Virgin Mimosa

French Virgin Mimosa Recipe with Cider, Orange Juice, and Lemon

Region / culture: France | Servings: 1 serving

Introduction

Virgin Mimosa is a refreshing and non-alcoholic twist on the classic mimosa cocktail. This bubbly drink is perfect for brunch, baby showers, or any celebration where you want to enjoy a delicious and festive beverage.

History

The mimosa cocktail was invented in the 1920s at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. It is traditionally made with champagne and orange juice. The Virgin Mimosa is a variation of this classic cocktail that replaces the champagne with sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic version.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
0.25 cup sparkling cider
0.25 cup fresh orange juice
0.5 lemon, juice only
1 lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Pour a small amount of sugar onto a saucer.
Moisten the rim of a champagne glass and press the glass, upside down, into the sugar, coating the rim with sugar.
Pour in cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.

Variations

Add a splash of cranberry juice for a festive twist.
Use grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a tangy flavor.
Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.

- You can adjust the sweetness of the drink by adding more or less sugar to the rim of the glass.

- Chill the sparkling cider and orange juice before making the drink for a refreshing and cold beverage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Virgin Mimosa in a champagne glass for an elegant presentation. Pair it with brunch dishes like quiche, fruit salad, or pastries.

Cooking Techniques

Use a citrus juicer to extract the juice from the oranges and lemons.

- Use a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients together for a well-blended drink.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling cider for a different flavor profile.

- Agave nectar or honey can be used as a substitute for sugar on the rim of the glass.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sugar-rimmed glasses in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Mix the drink ingredients just before serving for the best taste.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Virgin Mimosa with a colorful fruit garnish on the rim of the glass or a decorative cocktail pick. You can also add a sprig of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This drink pairs well with a variety of brunch dishes such as eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, or avocado toast. It also complements sweet treats like French toast or cinnamon rolls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The Virgin Mimosa is best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed immediately after preparing. Leftover drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the carbonation may dissipate over time.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 110

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 27g

Dietary Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 25g

Fats

Total Fat: 0g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 47% DV

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

This Virgin Mimosa is a low-calorie and refreshing drink that is high in vitamin C.

Summary

The Virgin Mimosa is a delightful and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion. With its bright citrus flavors and bubbly effervescence, it is sure to be a hit with your guests. Cheers!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Virgin Mimosa. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Ruby at her beach house. We had just finished a refreshing swim in the ocean and were lounging on the porch, sipping on ice-cold lemonade and chatting about life.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Ruby suddenly jumped up from her chair and declared, "I have the perfect drink to toast to this beautiful evening! I'll be right back." She disappeared into the kitchen, and I could hear her rummaging through the cupboards.

A few moments later, she emerged with a bottle of sparkling water and a carton of orange juice. "Voila! The perfect summer cocktail - a Virgin Mimosa," she announced with a smile. I had never heard of such a thing before, but the combination of bubbly water and citrus juice sounded absolutely delightful.

Ruby proceeded to pour the sparkling water into a tall glass, followed by a generous splash of orange juice. She stirred the mixture gently with a spoon, and the drink took on a lovely golden hue. She handed me a glass, and we clinked them together in a toast to friendship and summer nights.

The first sip was heavenly - light, refreshing, and bursting with the flavors of sun-ripened oranges. I was instantly hooked. "Ruby, this is amazing! Where did you learn to make this?" I asked, eager to learn the secret behind this delightful concoction.

She chuckled and explained that she had discovered the recipe during a trip to Provence, France, many years ago. She had been invited to a local vineyard for a wine tasting, and the owner's wife had served Virgin Mimosas as a non-alcoholic alternative. Ruby had been so enchanted by the drink that she had asked for the recipe and had been making it ever since.

I was intrigued by the idea of a drink that was both simple and elegant, and I knew that I had to add it to my repertoire of culinary creations. I asked Ruby to teach me how to make the Virgin Mimosa, and she gladly obliged.

We spent the rest of the evening experimenting with different variations of the drink - adding a splash of grapefruit juice for a tart twist, or garnishing it with a sprig of mint for a touch of freshness. Each new iteration was more delicious than the last, and I couldn't wait to share this newfound treasure with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe for the Virgin Mimosa, adapting it to suit different occasions and palates. It has become a staple at family gatherings, brunches with friends, and lazy afternoons spent lounging in the sun.

The beauty of the Virgin Mimosa lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just two ingredients, it is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you prefer a sweeter version with extra orange juice or a tangier twist with a splash of grapefruit, the possibilities are endless.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful summer evening with Ruby, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous discovery of the Virgin Mimosa. It has brought joy and laughter to countless moments shared with loved ones, and I am forever grateful for the memories it has helped create.

So here's to the enduring power of friendship, the magic of a simple recipe, and the beauty of a summer night spent sipping on a glass of Virgin Mimosa. May it bring as much joy to your life as it has to mine. Cheers!