If there is one drink that looks as good as it tastes at Christmas, it is the Poinsettia. Named after the red holiday flower, this cocktail blends tart cranberry juice, a splash of orange liqueur and something sparkling. The result is bright, bubbly and ruby red, which makes it perfect for Christmas morning, holiday parties and New Year’s Eve.
The best part is how easy it is. Most versions take only a few minutes, need just three or four ingredients and can be scaled up for a crowd. This collection of 10 Poinsettia Cocktail Recipes includes the classic, plus versions with prosecco, vodka and gin, a make-ahead punch and even an alcohol-free mocktail so everyone can join the toast.
Chill your glasses, pick a recipe and cheers.
1. Classic Poinsettia Cocktail
The original is simple and elegant: cranberry juice, orange liqueur and champagne. It is light, tangy and just sweet enough.
You will need (1 drink):
- 1 oz cranberry juice, chilled
- ½ oz orange liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)
- 4 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries or an orange twist for garnish
Method:
- Pour the cranberry juice and orange liqueur into a champagne flute.
- Top slowly with champagne.
- Garnish with a few cranberries or an orange twist.
Tip: Chill everything, glass included, so the bubbles last longer.
2. Poinsettia Cocktail with Prosecco
Prosecco gives the drink a fruitier, softer sparkle than champagne and keeps the cost down when you are serving a crowd.
You will need (1 drink):
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 3 to 4 oz chilled prosecco
- Orange slice or rosemary sprig
Method:
- Add the cranberry juice and liqueur to a flute.
- Pour in the prosecco.
- Garnish and serve right away.
Tip: Use a dry (brut) prosecco so the drink does not become too sweet.
3. Sparkling Cranberry Poinsettia
A fizzier, fruitier version with a splash of extra citrus. It is bright, refreshing and very pretty on a party tray.
You will need (1 drink):
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- ½ oz fresh orange juice
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- Sugared cranberries for garnish
Method:
- Stir the juices and liqueur together in a glass.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Skewer a few sugared cranberries on a pick and rest it on the rim.
Tip: Roll fresh cranberries in sugar a few hours ahead for a frosty finish.
4. Poinsettia Mimosa
This is the brunch-friendly twist: part Poinsettia, part mimosa. It is a great way to start Christmas morning.
You will need (1 drink):
- 1½ oz orange juice
- 1½ oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz chilled sparkling wine
- Orange wheel for garnish
Method:
- Pour the two juices into a flute.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Add an orange wheel to the rim.
Tip: Mix the juices in a pitcher ahead of time and keep chilled. Add the bubbly when guests arrive.
5. Poinsettia Cocktail with Vodka
Vodka makes this version a little stronger and smoother, ideal for guests who want something with more kick than a sparkling-wine cocktail.
You will need (1 drink):
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz chilled sparkling wine or club soda
- Orange twist
Method:
- Shake the vodka, liqueur and cranberry juice with ice and strain into a glass.
- Top with sparkling wine or club soda.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Tip: Use club soda for a lighter, lower-alcohol finish.
6. Poinsettia Cocktail with Gin
Gin adds a crisp, herbal and floral note that works beautifully with cranberry and citrus.
You will need (1 drink):
- 1½ oz gin
- ½ oz elderflower or orange liqueur
- 1½ oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz chilled sparkling wine
- Edible flower or rosemary for garnish
Method:
- Shake the gin, liqueur and cranberry juice with ice.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or flute.
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish.
Tip: Choose a floral gin if you want the drink to feel extra festive.
7. Poinsettia Cocktail with Cointreau
A prettily pink and very easy-drinking version that is simply Cointreau, cranberry juice and fizz. It is a favorite for large parties because it can be mixed in one pitcher.
You will need (8 to 9 glasses):
- 1 bottle chilled prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
- ½ cup (125 ml) Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
- 2 cups (500 ml) chilled cranberry juice
Method:
- Stir the Cointreau and cranberry juice together in a large pitcher.
- Just before serving, top up with the sparkling wine.
- Pour into flutes or wine glasses.
Tip: You can mix the juice and liqueur up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the sparkling wine only at the last minute.
8. Cranberry Orange Poinsettia Punch
A make-ahead punch for big gatherings, so you can enjoy the party instead of playing bartender.
You will need (12 servings):
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup orange liqueur (optional)
- 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine
- Orange slices and fresh cranberries
- Ice ring or ice cubes
Method:
- Combine the juices and liqueur in a punch bowl and chill.
- Add the orange slices and cranberries.
- Pour in the sparkling wine right before serving.
Tip: Freeze cranberry juice in a ring mold to chill the punch without watering it down.
9. Pomegranate Poinsettia Cocktail
Pomegranate adds a deeper ruby color and a slightly richer, fruitier flavor.
You will need (1 drink):
- 1½ oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 3 oz chilled sparkling wine
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Method:
- Add the juices and liqueur to a flute.
- Top with sparkling wine.
- Drop in a spoonful of pomegranate seeds.
Tip: The seeds sparkle in the glass, so use plenty.
10. Poinsettia Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
Everyone deserves a festive drink. This alcohol-free version keeps the color, the fizz and the citrus, so no one is left out.
You will need (1 drink):
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 3 to 4 oz sparkling water, ginger ale or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries and an orange slice
Method:
- Stir the juices together over ice.
- Top with sparkling water, ginger ale or alcohol-free sparkling wine.
- Garnish with cranberries and an orange slice.
Tip: Ginger ale adds a pleasant spicy sweetness, while sparkling water keeps it light.
Tips for the Perfect Poinsettia
- Chill everything. Cold juice, cold bubbles and cold glasses make the best drink.
- Add bubbles last. Pour the sparkling wine in at the end so it keeps its fizz.
- Choose a dry sparkling wine. Cranberry juice and liqueur are already sweet, so a brut or dry style keeps things balanced.
- Pick the right juice. Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart drink, or a cranberry cocktail blend for something milder.
- Garnish well. Fresh cranberries, orange twists and rosemary make each glass look like a Christmas decoration.
Final Thoughts
A Poinsettia is festive, easy and endlessly adaptable. Whether you go classic with champagne, fruity with pomegranate or alcohol-free for the whole family, each glass adds a touch of holiday color to your celebration. Mix a pitcher, raise a glass and enjoy.
