Frosty Strawberry Mimosas are a vibrant and elegant twist on the classic brunch cocktail, transforming it into a slushy, refreshing, and visually stunning drink that is perfect for celebrations, warm-weather gatherings, or simply elevating a leisurely weekend morning. This recipe masterfully blends the convenience of frozen strawberries with the sophisticated effervescence of champagne, creating a drink that is both effortlessly chic and delightfully easy to prepare. The magic begins in the blender, where the frozen strawberries are pureed with a touch of sugar and a base of champagne into a thick, vibrant, and frosty slush. This strawberry base acts as a flavorful foundation that, when topped with more chilled bubbly, creates a beautiful ombre effect in the glass and ensures the drink stays cold without being diluted by traditional ice cubes. The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail that is neither too sweet nor too tart, with the natural berry flavor shining through alongside the crisp, dry notes of the champagne.
The true brilliance of this cocktail lies in its versatility and its make-ahead potential. The strawberry slush base can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the freezer, allowing you to simply pour and top with champagne when your guests arrive, making entertaining seamless and stress-free. Unlike a standard mimosa, the thick, frozen base provides a luxurious, sorbet-like texture that slowly melds with the bubbly, creating a dynamic drinking experience that evolves with every sip. The garnish of a fresh strawberry, artfully sliced and perched on the rim, adds a final touch of elegance and freshness. Frosty Strawberry Mimosas are more than just a drink; they are a festive, celebratory experience that brings a burst of color and joy to any table, promising to be the star of your next brunch or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Refreshingly Frosty Texture: The slushy, sorbet-like base keeps the drink perfectly chilled without watery dilution, offering a unique and delightful texture.
- Elegant and Impressive: With its beautiful pink hue and ombre effect, this mimosa looks far more sophisticated and special than a standard orange juice version.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Ease: The strawberry slush can be blended hours ahead of time, making last-minute assembly a breeze for effortless entertaining.
- Customizable Sweetness: You have full control over the sugar level, allowing you to tailor the sweetness to your preference and the dryness of your chosen sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 bottle (750 ml) well-chilled champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or other dry sparkling wine
- Fresh whole strawberries, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Slush Base
In a high-powered blender, combine the frozen strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of the chilled champagne. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is completely smooth and has a thick, slushy consistency. If the mixture is too thick for the blender to process, add an additional ¼ cup of champagne and blend again.
Step 2: Assemble the Mimosas
For each serving, pour the strawberry slush into a champagne flute, filling the glass about halfway. Slowly top off each glass with additional chilled champagne, pouring it gently over the back of a spoon to create a distinct layered effect.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve Immediately
To prepare the garnish, take a fresh strawberry and make a single slice from the tip towards the stem, stopping about ¾ of the way so the berry remains intact. Gently slide the strawberry onto the rim of the flute. Serve the mimosas immediately while frosty and effervescent.
Tips:
- Choose Your Bubbly Wisely: A dry (brut) sparkling wine, Prosecco, or Cava works best to balance the sweetness of the strawberries. Avoid sweet or demi-sec varieties, as the drink may become overly sweet.
- Taste and Adjust: Before assembling all the drinks, taste the strawberry slush base. Depending on the natural sweetness of your berries, you may want to add a bit more sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice to perfect the balance.
- Keep Everything Cold: For the frostiest result, ensure the champagne is very well chilled and the glasses are cold. You can chill the glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Blend in Batches: If you are making a large quantity for a party, blend the strawberry base in batches to avoid overworking your blender and to ensure a consistently smooth texture.
Storage Options:
- Strawberry Slush Base: The blended strawberry and champagne mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 24 hours. It will freeze solid, so let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before scooping into glasses.
- Assembled Drinks: Frosty Strawberry Mimosas are best enjoyed immediately after assembly to preserve the bubbly effervescence and the desired slushy texture. They are not suitable for storing once mixed.
