Mother's Day is a celebration of love, care, and the tireless efforts of mothers around the world. It's a time when families come together, create memories, and above all, pay tribute to the incredible women who shape our lives. What better way to honor these wonderful ladies than with a tailor-made brunch highlighted by a uniquely delightful Mimosa bar?
Here at Raven’s Nest, where gourmet jams meet artful concoctions, we're raising the bar for Mother's Day festivities. Welcome to the world of JAMtails—where the blend of our homemade jams with sparkling wine leads to the creation of vibrant mimosas that are as satisfying to look at as they are to drink.
First things first, what is a JAMTail?!
At Raven’s Nest, we like to call a mocktail or cocktail made with our jam a JAMtail. Jams and simple syrups are made with fruit and sugar so why not? Whether making a simple syrup or simply using our jam to muddle your drink, JAMtails is our method for creating delicious cocktails and mocktails from our amazing award-winning jams. Using simple syrups as the base, the recipe possibilities are endless!
Why Our Jam Is Ideal for Making Simple Syrups
Because our jams are crafted with the finest ingredients and picked at the peak of ripeness, they are excellent for making simple syrups that are bursting with flavor. And, the unique combination of sweet with a little heat found in our best-selling Raspberry Jalapeno, Peach Habanero, and Blackberry Jalapeno jams make them ideal for making flavorful simple syrups that are perfect for creating cocktails you will want to make time and time again.
For mimosas, our syrups add a depth of flavor that you simply won't find with traditional ingredients or store-bought syrups!
How to Make Simple Syrup With Our Jams
Combine 1 cup jam and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until bubbles just begin to form. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool for 5-6 minutes, then pour through a fine mesh strainer into an air-tight jar or bottle. Once the mixture is cool, you're ready to start making cocktails!
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tip: Thinking of tossing that almost empty jam jar? Don’t! You can use the leftovers for a single serving cocktail!
Setting Up Your Mother’s Day Mimosa Bar
Choosing the Right Drinkware
The choice of drinkware is not just about functionality; it sets the tone for the event. Classic flute glasses are the go-to for mimosas, as their shape enhances the effervescence and aroma of the champagne. However, for a more casual or innovative mimosa bar, consider including a variety of glasses such as coupes, which have a wide, shallow bowl, or even mason jars for a rustic touch. Having different styles of glassware not only caters to personal preferences but also adds a decorative element to your mimosa bar.
Garnishes: The Finishing Touch
Garnishes add a pop of color, texture, and flavor, turning each mimosa into a work of art. Offer a selection of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, peach slices, blackberries and citrus twists to complement the flavors of the simple syrups. Herbs like mint or basil can add a refreshing aroma and a sophisticated look. For an extra touch of elegance, edible flowers such as violets or pansies can be used to garnish the glasses. Arrange the garnishes in clear bowls or on tiered platters for easy access and a visually appealing display.
Setting Up Your Mimosa Bar
When setting up your mimosa bar, consider the flow of traffic and ease of access. Start with a large, clear table and designate sections for each component. Place the champagne, sparkling wine, or prosecco at the beginning, followed by the simple syrups, then the glassware, and finally, the garnishes. Ice buckets or coolers are essential to keep the bubbly at the perfect temperature. Don’t forget to include non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or soda for those who prefer a non-boozy mimosa.
Encouraging Creativity
Encourage your guests to experiment with their mimosas by combining different syrups and garnishes. You can even provide recipe cards with suggested combinations or challenge guests to create their own signature mimosa. This interactive element not only makes the drinking experience more enjoyable but also serves as a conversation starter, bringing guests together as they share their creations.
Our Favorite Mimosa and Cocktail Recipes
Blackberry Jalapeno Mint Mimosa
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Blackberry Jalapeño Jam simple syrup (using Raven's Blackberry Jalape ño Jam)
- Dry sparkling wine or champagne
- Fresh mint leaves
- Blackberries for garnish
- Directions: In a champagne flute, add 1 part Blackberry Jalapeño Jam simple syrup over a few muddled mint leaves. Top with 3 parts sparkling wine and garnish with fresh blackberries.
Hot Peach Bellini
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Peach Habanero Jam simple syrup (using Raven's Peach Habanero Jam)
- Dry sparkling wine or champagne
- A sprig of rosemary
- Peach slices for garnish
- Directions: Combine 1 part Peach Habanero Jam simple syrup in a glass with sparkling wine. Add a sprig of rosemary for aroma and garnish with a slice of peach.
Raspberry Lemonade Mimosa (Non-Alcoholic)
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Raspberry Jalapeno Jam simple syrup (using Raven's Raspberry Jalapeño Jam)
- Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
- A splash of fresh lemon juice
- Raspberries and a lemon twist for garnish
- Directions: Mix 1 part Raspberry Jalapeño Jam simple syrup with a splash of lemon juice in a flute. Top with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Garnish with raspberries and a lemon twist for a refreshing non-alcoholic mimosa.
Strawberry Basil Sparkler
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Strawberry Jalapeno Jam simple syrup (using Raven's Strawberry Jalapeño Jam)
- Dry sparkling wine or champagne
- Fresh basil leaves
- Strawberries for garnish
- Directions: Muddle basil leaves at the bottom of a champagne flute. Add 1 part Strawberry Jalapeño Jam simple syrup, then fill with sparkling wine. Garnish with a strawberry slice.
Mother’s Day: A Personal Tale
Your Turn to Create a Symbol of Love
This Mother's Day, embrace the legacy of love, joy, and jam with our exclusive guide to the best homemade JAMtails. Honor the mother figures in your life by crafting a brunch experience that is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of everything they represent.
A toast, to mothers everywhere! May your day be as bright and delightful as the JAMtails in your hand.
Happy Mother’s Day, from our nest to yours!
Cheers ~ Monica
P.S. Don't forget to share you JAMtail creations on social media using #ravensrecipes and #JAMtails. We can't wait to see what you come up with!
