Updated June 2026

We love Mimosas: champagne and orange juice. We love blood oranges.

So when this recipe arrived for a Bloody Mimosa (photo #1), we thought: This is it for Halloween.

Not only does the “bloody” orange juice make a much better-looking Mimosa; a few chips of dry ice give the drink a spooky smoking effect.

The original recipe, from Mionetto “IL” Prosecco, follows.

For a traditional Mimosa (photo #2), just use regular orange juice. Fresh-squeezed is the best, of course: the drink is half juice.
 
Below:

> Recipe: Smoking Blood Orange Mimosa.

> The history of the Mimosa cocktail.

Elsewhere on The Nibble:

> The three types of blood oranges.

> More Mimosa cocktail recipes.

> More Halloween cocktails.

> A longer history of the Mimosa.

> The dfifferent types of sparking wine.

> The year’s 10+ Champagne and other bubbly/sparkling wine holidays.

> The year’s 100+ cocktail and spirit holidays.
 
 
RECIPE: SMOKING BLOOD ORANGE MIMOSA

Ingredients

 
Preparation

1. FILL a flute or other glass halfway with the sparkling (tip: to conserve the bubbles, tilt the glass as you add the wine). Slowly add the juice.

2. SHAVE off several small chips of dry ice, using an ice pick or sharp knife. Add just enough to start the smoke effect [photo #2]. Serve immediately.

TIP: Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes a huge difference. You can have a fun tasting party trying different types of orange juice: The sweeter Navel juice vs. the more acidic Valencia, for example. Blood oranges, with their rosy color and raspberry notes, will provide a different experience entirely (and a wonderful one!). Provide small pours so everyone can taste the differences. As a ringer, throw in a version made with a carton of orange juice.
 
 
THE HISTORY OF THE MIMOSA COCKTAIL

The Mimosa, a cocktail composed of equal parts of orange juice and Champagne or other dry, white sparkling wine, was invented circa 1925 in the Hôtel Ritz in Paris, by bartender Frank Meier.

Served in a Champagne flute, it is believed to be named after the the mimosa evergreen shrub (Acacia dealbata), which bears flowers of a similar color to the drink.

The optional addition of a small amount of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier complements the juice and gives the drink more complexity.

Because of the juice component, the Mimosa is often served at brunch. A Grapefruit Mimosa with grapefruit juice is a popular variation.

[1] Bloody Orange Mimosa cocktail, with a color perfect for harvest season (photo: The Nibble).

[2] Smoking Cranberry Mimosa. The recipe is in the †footnote (photo: The Nibble).

[3] The perfect classic Mimosa will use fresh-squeezed orange juice (photo: The Nibble).

*Buck and mule are old names for mixed drinks made with ginger ale or ginger beer, plus citrus juice. They can be made with any base liquor. Why buck? Why mule? That answer is lost to history, but here’s a detailed discussion.

†Cranberry Mimosa recipe per drink: 2 ounces chilled cranberry juice or cranberry liqueur plus 4 ounces chilled sparkling wine* (regular or rosé). Add the cranberry to the glass and pour in the wine at an angle. Stir briefly or not at all. Optional garnish: lemon curl, orange wheel, or a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Three years ago, Kids Food Festival was launched to help fight childhood obesity. The concept: fun and flavorful family activities that help kids learn about balanced food choices.

The next Kids Food Festival will be held at Union Market in Washington, D.C. on Saturday and Sunday November, 2nd and 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

That’s right after the kids have gorged themselves on Halloween candy. It’s a teaching moment.

If you’re in the greater D.C. area, take the kids to this fun, delicious and unique event.
Activities include:

General admission is free. You do need to purchase tickets for hands-on cooking classes programmed by the James Beard Foundation ($25 plus $2.37 Eventbrite service charge).
For more information, and to inquire about bringing Kids Food Festival to your area, visit KidsFoodFestival.com.

Join the conversation on Twitter @KidsFoodFestFun and at @UnionMarketDC hashtag #KFF

Originally developed as a squeezable, shelf stable, organic line for babies and toddlers, Happy Family products have developed to please the whole family, including kids, teens and grown-ups.

The company has launched three new Happy Squeeze varieties for kids and adults: Happy Squeeze Greek Yogurt pouches in Peachy Keen, Razzleberry and Super Strawberry.

The squeeze yogurt pouches require no refrigeration and can be tossed into backpacks, gym bags, desk drawers, glove compartments and the like.

For harvest season, check out Happy Squeeze TREAT Caramel Apple pouch.

Whether you’re a candy-free household or simply seeking better-for-you treats, these guilt-free pouches, which are available year-round, provide the alternative caramel apple experience.

Each pouch has just 100 calories, contains half cup of fruit and is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. Each pouch delivers two grams of protein, as well.

Made with only the best organic ingredients, Happy Squeeze is all natural, certified USDA organic, gluten free and certified kosher dairy by OU.
The suggested retail price is $1.79 per pouch. Learn more at HappyFamilyBrands.com.