Mimosas are not an every morning kind of thing (unfortunately). And more than that, these mimosas are not an every mimosa-morning kind of thing. These mimosas are sort of like the Cadillac of all mimosas.

After a joyful night of feasting, gifts and carols, we all woke up this morning excited to sift through our gifts—reading instruction manuals, trying things on and packing gifts up for the trip home. All this had us very hungry, of course. Good thing my mom had an incredible brunch in store.

We dined on a great frittata (loaded with spicy greens and ricotta), freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, smoky breakfast sausages fresh from a local source, and a gorgeous plate of fresh fruit. All this had us very thirsty, of course. Good thing my mom had some wonderful mimosas in store.

And, like I said, not just any mimosas. With Grand Marnier, a festive sugared rim and a lining of pomegranate seeds, these mimosas were definitely holiday-worthy. We sipped on them while we were opening gifts from our stockings. And during the intense game of Taboo that ensued. And during the card games that came next. Obviously, it’s time for a Christmas Day nap.

Special Occasion Mimosas

1/4 cup Grand Marnier, plus 2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons super-fine sugar
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1 bottles Champagne
4 cups fresh orange juice
strips of orange peel, for garnish (optional)

In one small dish, pour 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier. In another small dish, pour the sugar. Dip the rims of 6 glasses in the Grand Marnier and then the sugar, twisting the glasses to coat the rims with sugar. Divide the pomegranate seeds between the glasses.

In a large pitcher, mix the remaining Grand Marnier, Champagne and orange juice. Divide between the six glasses. Garnish with orange peel, if desired.