A mimosa is the traditional New Year’s Eve drink made with sparkling wine and orange juice.
The cocktail is usually served in a flute or wine glass, combining chilled sparkling wine with orange juice. Champagne is one possible sparkling wine, but the word “mimosa” does not require Champagne specifically; prosecco, cava, or another sparkling wine may also be used.
The drink became strongly associated with brunch and celebratory occasions during the twentieth century. Its light color and simple preparation helped make it popular for weddings, holiday gatherings, and New Year toasts.
The mimosa is often confused with related sparkling cocktails. A Bellini uses peach purée or nectar, while a Buck’s Fizz generally has a higher proportion of sparkling wine and is associated with British cocktail culture. Recipes vary in ratio, so there is no single mandatory measure, but orange juice and sparkling wine are the defining ingredients.