Nothing says brunch like a classic Mimosa. It’s refreshing and can even be restorative after a late night. Fans of the cocktail enthusiastically order it at any time of day, while aficionados experiment with riffs and tweaks on the standard recipe to enjoy at home.
While seemingly simple to make, there are a few crucial tips to follow to create a fail-safe version of the citrusy libation. Best practices include sticking to dry versions of sparkling wine to avoid an overly sweet concoction. And if you’re mixing for a crowd, Mimosas are not the beverage for making in batches. Instead, create each drink individually to avoid the dilution of bubbles and eventual separation of the juice from the wine in a pitcher.
A classic version of the Mimosa calls for equal parts Champagne and orange juice. But for some, it’s not always realistic to drop the cash needed to buy Champagne, only to mix it with juice in a flute glass. While different in many ways, Italian Prosecco is a perfectly suitable and affordable substitution when making a Mimosa.
To determine the best Prosecco to use in the brunch classic, we searched for dry (also known as brut) Italian bubbly at a variety of price points. Here are seven of the best Proseccos for Mimosas, ranked.
7. Zonin Prosecco
Zonin has been crafting refreshing and crisp Italian bubbly for nearly 200 years. Quintessential Prosecco, this option is fruit-forward and approachable. Ripe red apple flavors lead the way in this widely available favorite. Average price: $11
6. La Tordera ‘Brunei’ Brut Prosecco
This is a soft Prosecco with delicate floral notes that mingle with aromas of ripe pear. Made entirely of Glera that is grown in alluvial clay soil, this expression reveals a clean minerality on the finish. Average price: $17
5. Sentio Prosecco Brut
A fuller-bodied option, Sentio awakens the palate with crisp and clean fruit-driven flavors. Certified sustainable, this Prosecco includes a small portion of Perera, an Italian grape that boosts the citrus and pear aromatics. Average price: $14
4. Zardetto Prosecco Brut
This bubbly is fragrant, light, and full of lively bubbles. Bursting with yellow apple and pear aromas, Zardetto comes alive with balanced acidity and a refreshing finish. Average price: $14
3. Adriano Adami ‘Garbèl’ Brut Prosecco
Garbèl in ancient Treviso dialect means dry and crisp. Candied aromas trick you into thinking this Prosecco is sweet, but on the palate it proves refreshingly tart. It is an austere pick, with a creamy mouthfeel and citrusy finish. Average price: $16
2. La Marca ‘Luminore’ Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Lively bubbles burst with aromas of peach and nectarine. Elements of stone fruit are a perfect complement to the citrus juice in your Mimosa. A soft and creamy texture rounds out the finish in this gentle Prosecco. Average price: $24
1. Bottega ‘Gold’ Prosecco Brut
The striking package of this gold-bottle Prosecco elevates any Mimosa worthy of occasion. Made entirely of Glera, it is crisp — balancing fresh, floral, and fruity flavors like a pro. Average price: $30