The Ultimate Select Mimosa: A Venetian Twist on a Classic Brunch Cocktail

Elevate your brunch or special occasion with a sparkling and refreshingly unique twist on a classic: the Select Mimosa. This delightful cocktail marries the distinctive bittersweet Venetian Select Aperitivo with vibrant orange juice and effervescent Prosecco, creating a drink that’s both familiar and excitingly new. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of Italian elegance and a burst of flavor to any celebration. Salute!

A beautifully prepared Select Mimosa in a flute glass, with Prosecco being poured in, illustrating the frothy texture. — A Select Mimosa in a flute glass, perfectly garnished and ready to be enjoyed.

While you might be familiar with other Italian aperitivos like Aperol or Campari, Select Aperitivo offers a distinct and sophisticated flavor profile that stands apart. Hailing from Venice, Italy, where it was first created in 1920 by the Pilla brothers, Select is widely considered the true Venetian aperitivo. Its unparalleled balance of sweet, bitter, and citrus notes makes it a beloved choice among locals and an exciting discovery for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.

What Makes Select Aperitivo So Special?

Select Aperitivo is crafted using a secret blend of 30 botanicals, including potent rhubarb roots and aromatic juniper berries. This intricate botanical mix contributes to its complex character, delivering a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. You’ll detect hints of citrus, a subtle floral undertone, and a pleasantly bitter finish – a truly unique taste experience that sets it apart from its brighter, more mainstream cousins.

The classic way to savor Select is in its iconic Select Spritz form, a refreshing and popular choice for an Italian aperitivo moment. However, we’re taking this Venetian gem and transforming it into something equally celebratory and perhaps even more accessible: the Select Mimosa. By combining it with fresh orange juice and crisp Prosecco, we unlock a new dimension of enjoyment, perfect for brunch, parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sparkle.

This recipe provides a simple, elegant way to explore the versatility of Select Aperitivo. Below, you’ll find the complete recipe, along with essential tips for crafting your mimosa and a selection of delectable Italian nibbles to complete your authentic aperitivo experience. Get ready to impress your guests with this refreshing and sophisticated drink!

Ingredients for Your Select Mimosa

Crafting the perfect Select Mimosa requires just three key ingredients. While the preparation is simple, the quality and temperature of your components are crucial for achieving the best flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

A bottle of Select Aperitivo standing on a rustic stone work surface against a dark background, highlighting its distinctive label. — The star of our show: a bottle of Select Aperitivo, ready to be transformed into a delicious mimosa.

Ingredient Notes and Expert Tips

Select Aperitivo: This is the heart and soul of your Venetian Mimosa. As it’s a specialty Italian aperitivo, you might need to broaden your search. Many well-stocked liquor stores with a good international selection carry it, or you can often order it online. Its unique bittersweet profile is irreplaceable for this specific mimosa, so it’s well worth the effort to find. Look for its distinctive red bottle and classic Venetian branding.
Orange Juice: For a mimosa, a smooth, high-quality 100% orange juice is recommended. Freshly squeezed orange juice offers unparalleled brightness and flavor. If using fresh juice, consider straining it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or ‘bits,’ ensuring a silky-smooth cocktail. Always make sure your orange juice is thoroughly chilled – this is vital for maintaining the refreshing temperature of your drink without diluting it with ice.
Prosecco: Choose a good quality, dry (Brut) Prosecco that is crisp and effervescent. The bubbles are essential for the mimosa’s signature fizz, and a chilled bottle will prevent the drink from becoming lukewarm. Keep your Prosecco in the refrigerator until just before serving to ensure optimal coolness. The delicate fruitiness of Prosecco complements the Select and orange juice beautifully without overpowering them.

Crafting the Perfect Italian Aperitivo Experience: Food Pairings

No Italian aperitivo is complete without a selection of delightful nibbles to accompany your drink. These small bites are designed to awaken the palate and perfectly complement the complex flavors of your Select Mimosa. Here are some of our favorite suggestions that promise to enhance your Venetian cocktail experience:

