Does mimosa have a lot of sugar? Breaking Down the Brunch Cocktail

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

While a standard glass contains around 6 to 10 grams of sugar, the total amount can fluctuate significantly based on the ingredients and proportions used. This variation leads many to question: does mimosa have a lot of sugar? The answer depends on whether you opt for a classic recipe or a modified, lower-sugar version.

Quick Summary

A mimosa's sugar level is determined by the sweetness of both the orange juice and the sparkling wine. While a traditional recipe includes a moderate amount of sugar, substituting a drier wine or adjusting the juice ratio can substantially reduce it. This makes it possible to enjoy the popular brunch drink with less sugar.

Key Points

Sugar Source: The majority of a mimosa's sugar comes from the orange juice, with sparkling wine contributing a variable amount.
Customizable Content: You can significantly control a mimosa's sugar by adjusting the ratio of sparkling wine to orange juice.
Smart Wine Selection: Choosing a Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wine, which is drier and contains less sugar, is an easy way to lower the overall sugar content.
Healthier Juice Options: Using fresh-squeezed orange juice or swapping it for lower-sugar alternatives like flavored sparkling water reduces the added sugar load.
Moderate Comparison: While not sugar-free, mimosas typically contain less sugar than many other popular mixed drinks, though they can be higher than a Bloody Mary.

A standard mimosa, the festive mix of sparkling wine and orange juice, is a brunch classic. However, as more people track their sugar intake, the nutritional profile of this seemingly simple cocktail comes into question. While it's generally considered less sugary than many other mixed drinks, its sugar content is not negligible and depends entirely on how it's prepared.

The Mimosa's Sweet Ingredients

To understand a mimosa's sugar content, it's essential to look at its two main components individually: the orange juice and the sparkling wine.

Orange Juice: The Primary Sugar Source

The most significant source of sugar in a mimosa comes from the orange juice. A single 4-ounce serving of orange juice can contain around 8-9 grams of naturally occurring sugar. The type of juice matters greatly:

Store-bought vs. fresh-squeezed: Many store-bought juices contain added sugars to enhance flavor. Fresh-squeezed juice, on the other hand, contains only the natural sugar from the fruit, and you can control its quality.
Juice blends: Juices labeled as blends (e.g., orange-pineapple) or juice cocktails often have higher sugar content due to extra fruit juices and added sweeteners.

Sparkling Wine: The Variable Factor

Sparkling wine also contributes sugar, but the amount depends on its sweetness level, which is indicated on the label. Here is a quick guide to sparkling wine sweetness levels, from driest to sweetest:

Brut Nature: 0-3 grams of sugar per liter (the driest).
Extra Brut: Up to 6 grams of sugar per liter.
Brut: Up to 12 grams of sugar per liter (the most common for mimosas).
Extra Dry/Extra Sec: 12-17 grams of sugar per liter.
Dry/Sec: 17-32 grams of sugar per liter.
Demi-Sec: 32-50 grams of sugar per liter (very sweet).

Factors Influencing a Mimosa's Sugar Level

Several factors can swing the sugar count up or down. Pay attention to these variables when preparing your mimosa:

Ratio of ingredients: A mimosa can be made with equal parts juice and wine or with a higher proportion of wine to juice. A classic ratio is 50:50, while a less sweet version might be 2:1 wine to juice. The more juice used, the higher the sugar content will be.
Choice of sparkling wine: Selecting a Brut or Extra Brut over a sweeter sparkling wine like a Demi-Sec Prosecco will immediately reduce the sugar in your cocktail.
Garnishes: While small, additions like sugared rims or candied fruit garnishes will add to the overall sugar count.
Juice selection: The type of orange juice—fresh-squeezed, from concentrate, or a flavored blend—will directly impact the final sugar amount.

Mimosa vs. Other Popular Cocktails

Compared to some sugary mixed drinks, a mimosa's sugar content is quite moderate. For example, a typical margarita can have over 50 grams of sugar. However, mimosas are still sweeter than some other brunch-friendly cocktails. Here is a comparison:


Cocktail	Typical Sugar Content (grams)	Notes
Standard Mimosa	~8-10g	Varies based on ratio and ingredients.
Bloody Mary	~3.6g	Savory and low in sugar, not including any additions.
Margarita	~55g	Very high, especially with pre-made mixers.
Piña Colada	~68g	Extremely high sugar and calorie content.
Mojito	~23g	Less than a Mimosa, but can be higher depending on preparation.

How to Create a Lower-Sugar Mimosa

For those looking to enjoy a mimosa while watching their sugar intake, several simple swaps can make a big difference:

Choose the right sparkling wine: Opt for a dry sparkling wine like Brut or Extra Brut Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava.
Adjust the ratio: Use more sparkling wine and less orange juice. A 2:1 or even 3:1 ratio of bubbly to juice will significantly reduce the sugar content.
Use fresh-squeezed juice: Freshly squeezed juice contains natural sugars but avoids the potential for added sugars found in many packaged varieties.
Experiment with low-sugar mixers: Replace orange juice with a lower-sugar alternative. Flavored sparkling waters (like La Croix), a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice, or even a house-made low-sugar syrup can offer a flavorful and healthier twist.
Try alternative juices: Consider using a tart, 100% cranberry or pomegranate juice instead of orange juice for a different flavor profile with less sugar.

For more healthy cocktail inspiration, consider exploring variations like the Kale Green Mimosa.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Mimosa Responsibly

So, does mimosa have a lot of sugar? The definitive answer is that its sugar content is moderate but highly customizable. While a standard mimosa contains a fair amount of sugar, it can be a relatively lower-calorie option compared to many other mixed drinks. For those monitoring their intake, simple adjustments like choosing a drier sparkling wine, using less juice, and opting for fresh or low-sugar mixers can make this classic brunch cocktail a healthier and equally delicious choice. Ultimately, moderation and mindful ingredient selection are key to enjoying a mimosa that fits your dietary goals. A delicious and satisfying mimosa doesn't have to be a sugar bomb.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard mimosa, often made with equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice, contains around 8 to 10 grams of sugar per glass. However, this can vary based on the specific ingredients and ratio used.

Compared to many other popular cocktails, mimosas are relatively moderate in sugar. They typically contain far less sugar than drinks like Piña Coladas or Margaritas, but more than a drier cocktail like a Martini or Bloody Mary.

To make a lower-sugar mimosa, use a drier sparkling wine (like Brut or Extra Brut), increase the sparkling wine-to-juice ratio, or replace some of the orange juice with a low-sugar mixer like flavored sparkling water.

Using fresh-squeezed orange juice is often a good choice because it only contains natural fruit sugars and no added sweeteners found in many store-bought juice concentrates. However, the total sugar content will still depend on the amount used.

The lowest sugar sparkling wine is typically labeled 'Brut Nature' or 'Extra Brut'. These varieties are the driest and contain the least amount of residual sugar.

A standard mimosa is considered a lower-calorie alcoholic drink, with some estimates around 85-130 calories per glass. However, the exact count depends on the specific ingredients and proportions.

Yes, it is possible to create a sugar-free version. You can replace the orange juice with a flavor-infused sparkling water, a sugar-free syrup, or a low-sugar alternative like a kale or cranberry-infused mixer, and use a dry sparkling wine.

Yes, using different fruit juices will change the sugar content. While many 100% fruit juices like cranberry or pomegranate contain natural sugars, you can also opt for lower-sugar alternatives or flavored, sugar-free sparkling waters for a significant reduction.