National Mimosa Day - May 16, 2025

History of National Mimosa Day

The Mimosa, a widely celebrated cocktail composed of champagne and cold citrus juice (typically orange), has a rather complex history. Typically served in a high champagne glass, this refreshing drink has become a staple of brunch menus around the world.

Often attributed to Frank Meier, a bartender at the Hôtel Ritz Paris, the Mimosa is believed to have been created circa 1925. It’s named after the mimosa plant, which boasts blossoms that closely mirror the cocktail’s vibrant hue.

This delightful cocktail found its way across the Atlantic to the United States, where it gained notable popularity in the late ’60s and early ’70s. This was likely due to the increasing normalization of mid-morning alcohol consumption during brunch events, coupled with the Mimosa’s palatable and refreshing profile.

Of note is the “Buck’s Fizz”, a cocktail that predates the Mimosa by about four years. The Buck’s Fizz, conceived at the Buck’s Club in London, also combines champagne and orange juice. However, it features a distinctly different ratio – specifically, double the champagne to orange juice. Despite their striking similarities, cocktails enthusiasts often regard the Mimosa and Buck’s fizz as separate entities due to this differing ratio.