Give Classic Mimosas A Cozy Fall Twist With One Simple Swap

The most important part of any mimosa is the crisp, bubbly champagne, so is switching out the orange juice really that drastic? Sure, the citrusy drink adds a zingy touch, but as the weather cools, it's nice to have a cozy component to combat the frigid air. For mimosas fit for fall, swap the OJ for apple cider.

The iconic spiced beverage has the perfect amount of complexity to amp up mimosas. A warming blend of cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar balances the effervescent champagne with a heady twist. Plus, plenty of apple ciders feature oranges, so you can still get tart hints that preserve the signature zestiness of mimosas. Using store-bought apple cider is the quickest way to whip up the fall-themed mimosas, but making your own lets you control just how spiced the autumnal drink is.

When it comes time to choosing the best champagne for your mimosa, sparkling wines that are on the dryer side prevent the drink from being too sweet. You don't need to be a mixologist to concoct an apple cider mimosa, but adding the right finishing touch will definitely impress your brunch crowd. Brûléed fruit elevates the drink easily — try a caramelized orange slice or apple wedge to draw out the flavors of the cocktail. Coat the rim of the champagne flute with brown or cinnamon sugar, and add a cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig to garnish.

Apple cider adds the perfect touch to fall cocktails, but it's not the only drink available that gives mimosas an autumnal twist. Tart, ruby red cranberry mimosas have the look and taste of a cocktail made especially for chilly weather soirees. A simple mix of cranberry juice and champagne is delicious, but you can make things heartier by simmering the juice with warm spices for a mulled wine flair. Once cold, mix it with equal parts (or more) champagne, and garnish with sugared cranberries, thyme, and a lime slice.

If you don't want something quite as sour as cranberry, try out a pomegranate mimosa. It has a nice balance between sweet and tart, and makes a delicious pairing with bubbly champagne. Mix equal parts pomegranate juice and champagne, or stir orange juice and pomegranate syrup together for a hint of classic mimosa flavor. Coat the flute in a lime and sugar rim, and garnish with some pomegranate arils and an orange peel twist.

Squashes aren't just for baking — pumpkin works well in classic cocktails, too, and a mimosa isn't excluded. A pumpkin pie mimosa offers nutty, spiced flavor that's ideal with an autumnal brunch. For the juice component, add a heap of pumpkin puree to simmering apple cider, or mix pumpkin spice syrup with orange juice before combining it with champagne. Add a caramel and pumpkin spice sugar rim and finish with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if you want to make it extra special.