosa that tastes both refined and indulgent.

Besides this mimosa, fresh grapefruit is great in other mixed drinks—from tequila-based slam cocktails to beer sangrias—because it brightens spirits and adds a pleasant tartness that pairs well with a wide range of liquors and mixers.

What makes this mimosa fantastic

A standard mimosa is simply juice plus sparkling wine, and that simplicity is part of the charm. For a Grapefruit Mimosa, though, I prefer to add two small adjustments: homemade simple syrup to take the edge off the grapefruit’s bitterness, and a measure of orange liqueur to round out the citrus character.

Simple syrup tames the tartness and creates a smoother mouthfeel, while an orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier adds warmth, depth, and a hint of orange aroma that complements the grapefruit without competing with it. The proportions are modest so the champagne remains the star—light, bubbly, and refreshing.

The finished cocktail is a pretty pink color and makes an excellent brunch beverage or celebratory toast. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd: prepare larger batches of simple syrup and grapefruit juice and top with chilled sparkling wine just before serving to keep the bubbles lively.

Serve in a chilled flute for the best presentation. A thin wedge or twist of grapefruit makes a lovely garnish and enhances the citrus aroma as you sip.

Grapefruit Mimosa

Prep: 5 mins • Total: 5 mins • Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Krissy Allori

Bright grapefruit juice, a touch of simple syrup, and a splash of orange liqueur combine with chilled sparkling wine to make a balanced, bubbly cocktail that’s both sweet and refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce simple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 ounce orange-flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier recommended)
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 4 ounces chilled champagne or other sparkling wine (amount may vary with glass size)

Instructions

1. Make simple syrup: combine equal parts water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling or stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool and refrigerate until needed.
2. In a chilled champagne flute, combine the simple syrup and orange liqueur.
3. Add the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, then gently top with chilled champagne. Pour slowly to preserve bubbles.
4. Garnish with a thin grapefruit wedge or twist if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. If your grapefruit is particularly tart, you can adjust the simple syrup slightly to taste. To make a pitcher, multiply the ingredients and add sparkling wine just before serving to keep the mixture fizzy.

Nutrition

Calories: 191 kcal • Carbohydrates: 28 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 1 g • Sodium: 26 mg • Potassium: 192 mg • Sugar: 28 g • Vitamin C: 15 mg • Calcium: 10 mg • Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

This post was originally published in February of 2015 and has been recently updated.