Poinsettia Cocktails

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Have a holly, jolly and bubbly holiday with the Poinsettia cocktail.

When we were kids, one of the earliest signs that Christmas was coming was when our mother came home with that first red pinwheel-looking poinsettia flower. Before any of the stockings were hung by the chimney, or the tree went up with lights and ornaments, those distinct and crimson plants began to mingle with the other greenery already present. And since this was the late 1970s and all through the 1980s, my family had its fair share of ferns. And the poinsettias looked right at home next to them.

Tonight’s cocktail takes its name from the traditional floral decoration. Made with orange liqueur, cranberry juice and prosecco, the Poinsettia is a bubbly, tart and citrusy concoction, melding some of the favorite flavors from the season of giving. I know there is already a dizzying array of famous and traditional beverages that get served every year, and oftentimes, when we hear of something new or unfamiliar, we tend to dismiss them over what we’re used to.

But once you’ve tried the fizzy and refreshing charms of a Poinsettia, you may just discover that you and your loved ones now have a brand new tradition. So instead of your usual bottle of prosecco on its own, why not use it to craft some of these for Christmas dinner?

What is the best alcohol to use in a Poinsettia Cocktail?

We’ll need some orange liqueur and prosecco to complete our Poinsettia concoction this evening. For the liqueur, our recipe suggests using Cointreau or Grand Marnier, the latter being a robust blend of triple sec and brandy. You don’t want your bubbly to be too sweet or overpowering, so a bottle of Mionetto will fill the bill beautifully. A Blanc de Noir or a dry and crisp Blanc de Blancs are also a lovely choice.

What glassware and garnish are used?

You can use either long-stemmed champagne flutes or tall, slender collins glasses to enjoy this drink out of. Garnish with a few cranberries and an orange slice on top.

Can this recipe be made as a booze-free mixture?

Yes. Just replace the liqueur with orange juice, and the prosecco with sparkling water, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.

Other holiday cocktails worth trying

Are you throwing a Christmas party for your co-workers? Or perhaps everybody in the family is coming to your house this year. Either way, you need some seasonally themed tipples to serve, but maybe you’re not sure where to begin looking. Fear not, as Twist & Toast has a lovely array of easy-to-make recipes that your guests are sure to sing plenty of praises about.

• Holiday Sangria – The warm weather favorite gets a spicy, sweet and Christmassy spin.
• Sugar-Cookie Martini – Vodka, Irish cream and amaretto combine to craft this potent libation.
• Jingle Juice Holiday Punch – Have a large group coming by? Put a little jingle in their cups with this recipe.
• Spiked Eggnog – A holiday classic that never fails to please.