Merry Christmas mimosa and mocktail

Christmas morning is one of, if not the most joyful, mornings of the year. Giddy children racing around, the excitement of the newborn King finally arriving, and everyone dressed in their Christmas outfits for morning Mass. Whether you’re making Christmas brunch yourself or relying on store-bought goodies to create a bountiful holiday spread, top off the morning festivities with a merry Christmas mimosa or mocktail. Ruby pomegranate juice, citrusy orange juice, and Cointreau are mixed together and topped with your choice of bubbly — either prosecco or champagne. For a mocktail version, use the same juices, omit the Cointreau, and top with soda like Sprite, Ginger Ale, or Fresca. With only a few ingredients, raise a glass to peace, love, and joy as you celebrate Christ’s birth with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas mimosa

 Serves 1   

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. (60 ml) pomegranate juice, chilled 
• 1 oz. (30 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled
• 1/2 oz. (15 ml) Cointreau
• Prosecco or champagne, chilled, to top 
• Fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
• Lime and/or orange slices, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the pomegranate juice, orange juice, and Cointreau. Stir or shake until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute and top with Prosecco or Champagne. 
2. Garnish with a few fresh or frozen cranberries and add a lime or orange slice to the rim of the glass.

Merry Christmas Mocktail

 Serves 1   

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. (60 ml) pomegranate juice, chilled 
• 1 oz. (30 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice, chilled
• Sprite, Ginger Ale, or Fresca, chilled, to top 
• Fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
• Lime and/or orange slices, for garnish

Directions:

3. In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the pomegranate juice and orange juice. Stir or shake until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or glass of choice and top with Sprite, Ginger Ale, or Fresca. 
4. Garnish with a few fresh or frozen cranberries and add a lime or orange slice to the rim of the glass.

Notes:

• If you don’t have Cointreau, any orange liqueur or triple sec will work. 
• Sprite, Ginger Ale, Fresca, or Seven Up are all great options for the mocktail. You can even use sparkling white grape juice or any other light citrus soda/beverage.