10 ideas for creating the perfect Mimosa bar
” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ayQqGoc7qiHXscY5xjm2pA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/southern_living_806/3a2e14a162af703f8a0360baf9c0300c” class=”caas -img”/>
Caitlin Bensel; Food styling: Tori Cox
Have you given up on mimosas? Of course not! There’s no better way to kick off the weekend (or the occasional Wednesday) than with a socially acceptable mix of champagne and fruit juice shortly after waking up from a good night’s sleep. T
“The sun is young, and so are we!” There’s something about a healthy little dose of vitamin C paired with bubbly that just screams.
The mimosa bar is a crowd pleaser during brunch. This makes hosting easy, as each guest can create a custom cocktail to suit their individual tastes, and the possibilities to impress guests with stylish furnishings are endless.
Related: The Best Champagne for Mimosas
10 fun ideas for a mimosa bar
Try these mimosa bar ideas for your next party, then sit back and enjoy the glasses raised in your honor for being such an epic host.
1. Flow-based organization
To avoid overcrowding and guests bumping into each other, start by setting up the mimosa bar to match the natural flow of this cocktail. First, arrange and stack the glassware on the left (with risers if necessary).
Further champagne options are, of course, on ice. To its right, place fresh juices and any chilled mixers or syrups. Finally, fun side dishes.
2. Use high-quality glassware
No one wants to sip their mimosas out of plastic glasses, so up the ante with champagne flutes or champagne coupes, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton on a new crystal glass.
“I like to go to the local Goodwill stores or to find vintage glassware,” says John Wilhelm, beverage manager at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and a two-time finalist in the Arizona Last Slinger Standing cocktail competition. “It would be great to enhance the experience.”
No, you don’t need matching kits.
3. Some grouping
From store-bought plastic bottles to matching glassware, your choice of juices is one of the easiest ways to elevate the mimosa bar, according to Steve Bales, creative director of Atlanta-based Bold Catering & Design. “These small but impressive details will make your guests wonder whether they’re having breakfast at a friend’s house or at the Four Seasons.”
4. Choose your bubbles wisely
There’s no need to break the bank on sparkling wine by buying expensive champagne brands like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, as you’ll be adding a lot of flavor from other ingredients.
“Instead, find a nice Italian Prosecco, a Spanish cava, or an American sparkling wine,” says Andrew Erickson, head bartender at Culaccino, an Italian hotspot outside Nashville. “You can also enjoy a sparkling wine cocktail with other options like sparkling rosé, Lambrusco or Moscato d’Asti.”
5. Offer a non-alcoholic option
Don’t miss out on the fun of the mimosa bar for serious lifestylers. There are many non-alcoholic sparkling “wines” available for delicious mocktails.
“You can use sparkling water to drink champagne,” says Wilhelm. “There are also great sparkling options, such as Fever Tree’s Elderflower Tonic Water or Lime & Yuzu Soda, which can replace champagne.
” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/s.fyPtneM0zGi3Au.d0sMg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/southern_living_806/403221e119a6fc48a149db972e2ef8b8″ class=”caas-img”/>
Caitlin Bensel; Food styling: Tori Cox
6. Keep cool
Keeping champagne cold is essential to running a mimosa bar, and a silver champagne bucket is a classic option, especially for multiple bottles.
“If you’re hosting a smaller group or only want one bottle at a time, a champagne bucket ice mold is a great option,” says Bales. “Adding elements like flowers, fresh herbs, or slices of fruit to an ice mold can really enhance this look and transform it from just a functional item to a work of art. Not only does an ice mold keep the bubbles cool, but it also acts as an eye-catching centerpiece for a mimosa bar.” can do.
7. Seduce juice like bubbles
Orange juice is expected, but why stop there? “Adding other juices such as cranberry, grapefruit, pomegranate or even peach puree will allow your guests to create a cocktail to suit their tastes,” says Bales. Offer several options, so each guest will find something that suits their taste.
Related: Peach Bellini
8. Are there side dishes?
Want to provide beautiful photos? Side dishes of choice are often accompanied by photo-worthy cocktails.
“No mimosa bar is complete without colorful garnishes like orange wedges, blueberries, fresh rosemary or thyme, and strawberry slices—the options are endless,” says Bales.
9. Add edible decor
Why might you have a sparkling mimosa?
“You can find many different colors of edible glitter to coordinate with your party theme,” says Wilhelm. “I love using a company called Fancy Sprinkles and they have so many options to choose from for any occasion: gender reveal, wedding, bachelorette party, holiday party, and more.
Edible flowers are another option to add elegance to a mimosa.
10. Turn it south
Add some spirits to your mimosa bar and give it some southern hospitality.
“Offer juice with fresh, Southern juices and local bourbon,” says Anthony Caporale, director of culinary education institute Spirits Education. “Then, add mint leaves to mix, garnish, and serve in julep cups.”
Related: Grapefruit Rosemary Mimosa
Sign up for our newsletter for more Southern Living news!
Read the original article on Southern Living.