Name: Poinsettia Cocktail: Your Must-Try Christmas Champagne Cheers
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 3.5 ounces Champagne (Chilled, dry Champagne for balanced sweetness.); 2 ounces Cranberry Cocktail (Fresh cranberry juice enhances the flavor.); 0.5 ounces Grand Marnier (An orange liqueur to enhance flavor complexity.); a few Fresh Cranberries (For visual appeal and tartness.); 1 sprig Rosemary (Add a festive touch and aroma.)

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As the holiday season unfolds and twinkling lights adorn every corner, there’s nothing quite like raising a glass to celebrate the joy and warmth this time of year brings. Picture yourself surrounded by loved ones, laughter ringing through the air, while the vibrant hue of a Poinsettia Cocktail glimmers in your hand. This cheerful Christmas Champagne delight is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of festive spirit, effortlessly combining effervescent Champagne with the tartness of cranberry juice and a splash of Grand Marnier.

In just two minutes, you can whip up this elegant cocktail, ensuring your gatherings are filled with delightful cheer. Its stunning crimson color, reminiscent of the iconic Poinsettia flower, makes it a standout choice for any holiday celebration. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or hosting a lively party, the Poinsettia Cocktail will add a touch of sophistication and flavor to your festivities. Let’s dive into crafting this deliciously refreshing drink that will leave your guests wanting more!

Why is the Poinsettia Cocktail a must-try?

Simplicity at Its Best: This festive drink comes together in just 2 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Eye-Catching Color: Its vibrant crimson hue adds a beautiful touch to any gathering, elevating your holiday decor.
Delicious Flavor Profile: The lovely balance of bubbly Champagne, tart cranberry, and a hint of orange liqueur creates a flavor explosion.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients for different variations, making it adaptable to all tastes.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cocktail is sure to impress your guests, adding a touch of elegance to your celebrations. Don’t forget to check out our other festive drinks for more holiday inspiration!

Poinsettia Cocktail Ingredients

For the Cocktail

Champagne – the base liquid that provides effervescence; use a dry Champagne for balanced sweetness.
Cranberry Cocktail – adds tartness and a festive crimson color; fresh cranberry juice can intensify the flavor.
Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) – an orange liqueur that enhances the complexity of flavors; triple sec is a suitable substitute if needed.

For Garnish

Fresh Cranberries – these not only look stunning but also add a pop of tartness to each sip.
Rosemary Sprigs – offering a festive touch and subtle aroma; ensure they are sturdy enough to pierce cranberries.

Whether you’re crafting this Poinsettia Cocktail for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these ingredients will ensure your drink is both beautiful and delicious!

How to Make Poinsettia Cocktail

Gather Flute: Start by selecting a tall champagne flute to showcase your beautiful cocktail. The elegant shape helps retain the bubbles and creates a delightful experience.
Combine Ingredients: Pour 2 ounces of cranberry cocktail and 0.5 ounces of Grand Marnier into the flute. This mixture forms the base of your cocktail with a sweet, tangy, and vibrant color.
Top with Champagne: Slowly pour 3.5 ounces of chilled Champagne over the cranberry mixture. Pour gently to preserve the effervescence and to create a delightful fizz.
Stir Gently: Give the drink a light stir to mix the flavors slightly. Be careful not to disturb the bubbles too much; they’re part of the magic!
Garnish and Serve: Add a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary to decorate. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a lovely aroma to your festive drink.

Optional: For a splash of fun, rim the glass with sugar for extra sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Poinsettia Cocktail

Fridge: Store any leftover cranberry cocktail and Grand Marnier mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep Champagne separate to maintain its fizz.
Freezer: While preparing the Poinsettia Cocktail, avoid freezing any components since the carbonation of Champagne will be lost. Instead, enjoy fresh!
Make-Ahead: Mix the cranberry and Grand Marnier in advance, but add the Champagne just before serving to retain its sparkling quality. This approach ensures your drink is always festive and refreshing!
Bottle Storage: If you have any unconsumed Champagne, reseal the bottle carefully using a Champagne stopper; it will stay fresh for about 1-3 days.

Tips for the Best Poinsettia Cocktail

Chill Ingredients: Ensure your Champagne and cranberry cocktail are well-chilled before mixing—warm ingredients can dilute the celebratory fizz of the Poinsettia Cocktail.
Garnish Smartly: Use fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary to elevate the drink’s presentation. Avoid wilted herbs, as they can detract from your drink’s festive allure.
Pouring Technique: When adding the Champagne, pour gently over the back of a spoon to minimize bubbles. This preserves the effervescence essential for a delightful sipping experience.
Sweetness Balance: If your cranberry cocktail is too sweet, opt for a drier Champagne or reduce the amount of Grand Marnier to maintain a balanced flavor in your Poinsettia Cocktail.
Make Ahead: Mix the cranberry and Grand Marnier in advance, but add the Champagne just before serving. This ensures that your drink remains bubbly and fresh for every toast!

