Poinsettia Drink Recipe: A Classic Christmas Cocktail

Embrace the holiday spirit with this enchanting poinsettia drink. It’s the perfect Christmas cocktail for any festive gathering.

The holidays are upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of hosting a festive gathering for friends and family. Whether it’s an intimate Christmas Eve dinner or a lively holiday party, a signature cocktail can truly elevate the merriment. This year, ditch the eggnog and embrace the elegance of the Poinsettia Drink – a Christmas cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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What is a Poinsettia Drink?

Inspired by the vibrant red petals of the iconic poinsettia flower, this cocktail captures the essence of Christmas in a glass. Its crimson hue evokes feelings of warmth and cheer, making it the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. While its exact origins are a bit of a mystery, some believe the Poinsettia Drink first blossomed in the 1960s, adding a touch of sophistication to holiday festivities ever since.

For years, I’ve made this festive cocktail a tradition at our annual Christmas Eve clambake. It’s always a hit! Guests love its refreshing taste, festive appearance, and the ease with which they can sip and mingle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless to make: Perfect for busy hosts who want to spend more time celebrating and less time mixing drinks.
• Tastes like Christmas: A delightful blend of cranberry, citrus, and bubbly that’s both festive and refreshing.
• Visually stunning: The vibrant red color is guaranteed to impress your guests.

Crafting the Perfect Poinsettia Drink

Ready to impress your guests with this simple yet elegant Christmas cocktail? Here’s what you’ll need:

Poinsettia Cocktail Ingredients

• Cranberry Cocktail or Cranberry Juice: The foundation of our festive drink. Cranberry juice symbolizes the tartness of winter berries and the joyous colors of the holiday season.
• Champagne or Prosecco: Adds a touch of sparkle and sophistication.
• Triple Sec or Cointreau: Provides depth and a hint of citrusy sweetness.
• Fresh Cranberries, Orange Peels, or Rosemary: For an elegant garnish.

How to Make a Poinsettia Drink

1. Fill a champagne flute about a third of the way with chilled cranberry cocktail or cranberry juice.
2. Add a splash of Triple Sec or Cointreau.
3. Top off the glass with chilled champagne or prosecco.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a few floating cranberries, an orange peel twist, or a sprig of rosemary.

With its harmonious blend of flavors, the Poinsettia Drink is a true delight for the senses. The tartness of the cranberry juice beautifully complements the bubbly champagne and the subtle sweetness of the orange liqueur. And that vibrant red color? It’s as captivating as the taste, making this cocktail a feast for the eyes as well.

Variations on this Classic Christmas Cocktail

• For a sweeter drink: Use cranberry juice cocktail instead of pure cranberry juice.
• For a non-alcoholic version: Substitute sparkling white grape juice for the champagne.
• Get creative with garnishes: Try a sugared rim, a lime wedge, or a festive cocktail stirrer.

Poinsettia Drink FAQs

Can you substitute cranberry juice for cranberry cocktail?

This sparkling beverage is typically made with cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and a splash of lime juice. But one question often arises: should you use cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail?There are pros and cons to both options, and the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which to use when making this classic Christmas cocktail.

Cranberry Juice

Pure cranberry juice is made from crushed cranberries, often diluted with water and occasionally sweetened with sugar or other fruit juices. It’s known for its tartness and intense flavor. However, this version tends to be more natural, with fewer additives.

Cranberry Cocktail

On the other hand, cranberry cocktail is a blend of cranberry juice with other fruit juices like apple or grape. It’s often sweetened with added sugars, making it slightly sweeter and less tart than pure cranberry juice. The cocktail version might have a milder cranberry taste due to the dilution with other fruit juices.

Choosing between the two for your poinsettia drink can depend on personal preference and the overall flavor profile you want to achieve:

1. Tartness vs. Sweetness: If you prefer a more tart and intense cranberry flavor in your drink, go for pure cranberry juice. However, if you’re looking for a sweeter and more mellow taste, cranberry cocktail might be the better option.
2. Versatility: Cranberry cocktail, with its added sweetness and blend of juices, can sometimes be more versatile in mixed drinks, offering a balanced flavor that might complement other ingredients in your poinsettia recipe.
3. Ingredients: Consider the ingredients in both options. Pure cranberry juice might be a healthier choice due to fewer additives, while cranberry cocktail could have a more rounded taste but potentially more added sugars.

For a classic poinsettia drink, the choice might lean toward pure cranberry juice as it tends to bring out a more distinct cranberry flavor, adding a zesty kick to the cocktail. However, if you’re aiming for a sweeter and more approachable taste, the cranberry cocktail might be the way to go.

I like using cranberry juice cocktail to make this Christmas drink but feel free to experiment and see which you prefer. To learn more about their differences, check out this article here.

How do you make a larger batch of this Poinsettia Drink recipe?

If you want to make a larger batch of this festive Christmas cocktail instead of making each individual drink, you absolutely can! Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients for a Batch

• 6 cups Cranberry Juice or Cocktail: Use chilled cranberry juice as the base.
• 1 bottle (750ml) Champagne or Prosecco: Ensure it’s well-chilled.
• 1 cup Triple Sec or Cointreau: Adjust according to taste preference.
• Fresh Cranberries or Rosemary (Garnish): For a festive touch.

Instructions

• In a large punch bowl, pour in the chilled cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail.
• Add the Triple Sec or Cointreau to the cranberry juice and stir gently to combine.
• Slowly pour in the well-chilled champagne or prosecco, stirring gently as you pour to maintain the effervescence.
• Adjust the taste by adding more Triple Sec/Cointreau or cranberry juice if desired.
• Add a handful of fresh cranberries to the punch bowl for a decorative touch. Alternatively, place a few sprigs of rosemary on the surface for a festive garnish.
• Serve the Poinsettia Drink in individual glasses, ensuring each serving includes a mix of the flavors from the punch bowl.

Batching Tips

• Chill Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are adequately chilled beforehand to maintain the freshness and effervescence of the drink.
• Taste Testing: Before serving, do a quick taste test to ensure the flavors are balanced. You can always adjust by adding more cranberry juice or Triple Sec/Cointreau based on your preferences.
• Ice Consideration: If desired, you can add ice to the punch bowl to keep the drink cool. Consider using larger ice cubes or an ice ring to avoid excessive dilution.

Presentation Tips For This Batched Christmas Cocktail

For an added touch of elegance, consider decorating the punch bowl table with additional festive elements like twinkling lights, evergreen sprigs, or even floating cranberries in the punch bowl itself.

Final Thoughts About Making a Poinsettia Drink

The Poinsettia Drink is more than just a cocktail; it’s a symbol of holiday cheer and a yummy way to level up your festive gatherings. With its vibrant red color, refreshing taste, and effortless preparation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So this Christmas, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this captivating cocktail. Your guests will thank you!

Ready to raise a glass to the holidays? Try this Poinsettia Drink recipe at your next gathering and share your festive creations with me!

Have you ever made the poinsettia cocktail before? Will you make it this season? I would love to know more in the comments below.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo