Mimosas are British Columbians’ most loved wine-based cocktail and according to a survey conducted by Steller’s Jay, almost half (49 per cent) frequently enjoy them, followed by Sangria and Spritzers. It may be our love of brunch that makes mimosas so popular or simply the magic of sparkling wine that elevates the occasion. Whatever the reason, National Mimosa Day is on May 16 and survey findings offer interesting insights into how British Columbians’ enjoy their brunch beverage of choice.
The perfect mimosa ratio? Half prosecco and half orange juice, according to 42 per cent of British Columbians.
But one third (30 per cent) of British Columbians prefer a heavy pour of sparkling to orange juice in their mimosas.
With almost half (49 per cent) claiming to drink mimosas, BC residents are tied with Alberta as the second biggest mimosa drinkers in the country , following Saskatchewan with 68 per cent.
Across Canada, Gen Zs like their mimosas stronger than any other generation, with 41 per cent more sparkling than orange juice.
For brunch lovers looking to go beyond the classic mimosa and add a bit of pizazz to their bubbly-based cocktails, below are a selection of mimosa recipes that will elevate British Columbians’ favourite weekend tradition.
Steller’s Jay Sparkling Brut
Steller’s Jay sparkling wines are hand crafted in the Okanagan Valley using the traditional French “Methode Classique.” First produced in 1989, Mountain Jay Brut stays true to its tradition by remaining one of Canada’s preeminent sparkling wines. White peach and golden hues flatter the ripe orchard fruit and citrus blossom aromas in this crisp and complex sparkling wine. Rich flavours of toasted nut and red berries layer the palate, resolving to a soft and creamy floral mousse finish.
$24.99 at BC Liquor Stores
Classic Mimosa with a twist
If you love a classic and want to switch things up just a little, this one’s for you! The crisp, clean palate of Steller’s Jay Sparkling Brut combined with OJ will create the perfect classic mimosa.
Serves 1
1/2 cup orange juice
Ice tray
1/2 cup Steller’s Jay Sparkling Brut
Long spiral orange twist for garnish
Pour the orange juice into an ice tray, the fancier the better, and let it set in the freezer for a couple of hours. Fill your glass with the orange juice ice cubes and top it with Sparkling Brut. Pour in the remaining orange juice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Bodacious Bubbles
Tasting Notes
Aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, peach.
$12.99 online
Hawaiian Mimosa
Refreshing and fruity, this Mimosa is the best to add a tropical touch to any occasion. The floral aromas of Bodacious Bubbles and its moderate acidity goes perfectly with the pineapple juice and coconut rum.
Serves 1
1.5 ounce coconut rum
2 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce grenadine
4 ounces Bodacious Bubbles
Slice of Pineapple
Add the coconut rum to the flute and pour in the pineapple juice. Slowly, add in the grenadine to give it a layered look. Finally, pour in the Bodacious Bubbles and garnish with a slice of pineapple.
Ruffino Prosecco
The bouquet is fragrant and bursting with fruit notes. It shows clean aromas of apples, pears and citrus, accompanied by hints of wisteria. Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubbles on the palate. Intense flavours of apples and peaches lead to a pleasant finish with lingering fruit and floral notes. Enjoy Ruffino Prosecco on its own or mix it into a favourite cocktail. It’s also delicious served with pizza, fish, shellfish or white meat dishes.
$22.99 at BC Liquor Stores
Spicy Guava Mimosa
A spicy take on Mimosa, this guava flavoured cocktail is here to win your guests over. Add a clean and crisp prosecco as Ruffino Prosecco to the mix for a simple yet delicious cocktail.
Serves 1
3 ounces guava juice
5 ounces of Ruffino Prosecco
1 jalapeno
Ice cubes
Sprig of mint (optional)
Muddle two slices of jalapeno in a mixer. Pour in your Guava juice and ice and shake well. Strain and pour into the flute glass. Top it off with Ruffino Prosecco. You can garnish with a sprig of mint.
Kim Crawford Extra Dry Prosecco
A crisp and vibrant Prosecco from Italy. Flavours of tropical fruit and citrus, with a clean finish.
$24.99 at Everything Wine
Sparkling Peachy Mimosa
A twist on the classic cocktail, this one is for those who aren’t a fan of the tangy mimosa. The Kim Crawford Extra Dry Prosecco complements the peach schnapps with notes of crunchy pear, tropical fruit and citrus
Serves 1
1 ounce peach schnapps
1/2 cup Kim Crawford Extra Dry Prosecco
3 ounces peach juice
Edible glitter or luster dust (optional)
Combine the peach schnapps and peach juice and give it a quick stir. You can also add in some luster dust or edible glitter to make your drink sparkle. Finally, top it off with Kim Crawford Extra Dry Prosecco.
While making a mimosa, always remember to add the sparkling wine first and then the juice. This way, the cocktail mixes itself and the bubbly won’t go flat while stirring.
Media release and images provided by Giulia Sa Barreto, Media Profile.
