Print

Perfect Apple Cider Mimosa Bar for Easy Fall Brunch

apple cider mimosa bar - featured image
Print Recipe

A self-serve mimosa bar featuring spiced apple cider syrup and sparkling wine, perfect for fall brunches. Guests can customize their drinks with garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and pomegranate arils.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (475 ml) fresh apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 4 to 5 whole cloves
  • 1 whole star anise pod
  • 2 strips orange peel (optional)
  • 2 to 3 bottles (750 ml each) sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) additional apple cider, chilled
  • Ice (optional)
  • Fresh apple slices (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for stirring)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Pomegranate arils
  • Caramel sauce (for rimming glasses)
  • Coarse sugar or crushed graham crackers (for rimming)
  • Whole star anise pods (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the spiced cider syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups apple cider, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 to 5 cloves, 1 star anise pod, and 2 strips orange peel (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until reduced by about half and deeply fragrant.
  2. Strain the syrup: Pour the warm mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass pitcher or jar. Discard the solids. Let cool completely to room temperature (about 20 to 30 minutes).
  3. Chill the syrup: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days ahead.
  4. Prepare the garnishes: Thinly slice apples and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, pomegranate arils, and star anise in small bowls. If using caramel rims, dip glass rims in caramel sauce then in coarse sugar or crushed graham crackers; let set.
  5. Set up the mimosa bar: Arrange glasses on a tray. Place chilled syrup in a small pitcher, chilled sparkling wine and extra apple cider nearby. Arrange garnish bowls in order.
  6. Let guests build their own: Fill glass about one-third full with syrup, then top with sparkling wine. Add a splash of extra cider if desired. Garnish with apple slice, cinnamon stick, rosemary, pomegranate arils, or star anise.
  7. Serve immediately: Stir gently with a cinnamon stick before sipping. Leave at least an inch of space at the top to prevent spills.

Notes

Make syrup ahead for best flavor. Chill syrup completely before serving to keep bubbles lively. Use a dry, fruity sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava. Garnishes are flexible; don’t stress if you’re missing one.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider mimosa, fall brunch, mimosa bar, spiced cider, Prosecco, fall cocktail, easy brunch drink

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/perfect-apple-cider-mimosa-bar-for-easy-fall-brunch/