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Ruby cranberry Poinsettia cocktail with an orange twist in a champagne flute
Illustrative serving image; garnish with an orange twist as described below.

Cocktails

Poinsettia Cocktail

By Jim ·

This Poinsettia cocktail combines 60 ml unsweetened cranberry juice, 15 ml orange liqueur and 90 ml chilled Prosecco. Pour one sparkling Christmas cocktail in 5 minutes; serve immediately while the bubbles last.

A Poinsettia cocktail is a cranberry-and-orange Christmas toast topped with sparkling wine. This version uses unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart finish and a smaller measure of orange liqueur so it does not taste syrupy. Keep the Prosecco cold and add it last.

1 cocktail·5 min

Recipe reviewed 30 Sep 2026. How we test recipes.

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WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Servings1

METHOD

How to make it

  1. Pour the chilled cranberry juice and orange liqueur into a flute or small wine glass.
  2. Slowly top with chilled Prosecco. Stir only once, very gently, to keep the bubbles.
  3. Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its aroma, then rest it on the rim. Serve immediately.

Recipe notes

Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart drink. Mix the juice and liqueur up to one day ahead and refrigerate; add Prosecco just before serving. Sweetened cranberry juice cocktail makes a sweeter variation.

Common questions

Can I make Poinsettia cocktails ahead of time?

Mix the cranberry juice and orange liqueur up to one day ahead and refrigerate. Pour into glasses and add Prosecco just before serving; the finished cocktails lose their fizz if held in a pitcher.

Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?

Yes, but cranberry juice cocktail is noticeably sweeter than unsweetened juice. Use a dry sparkling wine and taste before adding any other sweet ingredients.

Is there a matching alcohol-free Christmas drink?

Yes. Our Christmas Morning Punch uses cranberry and orange juices with sparkling water or, for a sweeter version, sparkling white grape juice. Keep the children's glasses and preparation utensils separate from the alcoholic cocktail.

For a Christmas drink with herbal notes, see the Christmas Cranberry Rosemary Spritz. Find more seasonal ideas in the Christmas drinks collection.

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