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Perfect Spiked Apple Cider Mimosa Bar for Parties

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A simple yet stunning DIY mimosa bar featuring apple cider, Prosecco, and optional bourbon, with cinnamon-sugar rims and fresh garnishes. Perfect for holiday brunches, parties, and gatherings where guests can customize their own festive drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 2 bottles (750 ml each) Prosecco or Champagne (Brut recommended)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • 8–10 cinnamon sticks
  • 8–10 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Thinly sliced apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • Star anise (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Ice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the glasses (up to 2 hours ahead): Mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Lightly wet the rim of each champagne flute or coupe glass with a cut lemon or damp paper towel, then dip into the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. Set aside on a tray.
  2. Chill the Prosecco (at least 4 hours ahead): Place both bottles in the refrigerator. If short on time, use an ice bucket with half ice, half water, and a generous handful of salt to chill in about 20 minutes.
  3. Prep the garnishes (1 hour ahead): Wash and dry rosemary sprigs. Thinly slice apples using a mandoline set to 1/8 inch (3 mm). If desired, toss apple slices in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange cinnamon sticks, star anise, and rosemary sprigs in small bowls or directly on the serving board.
  4. Set up the bar (15 minutes before guests arrive): Place the pitcher of apple cider in the center of a large tray or board. Next to it, set the carafe of bourbon (if using). Arrange the rimmed glasses in a cluster. Place garnish bowls around the edges. If offering ice, put the bucket and tongs at one end.
  5. Make the first round (as guests arrive): Fill a glass halfway with apple cider. Add a splash of bourbon if desired (about 1 ounce / 30 ml). Top with Prosecco, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a rosemary sprig, and a thin apple slice floating on top.
  6. Let guests take over (for the rest of the party): Point guests to the bar and encourage them to make their own drinks. Provide a simple ratio guide: 1 part cider, 1 part bubbles, splash of bourbon (optional).

Notes

For best results, chill both the apple cider and Prosecco before serving. Don’t overfill glasses—fill halfway with cider, then top with bubbles, leaving about half an inch of space. Rim only half the glasses if serving a crowd, as some guests may prefer a plain rim. Bourbon can be substituted with spiced rum, dark rum, or vodka. For a mocktail, use non-alcoholic sparkling wine or sparkling apple cider.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider mimosa, spiked apple cider, mimosa bar, party drink, fall cocktail, brunch cocktail, Thanksgiving drink, holiday cocktail

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/perfect-spiked-apple-cider-mimosa-bar-for-parties/