This Poinsettia drink is a classic cranberry Christmas Champagne cocktail that’s elegant, vibrant, and effortlessly festive. It has just three simple ingredients: cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and Champagne. This refreshing drink is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Why You’ll Love This Poinsettia Drink
The Poinsettia drink is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. This cocktail combines the bright, slightly tart flavor of cranberry juice with the crisp bubbles of Champagne and the warm hint of orange from the Cointreau.
The green rosemary sprig against the cranberry-red color creates a festive holiday look, ideal for Christmas or any winter gathering.
Whether serving a few friends or hosting a large gathering, the Poinsettia drink is perfect for adding elegance and cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Also, check out my Prosecco recipe and more brunch cocktails.
Poinsettia Drink Ingredients
Cranberry Juice: Use 100% cranberry juice for a rich, vibrant color and natural flavor.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau is ideal, but any orange liqueur works well.
Champagne: Go for a crisp, dry Champagne or sparkling white wine like Prosecco or Cava to complement the cranberry and orange flavors.
How to Make a Poinsettia Cocktail
Making this holiday cocktail is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how:
- Pour Cranberry Juice: Start by adding cranberry juice to a Champagne flute.
- Add Orange Liqueur: Measure and pour in the orange liqueur for a hint of warmth.
- Top with Champagne: Fill the glass with Champagne, creating that beautiful bubbly effect.
- Garnish: Add fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a festive flair.
Recipe Tips
- Pre-chill Ingredients: For a refreshing cocktail, make sure the cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and Champagne are all well-chilled.
- Serve Immediately: For the best bubbles, pour the Champagne before serving.
- Batch Option: Mix the cranberry juice and liqueur in a pitcher ahead of time and refrigerate. Then, top each glass with Champagne when guests arrive.
- Alternate Juice Options: Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice for a unique twist!
Champagne or Sparkling Wine for a Poinsettia?
While Champagne is a celebratory choice, any sparkling wine works for this Poinsettia drink. Prosecco and Cava are great, budget-friendly alternatives with a crisp, slightly fruity profile. Champagne, however, brings a classic, refined taste, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Note: Champagne is a sparkling wine produced in France’s Champagne region. If you’re hosting, explore different types of sparkling wine to find the one that best suits your holiday celebration.
Poinsettia Cocktail Variations
Try these festive twists on the classic Poinsettia cocktail to suit different tastes:
- Pomegranate Poinsettia: Use pomegranate juice for a tart, vibrant twist.
- Rosé Poinsettia: Substitute sparkling rosé for a rosy, berry-flavored version.
- Spiced Poinsettia: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy holiday touch.
- Blood Orange Poinsettia: Replace cranberry juice with blood orange for a rich, citrusy flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic: Use sparkling apple cider and orange juice for a family-friendly version.
- Gin-Infused: Add a splash of gin for a botanical twist that complements the cranberry and Champagne.
Make It a Pitcher Cocktail
For easy holiday hosting, make a large pitcher of Poinsettia cocktails! Mix cranberry juice and Cointreau in a pitcher and chill. When guests arrive, top with Champagne and serve in garnished glasses.
This setup allows for quick refills and keeps the party flowing. For a non-alcoholic option, use sparkling cider instead of Champagne.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are roughly 140 calories in a poinsettia drink. This can vary depending on the type of wine and cranberry juice you use.
You can add any type of juice to Champagne. We like orange juice, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. Liqueurs can also be added to Champagne like Chambord or St. Germain.
You can make a Poinsettia drink non-alcoholic by replacing the Champagne with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale and orange juice for the Cointreau.
What to Serve with a Poinsettia Drink
Pair your Poinsettia with delicious holiday appetizers for a complete festive experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Warm Olives: Marinated and seasoned, a warm treat.
- Holiday Fruit Board: Create a variety of flavors for a crowd.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders: A savory, crowd-pleasing choice.
- Holiday Crudité Platter: Festive, colorful, and healthy!
More Champagne Cocktails You’ll Love
Here are some of our favorite holiday cocktails made with Champagne or Sparkling White Wine.
If you make this drink, let us know by leaving a comment and review below!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
want to save this?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it directly to your inbox!
Poinsettia Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
- 4 ounces Champagne
- 2 fresh cranberries
- 1 sprig rosemary
Instructions
- First, pour cranberry juice into the Champagne flute.
- Next, add in the orange liqueur.
- Then, top with Champagne.
- Lastly, garnish with fresh cranberry and a sprig of rosemary.
