These Mistletoe Mimosas are the perfect festive drink to serve during the holiday season. I love how they instantly brighten up any table with their vibrant colors and joyful sparkle. With tart cranberry, sweet apple, and the aromatic touch of rosemary, each glass feels like a celebration. It’s a refreshing, beautiful drink that’s great for family gatherings, brunches, or any cozy winter moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like how effortlessly festive this recipe is. The combination of cranberry and apple juice gives the drink a balanced flavor—sweet, tangy, and crisp. The rosemary adds a wintery, aromatic flair, and the mistletoe-inspired ice cubes make it feel extra special. It’s easy to make, looks stunning in a glass, and is suitable for everyone around the table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fresh cranberries
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Cranberry juice cocktail
Apple juice
Sparkling cider (chilled)
Ice cube molds
Cocktail glasses
Directions
I place about 12 cranberries into each section of an ice cube mold.
I pour cranberry juice into each mold until halfway full, then top it off with apple juice, leaving a little room at the top.
I tuck in a rosemary sprig, then place the mold in the freezer overnight until solid.
When ready to serve, I gently remove the ice cubes and place them into glasses.
I pour sparkling cider over the cubes and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 drinks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Variations
Citrus Splash: Sometimes I add a little orange or lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Berry Twist: I like using pomegranate seeds or frozen raspberries in place of cranberries for a different look.
Herbal Swap: Mint or thyme works just as well if I’m out of rosemary.
Juice Mix-Up: I’ve tried white grape or pear juice instead of apple, and it turned out delicious.
Big Batch Style: I make a large pitcher and pour it over mistletoe ice cubes in each glass when serving guests.
Storage/Reheating
The mistletoe ice cubes stay fresh in the freezer for up to five days. While they can last longer, I try to use them within that time to keep the rosemary looking its best. No reheating is needed—just keep everything cold and ready to pour.
FAQs
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, I make the ice cubes the night before so everything’s ready to go when it’s time to serve.
Do I need to use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are ideal for presentation, but frozen ones work just as well.
What can I use instead of rosemary?
If I don’t have rosemary, I use a sprig of thyme or a mint leaf. Both add a festive touch.
Can I use different juices?
Absolutely. I’ve swapped apple juice for white grape or pear, and it still turns out great.
How do I serve this for a group?
I prepare individual glasses with mistletoe ice cubes and keep the sparkling cider chilled. It’s quick to pour and looks beautiful.
Conclusion
Mistletoe Mimosas bring sparkle, color, and a festive feeling to any holiday celebration. I love serving them because they’re easy to prepare, visually stunning, and filled with seasonal flavors. Whether I’m hosting a brunch or just enjoying a quiet moment during the holidays, this cheerful drink is always a favorite.
Mistletoe Mimosas are a festive, non‑alcoholic bubbly drink combining sparkling cider over rosemary‑and‑cranberry apple ice cubes, creating a seasonal, elegant, and refreshing holiday mocktail.
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries (about 72, or ~12 per drink for 6 glasses)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (6 small sprigs for ice cubes, plus extra for garnish)
Cranberry juice (or cranberry cocktail)
Apple juice
Sparkling cider, chilled
Ice cube molds
Cocktail / flute glasses
Instructions
Wash and remove grapes from stems, then dry thoroughly. (In this case, wash and dry cranberries instead.)
Line ice cube molds. Into each mold cavity, place ~12 cranberries and a small rosemary sprig.
Carefully pour cranberry juice into each mold cavity until about half full, then top off with apple juice (leaving a bit of room for expansion).
Freeze overnight (at least 8 hours) until fully solid.
When ready to serve, remove the mistletoe ice cubes from the molds and place one in each glass.
Pour chilled sparkling cider over the cubes, letting them sink and slowly melt.
Garnish with extra rosemary or fresh cranberries if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute pomegranate or fresh cranberry juice for a deeper color and flavor.
If you prefer less tartness, reduce the proportion of cranberry juice or use a sweeter apple juice blend.
For extra sparkle, use a dry or semi‑dry non‑alcoholic sparkling beverage instead of cider.
The rosemary sprigs inside the ice cubes will gradually infuse the drink with aroma as they melt.
Prepare the ice cubes up to 3–4 days ahead of time and keep them sealed to prevent odor absorption.
