The Poinsettia Cocktail is one of those holiday drinks that feels instantly elegant yet wonderfully easy to make. With its beautiful rosy-red color, light bubbles, and refreshing citrus-cranberry flavor, this cocktail has become a Christmas classic across the United States and beyond. Whether served at Christmas brunch, a cozy family gathering, or a glamorous holiday party, the Poinsettia Cocktail delivers festive cheer in every sip.
Unlike heavy, creamy winter cocktails, the Poinsettia is crisp, bright, and refreshing. It’s perfect when you want something celebratory without being overly sweet or strong. Made with simple ingredients like cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine (usually prosecco or champagne), this drink is approachable for beginners and impressive enough for experienced hosts.
In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the Poinsettia Cocktail—from its origins and flavor profile to step-by-step preparation, variations, serving ideas, and expert tips to make it absolutely perfect for the holidays.
What Is a Poinsettia Cocktail?
The Poinsettia Cocktail is a sparkling holiday drink traditionally made by combining cranberry juice, orange juice (or orange liqueur), and prosecco or champagne. It’s typically served in a champagne flute and garnished with fresh cranberries or citrus slices.
This cocktail is especially popular during the Christmas season because its vibrant red color resembles the iconic poinsettia flower, a symbol of holiday decor and winter celebrations. Light, bubbly, and refreshing, it’s often served as a welcome drink or brunch cocktail.
Ingredients for the Poinsettia Cocktail
One of the biggest advantages of the Poinsettia Cocktail is its simplicity. You only need a few ingredients, yet the result is elegant and festive.
Ingredients (Per Serving)
- ½ cup cranberry juice (100% juice preferred for a tart, balanced flavor)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Prosecco or champagne, chilled (to top)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Orange slice or twist, optional garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Cranberry juice gives the cocktail its signature color and tartness.
- Orange juice adds brightness and balances the acidity.
- Prosecco provides light, fruity bubbles, while champagne offers a more refined, dry finish.
How to Make a Poinsettia Cocktail
Making a Poinsettia Cocktail couldn’t be easier, which makes it ideal for entertaining.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill your glassware
Place champagne flutes in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. - Add cranberry juice
Pour ½ cup cranberry juice into each chilled flute. - Add orange juice
Gently add 2 tablespoons orange juice to the glass. - Top with prosecco or champagne
Slowly pour chilled prosecco or champagne to fill the glass. - Garnish and serve
Add a few fresh cranberries or an orange twist for a festive touch. Serve immediately.
Flavor Profile: What Does a Poinsettia Cocktail Taste Like?
The Poinsettia Cocktail is light, refreshing, and well-balanced. You’ll notice:
- Tart cranberry notes upfront
- Bright citrus freshness from the orange juice
- Soft bubbles and gentle sweetness from the sparkling wine
It’s not overly sweet or heavy, making it ideal as an aperitif or brunch drink.
Variations & Creative Twists
One of the joys of the Poinsettia Cocktail is how adaptable it is. Here are some popular variations to try:
Classic Champagne Poinsettia
Use champagne instead of prosecco for a drier, more elegant version.
Blood Orange Poinsettia
Swap regular orange juice for blood orange juice for a deeper color and richer citrus flavor.
Cranberry Liqueur Poinsettia
Replace part of the cranberry juice with cranberry liqueur for a slightly stronger cocktail.
Vodka Poinsettia
Add ½ oz vodka for a more spirited version without overpowering the flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Poinsettia (Mocktail)
Replace prosecco with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a festive mocktail everyone can enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
The Poinsettia Cocktail shines in many holiday settings:
- Christmas brunch with pastries, quiche, or French toast
- Holiday cocktail parties as a welcome drink
- New Year’s Eve gatherings as a lighter alternative to champagne
- Winter bridal showers or baby showers for a festive touch
Serve it well-chilled and freshly poured for the best experience.
Party Serving Ideas
If you’re hosting a crowd, the Poinsettia Cocktail is easy to scale.
Pitcher Method
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 bottle prosecco (added just before serving)
Mix juices in a pitcher and top each glass with prosecco to maintain fizz.
DIY Cocktail Bar
Set out cranberry juice, orange juice, prosecco, and garnishes so guests can build their own Poinsettia Cocktails.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- You can mix the cranberry and orange juices ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Always add prosecco or champagne just before serving to keep the drink bubbly.
- Do not store mixed cocktails overnight, as the carbonation will disappear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm prosecco: Always chill your sparkling wine.
- Overpouring juice: Too much juice can overpower the bubbles.
- Skipping fresh garnish: Garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Use 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor balance.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing.
- Pour sparkling wine slowly to preserve carbonation.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and fizz.
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
Per serving (without vodka):
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Alcohol: ~8% ABV (varies by prosecco)
FAQs
Can I make a Poinsettia Cocktail ahead of time?
You can prep the juices ahead, but add prosecco just before serving.
Is prosecco or champagne better?
Both work beautifully. Prosecco is fruitier and more affordable, while champagne is drier and more refined.
Can I make this drink less sweet?
Yes—use unsweetened cranberry juice and a dry prosecco.
Is this cocktail strong?
It’s relatively light, making it perfect for daytime or brunch events.
More Holiday Cocktails to Try
If you love the Poinsettia Cocktail, you’ll also enjoy:
- Clausmopolitan Cocktail
- Santa Baby Cocktail
- Rudolph’s Red Velvet Sip
- Snowy Cabin Treat
- Christmas Drinks Flight
🔗 External Links
You can add them naturally in your article (for example in tips, variations, or FAQs):
-
AllRecipes – Cocktail Basics & Holiday Drinks
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/133/drinks/cocktails/ -
Food Network – Champagne & Prosecco Cocktails
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/champagne-cocktail-recipes -
BBC Good Food – Festive Drinks & Party Cocktails
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/christmas-drinks -
Taste of Home – Holiday Drink Ideas
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/christmas-drink-recipes/ -
Liquor.com – Sparkling Wine Cocktails Guide
https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/sparkling-wine-cocktails/
Conclusion
The Poinsettia Cocktail is proof that a beautiful holiday drink doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a sparkling, festive cocktail that looks stunning and tastes refreshing. Its vibrant color, light bubbles, and balanced flavor make it a favorite for Christmas brunches, holiday parties, and winter celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet holiday moment, the Poinsettia Cocktail is a timeless choice that never fails to impress. Cheers to bright flavors, sparkling moments, and festive memories! 🌺🥂
