Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa

There’s nothing quite like a Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa to turn an ordinary brunch into something special. Picture this: sweet strawberries, tangy orange juice, and bubbly prosecco all dancing together in your glass, creating that perfect sunrise effect. I fell in love with this drink at my best friend’s bridal shower years ago—one sip, and I just had to recreate it at home!

This isn’t your average mimosa. The strawberry syrup adds this incredible depth of flavor that makes it stand out from the usual orange juice and champagne combo. Perfect for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or just because it’s Saturday, this drink always feels like a little celebration in a glass. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to plain mimosas again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa

This isn’t just another mimosa—it’s the one that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. Here’s why it’s special:

• Fruit-forward flavor: The homemade strawberry syrup adds a burst of fresh berry taste that store-bought mixes just can’t match
• Brunch showstopper: That gorgeous sunrise gradient in the glass makes it almost too pretty to drink (almost!)
• Easy elegance: With just 20 minutes of active prep, you get a cocktail that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bar
• Crowd-pleaser magic: The blend of strawberry and orange satisfies both sweet and tart lovers at your table

I’ve served these at everything from bridal showers to lazy Sunday brunches, and they never fail to disappear fast!

Ingredients for the Perfect Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference between a good mimosa and a wow mimosa. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the strawberry syrup: 2 cups fresh strawberries (quartered), 2 strips of orange peel (about 1-inch each), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 sprigs fresh mint
• The boozy boost: 1/3 cup Grand Marnier (that orange liqueur magic!)
• The bubbly base: 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (please, no concentrate!), 1 bottle prosecco or champagne (chilled!)
• Garnish game: Extra strawberry slices, orange wheels, and fresh mint sprigs for that perfect finishing touch

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Ran out of something? No panic! Here’s how to adapt:

• Strawberries: Frozen work in a pinch – just thaw and drain excess liquid first
• Orange peel: Skip if you must, but it adds amazing depth – I’ve used 1/4 tsp orange extract as backup
• Grand Marnier: Triple sec or Cointreau work, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich
• Pro tip: That “freshly squeezed” orange juice matters! The bottled stuff makes the drink taste flat compared to the bright, vibrant flavor of fresh

One thing I wouldn’t substitute? The prosecco/champagne – sparkling water just won’t give you the same celebratory feel!

How to make Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa

Okay, let’s make some magic happen! Follow these steps and you’ll have the most gorgeous, flavorful mimosas in no time:

1. Make the strawberry syrup: Toss those quartered strawberries, orange peels, sugar, water, and mint into a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat – you’ll know it’s ready when the strawberries soften and the liquid turns syrupy (about 20 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
2. Cool it down: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely (about 30 minutes). This is when all those flavors really get to know each other. I usually use this time to prep my garnishes and juice those oranges.
3. Strain and mix: Pour the cooled syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract every last drop of flavor. Stir in the Grand Marnier – this is when the syrup transforms into something magical.
4. Assemble with care: For each glass, pour about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture, then add 2 tablespoons orange juice. Slowly top with chilled prosecco – pouring it down the side of the glass creates that beautiful sunrise effect!
5. Finish with flair: Garnish with strawberry slices, an orange wheel, and a mint sprig. The mint isn’t just pretty – give it a little slap between your hands to release those aromatic oils before adding!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

After making these dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Chill everything – cold ingredients mean colder drinks that stay bubbly longer
• Don’t rush the syrup – letting it cool completely prevents cloudy mimosas
• Pour prosecco last – adding it slowly preserves those precious bubbles
• Taste as you go – adjust syrup amounts based on your sweetness preference

Serving & Presentation Ideas for Sunrise Strawberry Mimosas

Presentation is half the fun with these beauties! I always use tall champagne flutes – the extra height shows off that gorgeous sunrise gradient perfectly. For outdoor brunches, mason jars with striped paper straws give such a cute rustic vibe. Arrange your garnishes on a wooden board for guests to customize: think orange twists instead of wheels for a more elegant look, or edible flowers for special occasions. These pair amazingly with buttery croissants, fresh fruit salad, or my favorite – a big plate of crispy bacon! The sweet-tart flavors cut right through rich brunch foods.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

The strawberry syrup is your best friend for stress-free entertaining! It keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – I always make a double batch because it’s that good on pancakes too. But here’s my golden rule: never mix the prosecco ahead of time. Those precious bubbles disappear fast! Assemble your mimosas just before serving for maximum fizz and that stunning sunrise effect.

Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa FAQs

Can I use champagne instead of prosecco?
Absolutely! I actually prefer a dry champagne sometimes – it makes the strawberry flavor pop even more. Just avoid anything too sweet or you’ll lose that perfect balance. The bubbles are what matter most!

How can I make it sweeter?
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try adding an extra teaspoon of sugar to the strawberry syrup while it’s simmering. Or drizzle a tiny bit of honey in your glass before adding the other ingredients. My grandma’s trick? A splash of simple syrup in each flute!

What if I don’t have Grand Marnier?
No worries – triple sec works in a pinch. I’ve even used a tablespoon of good vanilla extract once when I was desperate (surprisingly tasty!). But honestly? The orange liqueur adds such depth that it’s worth keeping a small bottle around just for these mimosas.

Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Yes! Skip the Grand Marnier and use ginger ale or sparkling cider instead of prosecco. The strawberry-orange combo still shines. My niece loves this version for “fancy” weekend breakfasts.

How far ahead can I prep?
The syrup keeps for 3 days refrigerated (it gets even more flavorful!), but always mix with prosecco right before serving. Warm bubbles = sad brunch. I learned that lesson the hard way at my first attempt hosting!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re sipping on! These estimates can vary depending on your exact ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per mimosa:

• Calories: About 150
• Sugar: 12g (mostly from the natural fruit sugars)
• Carbs: 15g

Not too bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The fresh ingredients make all the difference – no artificial sweeteners or weird additives here!

Share Your Sunrise Strawberry Mimosa

I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic of your gorgeous mimosas and tag me on Instagram. Nothing makes me happier than seeing how you put your own spin on this recipe. Cheers to many bubbly brunches ahead!

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