The Unexpected Ingredient That Will Take Your Mimosa Up A Notch

Smooth, bubbly, and refreshing, a mimosa has long been viewed as the perfect kind of drink for a summer brunch with old friends or a picnic at the park. The vibrant beverage can make any occasion feel like a celebration, and at times, it can even feel like a sin to refrain from ordering one to accompany your breakfast. Aside from it tasting like summer in a glass, it also packs a surprisingly healthy punch with many notable health benefits. Eating Well reports there is a slew of positive effects from the orange juice in the drink including a burst of Vitamin C and too many immune boosts to count. Even champagne is an unlikely heart-healthy choice packed with skin-clearing antioxidants according to We Drink Bubbles.

In moderation, the easy-to-make drink is a great choice for when you have that leftover bottle of Prosecco popped open after a celebratory birthday bash or another exciting occasion. Although it's effortlessly tasty on its own, it doesn't hurt to jazz things up every once in a while, the beloved mimosa included. There are different flavor variations and you could even try a mimosa recipe with fruit, but there's one especially unexpected ingredient that can take your mimosa up to a new level of deliciousness.

There are truly unlimited ideas when it comes to jazzing up the iconic mimosa. Before we jump into perhaps the best, here are some other ideas for a new spin on the classic to give you inspiration for your mimosa flight. For an elevated mimosa, try adding in other fruity flavors that will also mesh well with Prosecco. If you prefer more tart flavors, try swapping out the mimosa's orange juice for cranberry juice. This gives the drink a different kind of sweet edge, yet still keeps that strong flavor that kicks you into gear (via Stress Baking). Although this would be an especially wonderful addition to a winter menu, it's welcome for any time of the year. 

Another option for an unexpected ingredient would be to add a splash of pineapple juice to your drink to take the mimosa in a tropical direction. Garnish with a slice of pineapple for that extra island vibe. 

Whatever way you like to sip it, know that you can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned glass of champagne mixed with a small splash of orange juice. But it would be a shame to miss out on using this one unexpected ingredient.

If you want to really wow your brunch guests, bring out that champagne flute and get ready for a colorful twist (via Simply Made Recipes). The unexpected ingredient in question? Grenadine. To give your mimosa that special flair, first fill your favorite glass halfway with orange juice as usual, then add in either your champagne or Prosecco. Now comes the grenadine — slip a maraschino cherry into the glass and pour in a gentle stream of the grenadine syrup. The result is a sunrise mimosa. Garnish your drink with whatever your heart desires, from a plump little cherry to a bright orange slice, and you're all set with a fun grenadine-tinged take on the classic.

An important tip: If you pour the grenadine slowly and steadily, the result of this combination should be a sunrise look with the cherry red color seeping into the orange and yellow hues of the orange juice. Consider this the sister drink to the tequila sunrise. And if you're not a big fan of champagne, feel free to swap it out for sparkling grape juice instead.