There’s something truly special about combining two beloved treats into one delightful glass. Picture this: a sunny brunch with friends, laughter echoing, and a touch of indulgence in the air. Enter Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas — a whimsical twist that transforms your traditional brunch beverage into an unforgettable experience. I discovered this gem during one of those spontaneous kitchen experiments, eager to elevate our weekend gatherings.
With layers of creamy strawberry ice cream and a fizz from sparkling wine, these mimosas offer the flavor of classic strawberry shortcake in a fun and easy cocktail format. The added crunch from Nilla Wafers and a hint of vanilla vodka create a dessert cocktail that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, these Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas are sure to impress and brighten your day. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and elevate your brunch game!
Why are Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas a must-try?
Delightful Fusion: This recipe merges two favorite flavors, bringing the joy of strawberry shortcake into a refreshing drink.
Effortlessly Easy: With minimal effort, you can craft a cocktail that impresses, ideal for home cooks of any skill level.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch gatherings, these mimosas will have everyone smiling and asking for seconds!
Versatile Variations: Feel free to mix and match ingredients; substitute with your favorite ice cream or sparkling wine to make it uniquely yours.
Instant Upgrade: Just one sip of these sweet mimosas will elevate your typical morning routine into something extraordinary!
Ready to bring a touch of elegance to your brunch? Check out our tips for even more creative variations!
Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas Ingredients
For the Mimosas
- Strawberries – Fresh fruit for garnish and flavor; substitute with frozen strawberries if out of season for the best taste.
- Strawberry Ice Cream – Adds creaminess and sweetness; swap for vanilla ice cream or a dairy-free option for a lighter touch.
- Vanilla Vodka – Offers a sweet vanilla flavor; regular vodka works if you prefer a less sweet profile.
- Champagne or Prosecco – The bubbly base for your mimosas; any sparkling wine can replace it if you’re looking for variety.
For the Garnish
- Finely Crushed Nilla Wafers – Provides a delightful crunch that enhances the dessert-like quality; graham crackers can be an alternative.
- Whipped Cream – A fluffy topping for indulgence; consider homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas, transforming your brunch into a sweet celebration! Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors while impressing your guests.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas
Prepare your glassware: Lightly rim each glass with a lemon wedge before dipping in finely crushed Nilla Wafers. This adds a sweet touch and visual appeal.
Mix ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine 2/3 cup of strawberry ice cream and 10 oz. of vanilla vodka. Stir gently until blended, creating a luscious, creamy base.
Fill glasses: Pour the mixture into your prepared glasses, filling them halfway to allow for the bubbly topping.
Top with fizz: Carefully add chilled Champagne or Prosecco to each glass. Fill to the rim, letting the fizzy goodness blend with the creamy base.
Add the finishing touch: Top each mimosa with a delightful dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries for that perfect presentation. Serve immediately!
Optional: For an extra special touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup on top of the whipped cream.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas Variations
Get creative with your mimosas and make them truly yours! Each variation offers a delightful twist that adds a new layer of flavor to your brunch cocktail.
Dairy-Free: Substitute strawberry ice cream with coconut or almond milk ice cream for a refreshing, plant-based option. This allows everyone to join the fun regardless of dietary preferences.
Different Berries: Swap strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant, colorful cocktail. Combine different berries for a rich flavor explosion!
Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert cocktail that combines rich flavors. This adds an unexpected but delicious depth to your brunch spread.
Citrus Zing: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a zesty kick that brightens the flavor. A hint of citrus can elevate your mimosa and make it even more refreshing.
Herb Infusion: Muddle fresh mint or basil leaves into the bottom of your glass before pouring in the mixture for an aromatic twist. This herbaceous touch adds a unique depth to the cocktail.
Additional Crunch: Experiment with finely crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead of Nilla Wafers to introduce different textures and tastes. Each brings a new character to your mimosas.
Layered Look: For a stunning presentation, create a layered effect by slowly pouring the vodka mixture over the back of a spoon before adding the sparkling wine. This creates a beautiful gradient in the glass.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the vanilla vodka and sparkling wine with flavored sparkling water or soda for a kid-friendly, non-alcoholic treat that everyone will love. It’s a delicious way to include everyone in the celebration!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy mornings! You can prepare the crushed Nilla Wafers and the strawberry ice cream mixture up to 24 hours in advance, keeping both in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply rim your glasses with the crushed Nilla Wafers, mix in 10 oz. of vanilla vodka with the prepped ice cream, and top with chilled Champagne or Prosecco. This way, you’ll have a delightful brunch cocktail ready in minutes, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without stress. Just remember to serve immediately after mixing for the best fizz and freshness!
Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas
Fridge: Enjoy your mimosas fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours. The fizz may diminish, so drink them soon for the best experience.
Freezer: If you’ve prepped your strawberry ice cream and Nilla Wafer rims ahead of time, you can freeze them separately. The ice cream can last up to 1 month when stored in an airtight container.
Reheating: Since these cocktails are best served cold and fresh, avoid reheating. Instead, prepare them just before serving to maintain the creamy texture and bubbly fizz.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ice cream and rim glasses in advance, but mix the mimosas right before serving to retain that delightful sparkle and presentation.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas
Chill Everything: Make sure your champagne and vodka are well-chilled before mixing. This keeps your drink refreshing and bubbly.
Perfect Ice Cream: Use high-quality strawberry ice cream for maximum flavor. A low-quality version can dilute the delicious taste you’re aiming for in your Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas.
Rim with Care: When rimming your glasses with Nilla Wafers, make sure the crushed wafers stick by lightly moistening the rim with lemon juice. This enhances the presentation and taste.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t shy away from trying different flavored ice creams or sparkling wines! Vanilla or chocolate ice cream can also create delightful variations of your Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas.
Serve Immediately: These mimosas are best enjoyed fresh. As they sit, the ice cream will melt, altering the texture. Prepare them just before serving for the ultimate indulgent experience.
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas?
Elevate your brunch experience with the perfect pairings that balance flavors and textures while delighting your senses.
Fluffy Pancakes: Serve with warm, syrupy pancakes for a classic brunch vibe. The sweetness enhances the mimosas’ fruity notes.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of melons, berries, and citrus adds a refreshing contrast, brightening the meal while keeping things light.
Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche filled with cheese and seasonal vegetables offers a delightful savory balance to the sweetness of the mimosas.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy crackers provides varied textures and flavors that complement the mimosas beautifully.
Scones with Jam: Buttery scones paired with a dollop of strawberry or clotted cream are a charming addition that mirrors the shortcake theme.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent treats delight the senses and echo the flavors of the mimosas, making for a decadent finish.
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime, balancing out the sweetness while keeping your guests engaged.
These pairings invite warmth and joy to your brunch table, providing a memorable experience with every sip and bite!
Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas Recipe FAQs
What type of strawberries should I use for the mimosas?
Absolutely! I recommend using fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and have a sweet aroma. If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be a great substitute—just make sure to thaw them before use for an even burst of flavor.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas?
Very! While it’s best to enjoy your mimosas fresh, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours. However, keep in mind that the bubbly fizz will diminish over time, so sip them soon for the best experience!
Can I freeze the ingredients for later use?
Definitely! You can freeze the strawberry ice cream in an airtight container for up to 1 month. If you’re preparing ahead, store your crushed Nilla Wafer rims separately in an airtight bag. Just remember to mix everything together just before serving so you can relish that fresh fizz!
What should I do if my mimosas aren’t frothy enough?
In this case, double-check the temperature of your ingredients. Make sure that your Champagne or Prosecco is chilled well before pouring—it should be around 40°F! If it’s not bubbly enough, you might want to try a fresher bottle of sparkling wine or even give it a gentle stir after pouring to mix it well.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Of course! If you’re sharing your brunch experience with pets, keep these mimosas out of their reach, as alcohol can be harmful to animals. Also, if you or your guests have dietary allergies, consider using dairy-free ice cream and whipped cream to make it suitable for everyone. Always check the ingredient labels for any hidden allergens!
What if I want to make a non-alcoholic version?
I often make non-alcoholic versions for friends! Simply replace the vanilla vodka with a splash of vanilla extract mixed with sparkling water or flavored soda. You can use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative to retain that festive vibe without the alcohol. Enjoy the fizzy flavors while still keeping it fun!
Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas: Your Brunch Game Changer
Equipment
- mixing glass
- champagne flutes
Ingredients
For the Mimosas
- 10 oz. vanilla vodka Regular vodka works for a less sweet profile
- 2/3 cup strawberry ice cream Can substitute with vanilla or dairy-free option
- 1 bottle Champagne or Prosecco Any sparkling wine can replace it
- 2 cups fresh strawberries For garnish and flavor
For the Garnish
- 1 cup finely crushed Nilla Wafers Graham crackers can be an alternative
- 1 cup whipped cream Can use homemade or store-bought
Instructions
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Mimosas
- Lightly rim each glass with a lemon wedge before dipping in finely crushed Nilla Wafers.
- In a mixing glass, combine 2/3 cup of strawberry ice cream and 10 oz. of vanilla vodka. Stir gently until blended.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared glasses, filling them halfway.
- Carefully add chilled Champagne or Prosecco to each glass, filling to the rim.
- Top each mimosa with whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.