Russian Brunch

The Russian Brunch is a party-friendly, boozy take on the classic Mimosa. It brings a solid vodka kick to the bright citrus and sparkling wine combo, making it a reliable choice for daytime gatherings that need a little more horsepower. This is the kind of drink you batch out for a crowd when the standard Mimosa just isn’t cutting it, or when someone wants a screwdriver that fizzes.

Russian Brunch

4.58 from 14 votes

Calories: 111kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Part(s) Vodka
▢ 1.5 Part(s) Orange Juice
▢ 1 Part(s) Champagne

Instructions

▢
Mix Vodka and orange juice in a blender with ice. and pour into a large container. Add champagne. stir. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 111kcal (6%)Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)Sugar: 4g (4%)

Punch

Where it came from

The name “Russian Brunch” points directly to its likely parentage: a Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) and a Mimosa (champagne and orange juice). It’s not a classic cocktail with a defined origin story. Instead, it seems to be a modern, casual invention, probably born out of someone wanting to make their brunch a bit more potent, or simply combining two popular, easy-drinking cocktails.

This drink sits squarely in the Mimosa and Screwdriver families. While a Mimosa is just sparkling wine and orange juice, and a Screwdriver is vodka and orange juice, the Russian Brunch merges them. It’s distinct from a Bellini (prosecco and peach puree) by its ingredients, and from a Buck’s Fizz (similar to Mimosa but with different ratios, sometimes gin) by its inclusion of vodka and its blended component.

You’d typically find or serve a Russian Brunch at a casual home brunch, a pool party, or any daytime event where a large format, easy-to-drink cocktail is appreciated. It’s not a craft cocktail bar offering, but it’s perfect for a gathering where the focus is on good company and a relaxed vibe.

What it tastes like

On the front, you get the immediate sweet and tangy burst of orange juice, which quickly gives way to the clean, slightly warming presence of vodka in the mid-palate. The finish is light and effervescent, with the champagne providing a crisp, dry counterpoint to the initial sweetness and a refreshing fizz that cleanses the palate.

With 1 part vodka (40% ABV) and 1 part champagne (12% ABV) in a 3.5 part drink, the Russian Brunch clocks in around 14.8% ABV. This makes it considerably stronger than a standard Mimosa, which is typically around 6-8% ABV, and roughly equivalent to a strong glass of wine. It’s definitely more potent than your average beer, so pace yourself accordingly.

The technique

Building this drink starts in the blender. Combine your vodka and orange juice with a good scoop of ice and blend until it’s well chilled and slightly frothy. This gives it a smoother, colder base than simply stirring. Pour this mixture into your serving vessel, then gently top with the chilled champagne. A quick, gentle stir integrates everything without knocking out too much of the fizz, and it’s ready to go.

The one technique tip that matters most here is to never blend the champagne. Blending sparkling wine will kill its carbonation instantly, leaving you with a flat, lifeless drink. Blend the non-carbonated ingredients first to get them cold and integrated, then add the champagne last, stirring it in gently to preserve those crucial bubbles.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Vodka

Use: Any neutral, good quality vodka will work well here. Brands like Tito’s, Absolut, or Smirnoff are reliable choices that provide a clean base without overpowering the other ingredients.
Skip: Avoid heavily flavored vodkas unless you’re intentionally making a specific variation. Cheap, harsh vodkas will also detract from the drink, leaving an unpleasant burn.
Why: Vodka provides the core alcoholic punch and a clean spirit base. It allows the orange juice and champagne to shine while giving the drink its distinct boozy character that separates it from a standard Mimosa.

Orange Juice

Use: Freshly squeezed orange juice is always best. If that’s not an option, use a high-quality, not-from-concentrate brand like Simply Orange. The better the juice, the better the drink.
Skip: Avoid orange juice from concentrate or any ‘orange drink’ product that contains added sugars or artificial flavors. These will make the drink overly sweet and artificial tasting.
Why: Orange juice is the primary flavor component and mixer. Its sweetness and acidity balance the vodka and champagne, and its quality dictates the overall freshness and palatability of the Russian Brunch.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Mimosa

The classic, no vodka needed: Simply omit the vodka entirely. You’ll have a lighter, less potent drink that’s perfect for earlier in the day or for those who prefer less alcohol.

Screwdriver Royale

A fizzy Screwdriver: For a slightly different balance, make a standard Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) and then top it with a splash of champagne for a hint of effervescence without the full champagne volume.

Peach Brunch

Fruity twist with peach: Swap out the orange juice for peach puree, then combine with vodka and champagne. This creates a drink reminiscent of a Bellini, but with the added vodka kick.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Vodka?

For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka. For a different spirit, try a clean gin for a botanical twist, though it will change the flavor profile significantly.

No Champagne?

Prosecco or Cava are excellent sparkling wine substitutes that offer similar effervescence and dryness. For a non-alcoholic fizz, use soda water or sparkling cider.

No Blender?

You can shake the vodka and orange juice vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker until well chilled, then strain into your container before adding champagne. It won’t be quite as frothy.

No large container?

This recipe is designed for batching. If making a single serving, use a tall glass or a wine glass and scale down the parts accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Russian Brunch?

A Russian Brunch contains vodka, orange juice, and champagne.

Is Russian Brunch a strong drink?

Yes, at around 14.8% ABV, it’s stronger than a typical Mimosa and comparable to a strong glass of wine. It’s designed to have a noticeable kick.

How is a Russian Brunch different from a Mimosa?

A Mimosa is just orange juice and champagne. The Russian Brunch adds vodka, making it a more potent and spirit-forward cocktail.

Can I make a Russian Brunch ahead of time?

You can pre-mix and chill the vodka and orange juice base. However, always add the champagne just before serving to preserve its carbonation.

What kind of vodka should I use?

A neutral, good quality vodka works best. You want something clean that won’t overpower the fruit and fizz.

Why blend the orange juice and vodka?

Blending with ice chills the base thoroughly and creates a slightly frothy texture, making for a smoother, colder drink. Do not blend the champagne.

Can I use a different sparkling wine?

Absolutely. Prosecco or Cava are excellent alternatives to champagne, offering a similar sparkling quality at a potentially lower price point.

Is this a brunch drink?

Yes, despite its strength, the Russian Brunch is often served at brunches or other daytime gatherings where a festive, easy-drinking, and slightly potent cocktail is desired.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read