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Cocktail History
The Nucleus Mimosa is a brunch cocktail that was created at The Nucleus, a brunch restaurant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Similar to the classic Mimosa, the recipe is also made with sparkling wine and orange juice, but it adds in cranberry juice for more tartness and a lovely ombré color.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Sparkling Wine: This is a carbonated wine made with white or red grapes. I used Villa Bellezza Winery Brillante.
Orange Juice: This is the liquid juice of an orange. I used Simply Orange Juice.
Cranberry Juice: This is the liquid juice of cranberries. I used Simply Orange Cranberry Cocktail.
Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Measuring Cup: This is used to carefully pour juice into the glass. I used the OXO Steel Angled Measuring Jigger.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Bright red and yellow-orange with an ombré effect
• Aroma: Citrus and dry wine
• Taste: Orange juice flavor mixed with bubbly sparkling wine
• Finish: Bittersweet cranberry and tart lime
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I don’t drink much orange juice, but I will when the reward of getting slightly buzzed at brunch is in it for me. The Nucleus Mimosa in particular tastes very similar to the classic, but its presentation is *chef’s kiss* There’s a reason it’s become so iconic in my hometown. When you see a waiter walk by with a tray of these beauties, it’s hard to resist ordering one. And now you can make it from the comfort of your own home!”
Recipe
Nucleus Mimosa
The Nucleus Mimosa is a brunch cocktail that was created at The Nucleus, a brunch restaurant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Similar to the classic Mimosa, the recipe is also made with sparkling wine and orange juice, but it adds in cranberry juice for more tartness and a lovely ombré color.

Ingredients
Method
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Add orange juice to a champagne glass.
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Top with sparkling wine.
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Slowly pour cranberry juice down one side of the glass so it sinks to the bottom.
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Gently squeeze lime slice over top.
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Garnish with lime slice.