10 Ideas For Creating The Perfect Mimosa Bar

Have you ever turned down a mimosa ? Of course, not! There’s no better way to start your weekend (or random Wednesday, when circumstances allow) than with a socially acceptable mix of Champagne and fruit juice shortly after you and the sun rise from your overnight slumbers. T

here’s just something about that healthy little dose of vitamin C paired with bubbly that screams, “The day is young, and so are we!”

When hosting brunch, a mimosa bar is an absolute crowd pleaser. It makes hosting easy because each guest can create a custom cocktail that pleases their individual palates, and the possibilities for wowing your guests with fancy accouterments are endless.

10 Fun Mimosa Bar Ideas

Try these mimosa bar ideas for your next soiree, and then sit back and enjoy the glasses raised in your honor for being such an epic host.

1. Organize based on flow

To avoid overcrowding and guests bumping elbows with each other, start by arranging your mimosa bar to best suit the natural flow of concocting this cocktail. First, have the glassware organized and stacked (with risers if needed) on the left.

Next comes the Champagne options, on ice of course. To the right of that, place the fresh juices and any mixers or syrups, chilled. Finally, the fun garnishes.

2. Use high-end glassware

Nobody wants to sip their mimosa out of plastic drinkware, so up the ante with fancy Champagne flutes or Champagne coupes—but that doesn't mean you have to spend a ton on new crystal stemware.

"I like to go check out my local Goodwill or thrift shops to find cool vintage glassware," says John Wilhelm, beverage manager at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and two-time finalist at the Arizona Last Slinger Standing cocktail competition. "This would be perfect to elevate the experience."

And no, you don’t need matching sets.

3. Create some cohesion

Decanting your juices of choice from their plastic, store-bought bottles to matching glass vessels is one of the easiest ways to elevate a mimosa bar, says Steve Bales, creative director of Bold Catering & Design in Atlanta. "These small, yet impactful, details will have your guests questioning if they are brunching at a friend’s home or at the Four Seasons."

4. Choose your bubbles wisely

Because you are going to be adding so much flavor from other ingredients, you don’t need to break the bank on your sparkling wine by buying expensive Champagne brands like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot.

"Instead, find a nice Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava, or American sparkling wine," says Andrew Erickson, the lead bartender at Italian hotspot Culaccino outside of Nashville. "You can also enjoy a sparkling wine cocktail with other options like sparkling rose, Lambrusco, or Moscato d’Asti."

5. Offer a non-alcoholic option

Don't leave those following a sober lifestyle out of the mimosa bar fun. There are plenty of booze-free sparkling "wines" available for yummy mocktails.

"You can use sparkling water to sub for Champagne," says Wilhelm. "There are also some great sparkling options, such as Fever Tree’s Elderflower Tonic Water or Lime & Yuzu Soda that could replace the Champagne."

6. Keep it cold

Keeping the Champagne cold is crucial to the execution of a mimosa bar, and a sterling silver champagne bucket is a classic option, especially for multiple bottles.

"If you’re hosting a smaller crowd, or only want one bottle out at a time, a Champagne bucket ice mold is a great option," says Bales. "Adding elements such as flowers, fresh herbs, or fruit slices to the ice mold can really upgrade this look and will take it from just a functional item to a piece of art. The ice mold will not only it keep the bubbles cold, but it can also act as an eye-catching centerpiece to your mimosa bar."

7. Make the juice as enticing as the bubbles

Orange juice is expected, but why stop there? "Adding other juices such as cranberry, grapefruit, pomegranate, or even a peach puree allows your guests to create a cocktail worthy of their tastebuds,” says Bales. Offer several options, so each guest is sure to find one that pleases their palate.

8. Got garnishes?

Want to ensure beautiful photos? Many times, photo-worthy cocktails come down to the chosen garnishes.

"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 have a regular mimosa bar when you can have one that sparkles?

"You can find many different colors of edible glitter to coordinate with the theme of your party," says Wilhelm. "I like to use a company called Fancy Sprinkles , and they have many options to choose from for any occasion: gender reveal, wedding, bachelorette party, holiday party, and more."

Edible flowers are another option for adding an elegant touch to your mimosa.

10. Give it a Southern twist

Give your mimosa bar a little touch of Southern hospitality with the addition of some spirits.

"Feature fresh, Southern juices and spike with local bourbon," says Anthony Caporale , director of Spirits Education at the Institute of Culinary Education. "Then, add mint leaves for muddling, and garnish and serve in julep cups."