Poinsettia Cocktail Variations

Looking to add your own twist to the Poinsettia Cocktail? Here are some fun ideas to make it uniquely yours!

Pomegranate Splash: Swap cranberry cocktail for pomegranate juice for a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor. The vibrant color will remain festive and beautiful.
Fruity Twist: Replace Grand Marnier with peach schnapps for a fruity and refreshing variation that adds a delicious peach flavor without overpowering the original.
Non-Alcoholic Delight: For a delightful mocktail, substitute the Champagne with sparkling water or ginger ale. This version is bubbly and perfect for all ages.
Berry Mix: Add some raspberry liqueur along with the cranberry cocktail for a berry explosion! This subtle twist will enhance the tartness and complexity.
Minty Fresh: Infuse some fresh mint leaves in the drink for a refreshing twist. Just muddle a few leaves before adding the rest of the ingredients!
Citrus Zing: Incorporate a splash of fresh orange juice along with the cranberry cocktail. This will brighten the drink with a citrusy zing that’s heavenly.
Spicy Kick: For the adventurous, add a dash of jalapeño syrup for a surprising heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of cranberry.
Herbal Flair: Try adding a few drops of lavender syrup for a floral note that elevates the entire experience of drinking your Poinsettia Cocktail.

What to Serve with Poinsettia Cocktail?

To truly elevate your festive gatherings, consider these delightful pairings that harmonize beautifully with this sparkling Christmas cocktail.

Savory Cheese Platter: A mix of creamy brie and sharp cheddar creates a perfect contrast to the cocktail’s sweetness. The variety invites indulgence and conversation.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted almonds and walnuts spiced with cinnamon and cayenne add a crunchy bite, balancing the cocktail’s sweetness with a warm kick.
Harvest Salad: Mixed greens topped with cranberries, pecans, and feta work beautifully to complement the tartness of the drink. This dish brings refreshing textures that brighten any table.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These hearty bites filled with cheese and herbs contrast nicely with the cocktail’s bubbly nature, making them an engaging snack for guests to enjoy.
Mini Beef Wellingtons: Rich, savory, and just the right size, these pastry-wrapped delights elevate your holiday spread, harmonizing with the festive cheer of the Poinsettia Cocktail.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: For dessert, these delectable treats mirror the cocktail’s festive spirit, delivering a sweet finish that enhances the experience of your gathering.
Sparkling Water: Offer a refreshing non-alcoholic option that complements the flavors of the Poinsettia Cocktail without overpowering it; garnished with mint for a refreshing twist.
Gingerbread Cookies: These classic holiday cookies bring a touch of nostalgia and spice, creating a delicious pairing that embodies the warmth of the season.

Make Ahead Options

These Poinsettia Cocktails are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday celebrations! You can prepare the cranberry cocktail and Grand Marnier mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine 2 ounces of cranberry cocktail with 0.5 ounces of Grand Marnier in a sealed container and refrigerate. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When it’s time to serve, just pour the chilled mixture into a champagne flute, top with 3.5 ounces of bubbly Champagne, and give a gentle stir to maintain the fizz. Trust me, your guests will appreciate this thoughtful preparation while enjoying the same delightful taste!

Poinsettia Cocktail Recipe FAQs

What kind of Champagne should I use for the Poinsettia Cocktail?
I recommend using a dry Champagne for the best flavor balance! A brut or extra brut Champagne will complement the tartness of the cranberry and the sweetness of the Grand Marnier beautifully.

How long can I store leftover cranberry cocktail and Grand Marnier?
Store any leftover cranberry cocktail and Grand Marnier mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep your Champagne separate to preserve its delightful fizz!

Can I freeze the Poinsettia Cocktail?
Absolutely not! The carbonation in Champagne will be lost if frozen. Instead, enjoy your Poinsettia Cocktail fresh. If you want to get creative, you could freeze cranberry juice into ice cubes for a unique garnish, but the cocktail itself is best served cold.

What should I do if my cocktail is too sweet?
If you find your Poinsettia Cocktail too sweet, you can make a quick fix! Reduce the amount of Grand Marnier in your recipe, or switch to a drier Champagne. This will create a more balanced flavor and enhance the tart notes from the cranberry.

Is this cocktail suitable for pregnant women?
While the Poinsettia Cocktail features alcohol, you can create a delightful non-alcoholic version! Simply substitute the Champagne with sparkling water or ginger ale, and skip the Grand Marnier. You’ll still have a deliciously festive drink to enjoy during the holidays!

Can I make the Poinsettia Cocktail in advance?
Certainly! You can mix the cranberry cocktail and Grand Marnier ahead of time. Just remember to add the Champagne right before serving to keep those lovely bubbles intact. This makes it easy to enjoy with friends and family during your celebrations!