A Poinsettia cocktail 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.
Looking for more sparkling drinks? Check out my Prosecco Mimosa and Sparkling Ginger Prosecco.
Poinsettia Cocktail Recipe
I served Poinsettia cocktails at my holiday party, and they were an instant hit! This festive, bubbly drink is so easy to make and brings the perfect mix of cranberry tartness, crisp Champagne bubbles, and a warm orange twist from Cointreau.
The deep red hue with a fresh rosemary sprig and floating cranberries makes it look as good as it tastes – so elegant and totally holiday-ready. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas gathering, a festive brunch, or ringing in the New Year, this cocktail adds the perfect touch of cheer.
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.
Garnishes: Add fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a fragrant, elegant touch.
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.
Eden’s 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.
Serving Suggestions
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.
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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.
