The mimosa, a beloved brunch classic, is known for being a relatively low-calorie cocktail option compared to many other mixed drinks. However, a precise calorie count is not universal, as it depends on the two main ingredients: sparkling wine and orange juice. Understanding how each component contributes to the total can help you better estimate the nutritional impact of your favorite bubbly beverage.
Breaking Down Mimosa Calories: The Ingredients
Sparkling Wine (Champagne, Prosecco, Cava)
The primary source of calories in the sparkling wine itself comes from two places: the alcohol content and any residual sugars.
- Alcohol Content: Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as much as fat. The higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the more calories it contributes. A standard 4-ounce pour of 12% ABV sparkling wine typically contains around 76 calories from alcohol alone.
- Sugar Content: The amount of residual sugar in sparkling wine is indicated by its sweetness level. For instance, Brut (dry) sparkling wines have less sugar than sweeter options like Extra Dry or Sec. Choosing a Brut variety can save you a few calories per glass. For example, a 4-ounce pour of sparkling wine with 1 gram of carbs per ounce would add an additional 16 calories from sugar.
Orange Juice
Orange juice contributes most of the remaining calories in a mimosa, primarily from its natural sugars. The calories from the juice depend on the quantity and type used.
- Volume: The more orange juice you add, the higher the calorie count. For example, fresh orange juice contains approximately 13-14 calories per fluid ounce. A mimosa with a 1:1 ratio will have significantly more juice-derived calories than a Buck's Fizz, which uses a 2:1 wine-to-juice ratio.
- Type: Using fresh-squeezed, pulp-free orange juice is standard. However, some recipes or restaurants might use pre-packaged juice, which could have a slightly different sugar and calorie profile. Opting for a low-sugar juice blend or simply using a smaller splash of juice can lower the overall calorie count.
How Your Mimosa's Ratio Affects Calorie Count
The ratio of sparkling wine to orange juice is the single biggest variable in determining the final calorie count. The classic mimosa is a 1:1 ratio, but many variations exist that can alter the calorie total considerably. Here is how different ratios compare:
- Standard Mimosa (1:1): Equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice. A 4 oz (120ml) glass using a standard Brut sparkling wine and OJ might fall in the 75-100 calorie range.
- Buck's Fizz (2:1): Two parts sparkling wine to one part orange juice. This ratio, being more wine-heavy, can have a slightly different calorie count depending on the wine, potentially in a similar range but with more alcohol.
- Heavy Juice Pour: If you prefer more juice, a 2:1 juice-to-wine ratio could push the calories higher due to the added sugar from the orange juice. This can make the mimosa sweeter but also more caloric.
Calorie Comparison Table: Mimosas vs. Other Drinks
| Beverage Type | Standard Serving Size | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Mimosa (1:1 ratio) | 4 fl oz (120 ml) | 75-100 kcal |
| Buck's Fizz (2:1 wine:juice) | 4 fl oz (120 ml) | ~75-100 kcal (varies with wine) |
| Screwdriver (Vodka/OJ) | 7 fl oz (207 ml) | ~232 kcal |
| Margarita | 4 fl oz (120 ml) | ~168 kcal |
| Pina Colada | 7 fl oz (207 ml) | ~380 kcal |
| Glass of Red Wine | 5 fl oz (145 ml) | ~125 kcal |
| Light Beer | 12 fl oz (355 ml) | ~103 kcal |
Tips for a Lighter Mimosa
For those watching their calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy a mimosa without the added guilt. Here are some simple adjustments you can make:
- Choose a Dry Wine: Opt for a Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wine. These have the lowest amount of residual sugar, cutting down on calories significantly.
- Adjust the Ratio: Use less orange juice and more sparkling wine. A 2:1 or even 3:1 ratio (wine to juice) is common for a lighter, drier cocktail. The calorie difference from alcohol is usually less than from added sugar.
- Go Low-Sugar: Use a low-sugar juice or a freshly squeezed orange juice to limit the sugar content. While the difference may seem small, it adds up over several glasses.
- Add Sparkling Water: Some enthusiasts suggest adding a splash of sparkling water or club soda to top off the mimosa. This helps fill the glass with zero-calorie liquid, cutting down on both wine and juice volume while retaining the fizz.
- Try Other Juices: While orange juice is traditional, swapping it for a lower-calorie juice like pomegranate or grapefruit can also alter the calorie count. Just be sure to check the sugar content of your alternative juice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the calorie count for a single mimosa is not a fixed number but a range influenced by ingredient choices and preparation. While a standard version is a relatively low-calorie drink for brunch, adjusting the ratio and selecting drier sparkling wines can help reduce the calories even further. Enjoying this classic cocktail in moderation is the key to balancing flavor and health-conscious choices. For more general information on the calories in various alcoholic beverages, consider resources like this guide from the National Institutes of Health.
