A Poinsettia cocktail is a festive cranberry and Champagne drink that’s elegant, vibrant, and surprisingly simple. Made with just three main ingredients—cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and Champagne or other sparkling wine—this cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or New Year’s celebrations.
Poinsettia Cocktail Recipe
This sparkling cocktail balances the tartness of cranberry juice with the bright citrus notes of orange liqueur and the crisp bubbles of Champagne. The deep red color looks beautiful garnished with floating cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at holiday parties. It’s quick to prepare and easy to scale for larger groups.
Poinsettia Drink Ingredients
Cranberry Juice: Use 100% cranberry juice for a rich color and full flavor.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is a great choice, but any orange liqueur works well.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Choose a dry, crisp Champagne or a sparkling alternative like Prosecco or Cava.
Garnishes: Fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig add a fragrant, festive touch.
How to Make a Poinsettia Cocktail
Follow these simple steps to assemble the cocktail:
- Pour cranberry juice into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Add orange liqueur (about 1/2 ounce) for a warm citrus note.
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.
- Garnish with a couple of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Recipe Tips
- Pre-chill everything: Keep the cranberry juice, liqueur, and sparkling wine well chilled for the best flavor and fizz.
- Serve immediately: Pour Champagne right before serving to retain the bubbles.
- Batch option: Combine cranberry juice and orange liqueur in a pitcher, chill, then top each glass with Champagne when ready to serve.
- Try alternatives: Substitute pomegranate juice for a different fruity twist.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine?
Champagne is classic, but Prosecco or Cava are excellent, budget-friendly alternatives. Each brings slightly different flavor profiles—Champagne is crisp and refined, Prosecco tends to be fruitier, and Cava is bright and dry—so choose what fits your taste and budget.
Poinsettia Cocktail Variations
Customize the classic Poinsettia with these ideas:
- Pomegranate Poinsettia: Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice.
- Rosé Poinsettia: Use sparkling rosé for a pink, berry-forward version.
- Spiced Poinsettia: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Blood Orange Poinsettia: Substitute blood orange juice for a citrus-forward twist.
- Non-Alcoholic: Use sparkling apple cider and orange juice for a family-friendly option.
- Gin-Infused: Add a splash of gin for a botanical edge that pairs well with cranberry.
Make It a Pitcher
For parties, mix cranberry juice and orange liqueur in a pitcher and chill. When guests arrive, top each glass with Champagne. This keeps service quick and fresh. For a non-alcoholic pitcher, substitute sparkling cider for Champagne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poinsettias with seasonal appetizers for a complete festive spread. Consider warm marinated olives, a holiday fruit board, ham and cheese sliders, or a colorful crudité platter to complement the bright, bubbly cocktail.
More Champagne Cocktails You’ll Love
If you enjoy sparkling cocktails, try other mixed drinks made with Champagne or sparkling wine for more holiday inspiration.
FOLLOW on social platforms to see more recipes, cocktails, desserts, and party ideas.
Poinsettia Cocktail
By: Eden
Summary: A simple Champagne cocktail made with cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and sparkling wine.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
- 4 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine
- 2 fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- 1 sprig rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour cranberry juice into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Add the orange liqueur.
- Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Notes
Use Champagne or another sparkling white wine for this recipe. Adjust the proportions to taste and scale the recipe to serve a crowd.
Nutrition (per cocktail, approximate)
Calories: 138 kcal; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sugar: 16 g. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline.