Keto Mimosa – A Light, Bubbly Brunch Favorite Without the Sugar

A classic mimosa is hard to beat for brunch, but most versions are loaded with sugar. This Keto Mimosa gives you the same bright, bubbly feel without the carb crash. It’s crisp, refreshing, and easy to make—perfect for weekend mornings, celebrations, or a simple treat.

With just a few smart swaps, you can enjoy a glass (or two) and still stay aligned with your goals. Even non-keto friends will love it.

What Makes This Special

This drink keeps the spirit of a traditional mimosa while cutting out most of the sugar. Instead of orange juice, you’ll use a low-carb citrus base that delivers the flavor without the carbs.

The result is a drink that tastes clean, bright, and balanced, not syrupy or heavy. You’ll also get fewer calories per glass compared to the standard version. Because it’s so simple, you can scale it up for a crowd or tweak it to match your taste.

It’s an easy win for brunch tables, bridal showers, or holiday mornings.

What You’ll Need

• Dry sparkling wine (Brut or Extra Brut Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco) – Lower in residual sugar and perfect for keto.
• Fresh lemon juice – Provides a clean, tangy citrus base.
• Orange extract – A few drops give classic mimosa flavor without the carbs.
• Liquid stevia or monk fruit drops – Optional, to balance acidity without sugar.
• Chilled sparkling water (unflavored) – Optional, for a lighter, lower-ABV option.
• Ice (for chilling the bottle only) – Don’t add to the glass; it will kill the bubbles.
• Orange peel or lemon twist – Optional garnish for aroma.
• Champagne flute – Helps preserve carbonation.

How to Make It

1. Chill everything well. Keep your sparkling wine in the fridge for several hours. Cold wine holds bubbles better and tastes crisper. If time is short, place the bottle in an ice bath for 20 minutes.
2. Prep your citrus base. In a small cup, combine 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice with 2–4 drops of orange extract.
   

   Taste and adjust the extract—start small; it’s potent.

3. Sweeten lightly if you like. Add 1–3 drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit to the citrus mix. Stir and taste. You want a gentle balance, not a dessert vibe.
4. Pour the sparkling wine. Fill a Champagne flute about two-thirds full with Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wine.
5. Add the citrus mixture. Carefully pour in your lemon–orange blend.
   

   It will slightly cloud the wine and add aroma. Give a very gentle stir with a cocktail pick if needed.

6. Optional: Lighten with sparkling water. For a lower-alcohol, extra-refreshing glass, top with 1–2 tablespoons of chilled sparkling water.
7. Garnish and serve. Express a thin strip of orange peel or a lemon twist over the glass to release oils, then drop it in. Serve immediately while it’s icy cold and bubbly.

How to Store

This is best made fresh.

If you’re mixing for a group, premix the citrus base and sweetener in a small bottle and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Only add it to the sparkling wine right before serving. If you have leftover sparkling wine, use a Champagne stopper to keep the bubbles.

Store in the fridge and aim to finish within 24 hours. The flavor will still be good on day two, but the fizz will be softer.

Health Benefits

– Lower sugar and carbs. By skipping orange juice, you avoid a big hit of fructose. Using lemon juice and orange extract keeps the flavor profile without the glucose spike. – Fewer calories. Dry sparkling wine is relatively light compared to many cocktails, and the recipe uses small amounts of mixers. – Hydration-conscious option. Adding a splash of sparkling water reduces alcohol per serving and helps you pace yourself. – Flexible for dietary needs. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted for sweetness with keto-friendly drops.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

– Choosing the wrong wine. Avoid “Demi-Sec,” “Sec,” or “Dry” labeled bottles, which are actually sweeter.

Look for “Brut,” “Extra Brut,” or “Brut Nature.” These have minimal residual sugar. – Heavy hand with orange extract. A few drops are enough. Too much turns the drink bitter or artificial. Start low and adjust. – Using juice substitutes with hidden carbs. Some “low-sugar” orange beverages still carry significant carbs.

Stick to lemon juice plus extract. – Letting it warm up. Warm sparkling wine foams more and goes flat faster. Keep everything cold until you pour. – Over-sweetening. The charm of a good mimosa is bright and crisp. Keep sweetener to a minimum to avoid a cloying finish.

Recipe Variations

– Grapefruit Twist (Very Low Carb): Swap lemon juice for a small squeeze of fresh grapefruit and use grapefruit or citrus bitters instead of orange extract.

Add one drop of sweetener if needed. – Clementine Essence: Use lemon juice plus clementine extract for a softer, floral citrus note. Keep drops minimal to avoid overpowering the wine. – Herb-Infused: Express a thin strip of lemon peel and a small sprig of thyme or rosemary over the glass for a savory, aromatic profile. – Zero-Proof Version: Replace sparkling wine with nonalcoholic Brut-style sparkling tea or a very dry, unsweetened nonalcoholic “wine.” Balance with the same citrus base and a splash of sparkling water. – Frozen Brunch Slush (Low Carb): Blend ice with lemon juice, a few drops of orange extract, and sweetener. Spoon a small scoop into flutes and top with sparkling wine for a slushy spritz.

FAQ

Can I use real orange juice and still keep it keto?

A traditional splash of orange juice will add several grams of carbs per glass.

If you want that flavor, use a teaspoon of freshly squeezed juice and keep the rest of the citrus profile from lemon juice and orange extract. It won’t be strict keto, but it can still be low-carb.

What’s the best budget-friendly sparkling wine for this?

Cava is a great pick—usually dry, crisp, and affordable. Look for “Brut” or “Extra Brut” on the label.

Some Proseccos can also be dry enough, but double-check the sweetness level.

Do I have to use sweetener?

No. Many people prefer it unsweetened, especially with Extra Brut wine. If the drink tastes too sharp, add a drop or two of liquid stevia or monk fruit and retaste.

Is Prosecco okay for keto?

Yes, as long as it’s labeled Brut or Extra Brut.

Some Prosecco styles are fruitier and can have more residual sugar, so check the label.

Can I prep a big batch?

Don’t premix the sparkling wine. Instead, make a small bottle of the citrus-extract-sweetener blend and keep it chilled. Pour wine into flutes and add a dash of your blend right before serving.

How many carbs are in a glass?

Exact numbers vary by brand, but a typical 5-ounce pour of Brut sparkling wine has roughly 1–3 grams of carbs.

The lemon juice and extract add very little, especially at teaspoon-level amounts.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

Use a strip of fresh orange peel and express the oils over the glass. You can also add a dash of orange or citrus bitters. Both provide aroma with minimal carbs.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes.

Lime adds a zesty, slightly sharper note and works well with dry sparkling wine. Pair with orange extract to keep the mimosa vibe.

Why not add ice?

Ice knocks out carbonation and dilutes the flavor. Chill the bottle and glasses instead for a crisp, bubbly sip.

How can I reduce the alcohol content but keep the bubbles?

Top each glass with 1–2 tablespoons of chilled sparkling water or use a 50/50 split of dry sparkling wine and sparkling water.

You’ll still get the pop and aroma, just lighter.

In Conclusion

A Keto Mimosa is proof that you can enjoy brunch classics without the sugar overload. With dry sparkling wine, a bright citrus base, and a gentle touch of sweetness, you get a clean, balanced drink that feels festive and fresh. Keep it cold, keep it simple, and adjust the flavor to your liking. It’s an easy, elegant option you’ll reach for again and again. Cheers to better bubbles.