Sources
- Calorie count - Alcoholic beverages: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2024, May 14). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000886.htm
- Calories in Mimosa - fatsecret. (2020, May 11). Fatsecret. https://www.fatsecret.co.za/calories-nutrition/generic/mimosa
- 3 Surprising Reasons We Drink Mimosas (And Maybe You Should ... (2018, March 27). Valencia's Tex-Mex Garage. https://texmexgarage.com/3-reasons-you-should-drink-mimosas-this-weekend/
- Calories in Champagne with Orange Juice (3:1 orange). (n.d.). CalorieKing. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.calorieking.com/us/en/foods/f/calories-in-wines-champagne-with-orange-juice-31-orange/S6PdBCyrR-K9xJ3ozQvOdQ
- Calories in mimosa & Nutrition Facts - Spelt. (2025, June 26). Spe.lt. https://spe.lt/nutrition/mimosa
- Mimosa - Delicious Meets Healthy. (2024, May 6). Delicious Meets Healthy. https://www.deliciousmeetshealthy.com/mimosa/
- The “Healthiest” Alcoholic Drinks - Trinitonian. (2013, September 13). Trinitonian. https://trinitonian.com/2013/09/13/the-healthiest-alcoholic-drinks/
- Learn about the nutritional value in Champagne - Millesima USA. (2023, February 18). Millesima USA. https://www.millesima-usa.com/blog/calories-in-champagne-the-nutritional-content-of-your-favorite-bubbly.html
Conclusion
The calorie count for a single mimosa is not a fixed number but a range influenced by ingredient choices and preparation. While a standard version is a relatively low-calorie drink for brunch, adjusting the ratio and selecting drier sparkling wines can help reduce the calories even further. Enjoying this classic cocktail in moderation is the key to balancing flavor and health-conscious choices. For more general information on the calories in various alcoholic beverages, consider authoritative resources such as the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
Important
The information presented here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical or nutritional advice. Individual results may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or if you have specific health concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Calorie Variability: A mimosa's calories depend heavily on the champagne-to-juice ratio and ingredient choices.
- Champagne's Role: The type of sparkling wine impacts calories, with Brut (dry) varieties containing less sugar and fewer calories.
- Orange Juice's Impact: More orange juice adds more sugar and carbohydrates, increasing the overall calorie count.
- Low-Calorie Options: Choosing drier wines, using less juice, or adding a sparkling water float can reduce total calories.
- Moderation is Key: Mimosas should be enjoyed in moderation, as with all alcoholic beverages, to align with a balanced diet.
- Standard Range: A typical 1:1 ratio mimosa falls in the 75-100 calorie range, but this can fluctuate significantly depending on the recipe and serving size.
- Read the Labels: Paying attention to the alcohol content and sugar levels of your chosen sparkling wine and juice is the most accurate way to track your intake.
FAQs
- How many calories are in a standard mimosa? A standard 4-ounce mimosa, made with a 1:1 ratio, typically contains between 75 and 100 calories, but this can fluctuate depending on ingredients.
- Where do the calories in a mimosa come from? The calories come from both the alcohol in the sparkling wine and the natural sugars present in the orange juice.
- How can I make a lower-calorie mimosa? To reduce calories, use a dry sparkling wine (like Brut), reduce the amount of orange juice, or add a splash of sparkling water.
- What is the calorie difference between a mimosa and a Buck's Fizz? A Buck's Fizz is made with more sparkling wine and less orange juice (2:1 ratio) than a classic mimosa, which affects the calorie count slightly depending on the specific ingredients.
- Does the type of sparkling wine affect the calories? Yes, a dry (Brut) sparkling wine will have fewer calories than a sweeter option (like Extra Dry or Sec) due to lower sugar content.
- Is a mimosa a healthy drink? While it contains some Vitamin C from the orange juice, it's not a health drink. It should be consumed in moderation, as excessive alcohol intake is harmful to health.
- Are mimosas fattening? When consumed in moderation, mimosas are less fattening than many other mixed drinks and cocktails due to their lower calorie count. The key is mindful consumption.
- Is homemade or restaurant mimosa higher in calories? It depends. Restaurant mimosas can vary widely in pour size and juice-to-wine ratio. Homemade versions allow for more precise control over ingredients and proportions, making it easier to manage calorie intake.
- Can I use light sparkling wine to reduce calories? Yes, using a lower-alcohol sparkling wine can help reduce the overall calorie count of your mimosa.
- How do the bubbles in champagne affect how I drink? The carbonation can make you feel full faster and may cause you to drink more slowly, which can help in reducing overall alcohol consumption.
