Mimosa Flight Recipe

Chill and measure

Ensure all juices and sparkling wines are well chilled (ideally 38–45°F / 3–7°C). Place flutes or tasting glasses in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Strain fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit juices through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp if you prefer a cleaner presentation.

If using simple syrup for sweeter pours, divide the 2 tsp among the juices that need it and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust—use syrup only where desired (for example, a tart grapefruit or cranberry can benefit from a little sweetening).

Portion juices

For a 4-flight tasting for 4 people (one pour per person per flavor), plan approximately 2–2.5 oz juice per tasting glass. For a single 4-taste flight (each guest receives 4 small pours), pour about 2–2.5 fl oz (60–75 ml) of each juice into separate small pitchers or measuring cups so they’re ready to top with sparkling wine.

Suggested per-pour juice volumes: Orange 2.5 oz, Grapefruit 2.5 oz, Pineapple 2 oz (sweeter, a touch less), Cranberry 2 oz (tart). Adjust slightly to balance sweetness and bubble.

Top with sparkling wine

Hold each tasting glass at a slight angle and gently pour sparkling wine (or rosé sparkling for one of the flights) over the back of a spoon or directly into the glass to avoid excessive foam. Aim for about 3–3.5 oz (90–105 ml) sparkling wine per tasting glass so the final ratio is roughly 2:3 (juice:wine) but you can adjust to preference.

If you want a lower-ABV option in the flight, use sparkling water to top one of the juices instead of wine or use a 50/50 mix of sparkling water and wine.

Garnish each tasting glass according to the juice: orange slice on the rim of the orange mimosa, small grapefruit wedge on the grapefruit mimosa, small pineapple leaf or wedge for pineapple, and a few cranberries or a lemon twist for the cranberry mimosa. Do not crowd the glass—one small garnish per pour.

Arrange the four glasses on a wooden flight board or small tray from lightest to boldest (pineapple, orange, grapefruit, cranberry) or by color for visual appeal. Serve immediately while sparkling wine is still fizzy.

If you prepared juices in pitchers, keep them iced and chilled, and replenish sparkling wine as needed. Provide a small spoon for guests who want to stir before sipping.

Make everything just before serving to preserve bubbles. Pre-chill juices and flutes but avoid mixing too early. Fresh-squeezed juices taste best; if using bottled juice, choose high-quality 100% juice with no added sugars for balanced flavors.

For a 4-person tasting where each guest receives a full flight of four small pours, the quantities listed will be sufficient (sparkling wine ~2 cups total, juices 1 cup each). Scale up proportionally for more guests.