Every now and then, there comes a magical moment when Sunday Funday stretches into Monday – and today is that day. According to Checkiday.com, National Mimosa Day is celebrated annually on May 16 and has been since 2013. Mimosas are typically made with one part sparkling wine (think: cava, champagne, prosecco, etc.) and another part orange juice (though it’s now acceptable to get creative with types of juices – even adding in things like Grand Marnier and grenadine).
Checkiday.com also explains the fizzy favorite, which is believed to get its name from an Australian flower of a comparable orange-yellow color, was discovered in 1925 by Frank Meier who was head bartender at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, France where the first mimosas were made.
Fortunately, cocktail and brunch aficionados alike can enjoy a variety of mimosas across the Queen City on almost any day of the week – even at breweries! Whether you take your mimosas light with a splash of traditional orange juice, in towers as tall as the Duke Energy building Uptown or made just right and balanced for easy sipping around town, I’ve got you covered with a short list of bars, breweries and restaurants that will surely fill your glass.
Please remember to drink responsibly and, if alcohol isn’t your thing, feel free to ask for mock-mimosas or zero-proof cocktails wherever you go!
Consider finding your next favorite mimosa at:
1. Billy Jack’s Shack – NoDa – 3320 N Davidson Street, Charlotte 28205
Make mimosa memories at brunch – and save a bit of money – by ordering a $12 carafe for you and your crew. At Billy Jack’s you get the best bang for your buck, and you get to choose flavor combos. We chose a blend of grapefruit and cranberry juices. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Members Only Tasting Room & Social – Plaza Midwood – 2413 Central Avenue, Charlotte 28205
This Black-owned social club and bar is small, but it boasts big vibes and attracts a clientele with one thing in common: *cues Beyonce’s “We Like to Party”*. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy brunch and mimosa specials all day.
3. Mimosa Grill – Uptown – 327 S Tryon Street, Charlotte 28202
It’s literally their name, so I’d be concerned if they didn’t do them well. Luckily, for all of us, Mimosa Grill’s mimosas are tested and approved. Choose from fresh pineapple or cranberry juice. A glass will run you $7, while a carafe costs $28. Pro-tip: get the carafe.
4. Oh My Soul – NoDa – 3046 N Davidson Street, Charlotte 28205
Is it love that you’re feeling? Probably. This cruelty-free and vegan restaurant features an outdoor bar where you can grab a mimosa, enjoy good vibes and the vocal stylings of local artists all at the same time. This mimosa is on the pricier side coming in at $9. However, the champagne is quality, the service is exceptional, and you have juice options again: orange, grapefruit, pineapple, cranberry, guava, and apple cider. I chose grapefruit.
5. Bulla Gastrobar – SouthPark – 4310 Sharon Road w01, Charlotte, NC 28211
Enjoy Bulla’s (boo-yah’s) tapas and mimosas on the patio to soak up the sun and for the views. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can build-your-own mimosas which essentially means you can pour your own glasses with a $25 orange juice carafe. You can also enjoy 50% off bottle of select cavas, proseccos, and rosés.
6. The Artisan’s Palate – NoDa – 1218 E 36th Street, Charlotte, NC 28205
A little bit whimsical, and a lot artistic, mimosas at The Artisan’s Palate are pretty straightforward – yet delicious – for a pleasantly nontraditional restaurant experience. Falling somewhere in the $10-12 range, they’re worth cheers-ing to.
7. Salud Cerveceria – NoDa – 3306-C N. Davidson Street, Charlotte 28205
Beer and wine are available from open to close in this chill brewpub – and that includes mimosas. Here, I opted for a traditional orange juice mimosa, but the stemless champagne flute made me feel anything but basic though. Mimosas here will cost you about $8.50 per glass.
