What’s not to love about spring and bubbles? Delicate blooms, leaves unfurling, days stretching long towards summer. The season inspires an effortless smile, as does the timeless mimosa. Not too sweet or tart, beautiful to the eye, delightful to the palate — a perfect brunch pairing with signature sparkling bubbles evoking a sense of luxurious ease on lazy weekend days.
I am grateful to grapes and on occasion enjoy fresh-squeezed juice (a notably different animal than the dull, orange-colored liquid masquerading on grocery shelves as “fresh pressed”). Though ever craft-curious, I found myself pining for a mimosa made with what grows here in my home of the Pacific Northwest: the apple. Deeply rooted in Americana culture, apples typified wholesome health and these awe-inspiring, adaptable pomme fruits continue to present more varied personalities than we ever imagined.
For over a decade, Finnriver Farm & Cidery has been exploring the possibilities of the fermented apple, employing labor intensive méthode champenoise production for select ciders resulting in award-winning, sparkling cider that checks the box for sparkling wine lovers. This is the perfect place to start crafting a mimosa, with apple at its core.
Finnriver Artisan Sparkling Cider ferments dry with Champagne yeast, undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle to create a brut, effervescent apple bouquet characterized by small, tight bubbles. Next, Honey Meadow Cider lends a juicy element that honors the region and season: beginning with organic Washington apples, infused with a botanical blend of burdock and dandelion root, lemon balm, chamomile and honey. This cider brings soft complexity as herbal elements dance with a delicate kiss of sweetness, offering a taste of vibrant spring growth in a glass. Finally, a splash of deep, rich raspberry brandywine plunges hues of pink into the glass and a sweet tart bite of sun-ripened berry goodness.
Depth, texture and color marry in this apple-inspired mimosa to tantalize and refresh the senses. Pair with a simple green salad, seasonal fruit from the farmers market, warm buttered toast or healthy day drinking.
Honey Meadow Mimosa
Makes 1 cocktail
4 ounce Finnriver Artisan Sparkling Cider
2 ounces Finnriver Honey Meadow Cider
1/2-1 ounce Finnriver Raspberry Brandywine
Garnish: lemon twist
In a Champagne class, pour in the ciders and drizzle the brandywine down the side of the glass to float on top of the bubbles. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Jana Daisy-Ensign is the national cider ambassador for Finnriver Farm & Cidery in Chimacum, Washington. This cocktail recipe was her original creation and featured at the 2019 Cider Rite of Spring in Portland.