Easy Marinated Olives: Ready in minutes, these flavorful olives offer a briny, savory counterpoint to the mimosa’s bittersweet and citrus notes. Their saltiness will make the drink even more refreshing.
Taralli Pugliesi (Crispy Bread Snack): These traditional, ring-shaped Italian crackers provide a satisfying crunch and a neutral base that’s perfect for cleansing the palate between sips.
Italian Tuna Stuffed Cherry Peppers: The piquant kick of the cherry peppers and the rich, savory tuna offer a bold flavor contrast that works wonderfully with the mimosa’s profile.
Ricotta Chicken Croquettes: Creamy and savory, these croquettes add a comforting texture and rich flavor that beautifully balances the lightness of the cocktail.
Pizza Pinwheels (Prosciutto and Gorgonzola): The salty prosciutto and pungent gorgonzola in these savory pinwheels create a fantastic interplay of flavors with the bittersweet aperitivo.
Smoked Salmon Crostini: The delicate, smoky flavor of salmon on crispy crostini provides an elegant pairing that highlights the brighter notes of the mimosa.

These pairings are chosen to create a true Venetian aperitivo atmosphere, where good drinks and delicious small bites come together to celebrate life’s moments. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other Italian cheeses, cured meats, or simple vegetable dishes to find your perfect combination!

A close-up shot of a Select Mimosa in a flute glass, showing its vibrant orange color and delicate bubbles against a soft, dark background. — The inviting glow of a freshly made Select Mimosa.

How to Make Your Select Mimosa

Preparing a Select Mimosa is incredibly simple, making it ideal for entertaining. The key is to assemble it gently to preserve the Prosecco’s effervescence. Follow these easy steps for a perfect pour:

Choose Your Glassware: Traditionally, mimosas are served in elegant flute glasses, which help showcase the bubbles and maintain the drink’s chill.
Measure Select Aperitivo: Pour 1 oz (30ml) of chilled Select Aperitivo into the bottom of your flute glass. Its vibrant red-orange hue will create a beautiful base.
Add Orange Juice: Gently top with 2 oz (60ml) of smooth, chilled orange juice. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the liquid too much.
Top with Prosecco: Carefully fill the remainder of the glass with well-chilled Prosecco. A slow pour along the side of the glass will help maintain the maximum amount of fizz.
Gentle Stir: Give it one very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing too many bubbles.
Garnish (Optional): A simple orange slice or twist makes for an attractive garnish, enhancing both presentation and aroma.

And just like that, you have a sophisticated and refreshing Select Mimosa ready to be enjoyed! This simple ratio creates a balanced drink that allows the unique characteristics of Select Aperitivo to shine through while complementing the sweet citrus and dry sparkle.

Step-by-step photos are available above for visual guidance.

Many of our recipes include helpful tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

Select Mimosa

By Emily

Prep:

5 minutes

Total:

5 minutes

Servings:

1
cocktail

A close-up cropped image of a Select Mimosa with a black background, showcasing the drink's color and clarity.

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Select Mimosa uses the Venetian Select aperitivo, orange juice, and Prosecco to create a fun, refreshing mimosa that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions. Salute!

Ingredients

1 oz (30ml) Select Aperitivo
2 oz (60ml) smooth orange juice, chilled
Prosecco, to top up (chilled)

Instructions

Add the Select Aperitivo to a flute glass.
Next, gently pour in the chilled orange juice.
Top up the glass with cold Prosecco and stir very gently to combine.
Serve immediately with a selection of Italian nibbles for an authentic aperitivo experience.

Helpful Info for All Recipes

I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise, ensuring authentic Italian flavors.
When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind, I always choose premium brands like Cirio or Mutti for the best results and vibrant flavor.
All vegetables mentioned are typically medium-sized unless specifically stated otherwise.
All recipes on this blog are carefully tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven to ensure consistent results.
Find out more about how nutrition information is calculated for our recipes.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Essential Italian Pantry Staples for stocking your kitchen.
You can also discover all our recommended Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

Explore More Classic Italian Cocktails

If you’ve fallen in love with the unique flavors of the Select Mimosa and want to dive deeper into the world of Italian cocktails, we have plenty more to tantalize your taste buds. From bitter aperitivos to refreshing spritzes, Italy offers a rich tapestry of drinks perfect for any occasion:

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Classic Negroni Cocktail

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Classic Peach Bellini Cocktail

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Americano Cocktail

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Hugo Spritz

We hope you thoroughly enjoy this exquisite Select Mimosa, a vibrant Venetian interpretation of a beloved classic. If you’ve tried this recipe or any other delightful dish from our blog, please don’t hesitate to share your experience! We’d love for you to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out – your feedback truly brightens our day!

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