Vibrant Green St. Patrick’s Day Mimosa Recipe: Naturally Colored & Refreshing

As the festive spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day approaches, many seek unique and delightful ways to celebrate the rich culture and vibrant traditions of Ireland. Beyond the parades, shamrocks, and lively music, a truly special toast deserves to be raised. Imagine a drink as captivating as the Emerald Isle itself, shimmering with a natural, verdant hue – not from artificial food coloring, but from a magical blend of ingredients. This is exactly what our Green St. Patrick’s Day Mimosa offers: an elegant, easy-to-make, and refreshingly festive cocktail perfect for your holiday celebrations or any spring brunch.

Ireland, with its breathtaking landscapes, profound history, and an enduring spirit, is a place truly worthy of honor. From the rolling green hills to the ancient castles, it’s a land that inspires awe and joy. This mimosa aims to capture that essence, providing a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate everything Irish. It’s a simple, three-ingredient recipe that delivers a stunning soft green color and a unique floral-fruity flavor profile you won’t soon forget.

Forget the artificial green dyes often associated with St. Patrick’s Day drinks. Our secret lies in the unexpected alchemy of violet liqueur and orange juice, which combine to create a delightful kelly green shade. This mimosa is not just a treat for the eyes but also for the palate, offering a sweet, floral, and subtly tangy experience that elevates your brunch or party. So, fill your glass with this verdant concoction and raise a toast to the resilient spirit of Ireland and the joy of a good celebration!

And remember, while perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, this gorgeous drink is also fantastic for National Mimosa Day on May 16 or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and a splash of color!

Jump to Recipe Card below for full instructions!

Why a Green Mimosa for St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is synonymous with the color green, symbolizing the lush landscapes of Ireland and the shamrock. While many resort to food coloring to achieve a festive green drink, our mimosa offers a natural and more sophisticated alternative. The magic happens when the purple hue of Monin Violet Liqueur meets the bright orange (yellow) of citrus juice. This color combination naturally creates a beautiful, soft green, surprising guests with its unexpected origin and delicate floral notes.

Mimosas themselves are a classic brunch staple, beloved for their simplicity and effervescence. By transforming this beloved cocktail into a verdant tribute, we create a drink that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s an ideal choice for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch, a spring garden party, or any event where you want to serve something effortlessly elegant and festive.

🎥 Watch How to Make It: Video Tutorial

🥘 Key Ingredients for Your Green Mimosa

Crafting this elegant St. Patrick’s Day mimosa requires only three primary ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its unique color and flavor. Quality ingredients will always yield the best results, so choose wisely!

• Sparkling Wine: The foundation of any great mimosa! You have several excellent options here. Champagne is the classic choice, offering crispness and fine bubbles. Prosecco, with its lighter fruit notes and often more affordable price, is another fantastic option. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, also works beautifully. Since orange juice is naturally sweet, a drier sparkling wine (like Brut or Extra Dry) will provide a balanced flavor profile. However, if you prefer a sweeter cocktail, opt for a Demi-Sec or Doux sparkling wine. Remember, the amount of wine needed will vary slightly based on your chosen glass, but generally aim for half a glass of sparkling wine to start, leaving room for the orange juice and violet liqueur. Always ensure your sparkling wine is well-chilled for the best effervescence and taste.
• Orange Juice: The sweet and tangy partner! Whether you opt for freshly squeezed or a high-quality bottled variety, orange juice is essential. Freshly squeezed juice offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but a good quality store-bought brand will also work perfectly. Experiment with different varieties of oranges if you’re juicing yourself – Navel for classic sweetness, Valencia for a juicy tang, or even blood oranges for a subtle twist (though this might slightly alter the final green hue). The yellow/orange color of the juice is crucial for the magical green transformation with the violet liqueur.
• Monin Violet Liqueur: This is the star ingredient that creates the stunning green color without any artificial dyes! Monin Violet Liqueur is a sweet, floral liqueur with a distinct, delicate violet flavor and aroma. The fascinating part is the color science: when the purplish-blue of the violet liqueur mixes with the yellow/orange of the orange juice, it creates a vibrant, natural green hue – a true marvel of mixology! This specific liqueur provides a wonderfully light and floral note that distinguishes this mimosa from any other. You might find other violet liqueurs, but Monin is widely available and consistently delivers excellent results.
• Lime Slices: While optional, fresh lime slices are highly recommended for garnishing this festive drink. They add a bright visual pop and a subtle citrus aroma that complements the mimosa’s flavors. Choose fresh limes with smooth, bright green skin for the most appealing presentation. Alternatively, an orange slice can create a fun visual representation of the Irish flag’s green, white, and orange colors!

See the recipe card for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

🍸 Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this festive mimosa is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Step One: Prepare Your Glasses. Start by ensuring your champagne flutes or preferred serving glasses are clean and well-chilled. This helps keep your mimosa cool and preserves the bubbles. Carefully fill each glass approximately halfway with your chosen sparkling wine (champagne, prosecco, or cava). Pour slowly to minimize fizz loss.
2. Step Two: Add the Orange Juice. Next, gently pour in the orange juice until the glass is about three-quarters full. Leave enough space at the top for the violet liqueur and to prevent overflowing. Watch as the base of your green magic begins to form!





3. Step Three: The Magic Touch. Carefully add the Monin Violet Liqueur. As it combines with the orange juice, you’ll observe the beautiful color transformation into a soft, inviting green. Give it a gentle stir with a spoon or a thin stirring stick to ensure the liqueur is fully incorporated and doesn’t settle at the bottom. This also helps to achieve a uniform green color throughout the drink.
4. Step Four: Garnish and Enjoy! Finish your masterpiece by garnishing each glass with a fresh slice of lime. For an extra nod to the Irish flag, you can also use an orange slice, creating a delightful green, white (from the bubbles), and orange presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheers!

🍸 Delicious Variations & Serving Ideas

While the classic Green Mimosa is a delight, there are many ways to customize and enjoy this recipe. Mimosas are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any taste or occasion.

• Classic Mimosa – An all-time favorite, simply omit the violet liqueur for a traditional orange and sparkling wine cocktail. Especially when you are having Brunch!
• Berry Mimosa – For a fruity twist, ideal for Mother’s Day or summer gatherings! Add a splash of berry smoothie or a few fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) to your mimosa. The red and purple hues will create stunning new color variations.
• Aperol Mimosa – Give your mimosa an Italian flair by adding a dash of Aperol. This bitter orange aperitif will introduce a sophisticated herbaceous note and a beautiful orange-red hue, perfect for an evening aperitivo.
• Or check out our Mimosa Roundup Post, filled with over 30 delicious Mimosa recipes to inspire your next celebration!

Elevate Your Green Mimosa

The beauty of this green mimosa recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to match your personal preferences:

• Sparkling Wine Personality: What’s in a wine? Everything! The sparkling wine in your mimosa truly gives the cocktail its personality. Play with different varieties beyond Champagne or Prosecco. Consider a dry Cava for a crisp finish, or a sweeter Asti Spumante if you prefer a more dessert-like drink. Each choice will subtly alter the overall taste and effervescence, allowing you to discover your perfect blend.
• Orange Juice Blends: Get creative with your orange juice! Instead of plain orange juice, try a blend. A tangerine-orange juice can add a slightly different sweetness and tang. A blend featuring oranges, pineapples, and a hint of lime can introduce a tropical complexity. For a truly unique and visually striking option, consider using blood orange juice – while it may slightly mute the vibrant green, it offers a distinct, delicious flavor.
• Non-Alcoholic Fun: Don’t let anyone miss out on the fun! You can easily make a non-alcoholic version of this sweet sipper. Simply swap the sparkling wine for your favorite sparkling white grape juice or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider. The violet liqueur will still work its magic with the orange juice to create that beautiful green color, ensuring everyone can raise a festive glass to the Emerald Isle. This is perfect for family brunches or designated drivers.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond lime or orange slices, consider other garnishes. A few edible flowers (like candied violets if you’re feeling fancy!), a sprig of fresh mint, or a green cocktail olive could add an unexpected twist and enhance the visual appeal.

These simple adjustments can help your personal tastes shine and make this St. Patrick’s Day Mimosa truly your own!

🍽 Essential Equipment

You won’t need much to whip up these festive green mimosas. Just a few basic bar tools will do the trick:

• Measuring Tools or Jigger: Precision is key for the best flavor balance, especially with the violet liqueur.
• Champagne Glasses: Flutes are traditional for mimosas as they preserve bubbles, but any elegant stemmed glass will work. Your choice of glass will affect both the visual presentation and the amount of each ingredient you’ll need, so consider a great set!
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For preparing your lime or orange garnishes.
• Stirring Spoon (Optional): A long bar spoon is useful for gently stirring the mimosa to ensure the violet liqueur is fully mixed and the color is uniform.

🙋🏻 Frequently Asked Questions

🍀 More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes to Explore

Looking for more ways to celebrate the luck of the Irish? Here are some other festive recipes that pair wonderfully with your Green Mimosa or stand alone as delightful St. Patrick’s Day treats:

• No-bake Mint Chocolate Cheesecake
• No-bake Lime Cheesecake in a Jar
• Matcha Truffles
• Scotch Coffee
• Mint Oreo Pudding Cake
• Homemade Baileys Chocolates

If you make this Green St. Patrick’s Day Mimosa recipe, please let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. Your feedback means the world! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it.

📖 Recipe Card

⛑️ Important Food and Drink Safety Information

When preparing any food or drink, always prioritize safety. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Temperature Control: For recipes involving cooking, cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Always keep perishable ingredients refrigerated until ready for use.
• Cross-Contamination: Do not use the same utensils or cutting boards on cooked food that previously touched raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Wash hands thoroughly between handling different ingredients.
• Hand Hygiene: Always wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after touching raw meat, before preparing food, and after using the restroom.
• Time Limits: Don’t leave perishable food or drinks sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
• Supervision: Never leave cooking food unattended. Always monitor stovetop or oven preparations.
• Cooking Oils: When frying or sautéing, use oils with a high smoking point to avoid burning and the creation of harmful compounds.
• Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove or oven to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
• Responsible Consumption: For alcoholic beverages, please drink responsibly and know your limits. Do not drink and drive.

For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please refer to the official guidelines from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).