Nothing says holiday celebration quite like a sparkling cocktail in your hand, and the Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail is one of those drinks that instantly sets the mood. The first time I served this, it was right as guests walked through the door for a holiday gathering, and the deep red color paired with fresh rosemary felt like instant décor. People had barely taken their coats off before asking what was in their glass.

I love this cocktail because it is simple, elegant, and approachable all at once. Cranberry juice gives it a tart, refreshing base that feels right for winter, while orange liqueur softens the edges with gentle citrus sweetness. Champagne brings everything together with bubbles that make the drink feel celebratory without being heavy. It is the kind of cocktail that works just as well for a quiet holiday dinner as it does for a lively party.

Why You’ll Love This

The Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail is a holiday classic for a reason. It delivers bright flavor, beautiful color, and a festive presentation with very little effort. This is the kind of drink that makes hosting feel easier while still impressing your guests.

Here are a few reasons it stands out:

Quick to make with just a few ingredients.
Balanced flavor that is tart, lightly sweet, and refreshing.
Stunning red color that fits perfectly with holiday décor.
Ideal for parties, brunches, or holiday toasts.
Easy to scale up for a crowd.

Once you make it, you will likely find yourself returning to it year after year.

Ingredients

This cocktail works because each ingredient has a clear role. The cranberry juice provides that signature holiday color and tartness. Orange liqueur adds smooth citrus depth that rounds out the drink. Champagne brings crisp bubbles that keep everything light and celebratory. Garnishes are optional, but they elevate the look and aroma instantly.

3 ounces Champagne chilled
3 ounces cranberry juice
0.5 ounce orange liqueur
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The alcohol choices in this cocktail are simple, but quality makes a difference. You do not need the most expensive bottle, but choosing well balanced options helps the flavors shine.

Here are some solid options and swaps:

Champagne: Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot for classic dryness.
Sparkling Wine Substitute: Prosecco adds fruitiness, while Cava offers a drier finish.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau gives a clean orange note, Grand Marnier adds richness, and triple sec works as an easy substitute.
Cranberry Juice: Use 100 percent cranberry juice for tartness or cranberry cocktail juice for a sweeter profile.

Stick with similar styles to maintain balance in the drink.

Equipment and Glassware

One of the best parts of this cocktail is how little equipment it requires. You can build it directly in the glass, which makes it perfect for entertaining.

You will need:

Champagne flute
Jigger
Bar spoon

A chilled flute helps preserve the bubbles and keeps the drink refreshing from first sip to last.

How to Make It

This cocktail comes together in just a few steps, making it ideal for busy holiday hosting. Building it gently helps preserve carbonation and keeps the presentation clean.

Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled Champagne flute.
Stir gently to blend the flavors without splashing.
Slowly pour in the Champagne to avoid overflowing and to preserve bubbles.
Add a few fresh cranberries and a small rosemary sprig for garnish.

Serve immediately while the drink is crisp and bubbly.

Pro Tips

A few small techniques can take this cocktail from simple to polished. These tips help you get the best flavor, appearance, and fizz.

Chill all ingredients before assembling.
Pour Champagne slowly to protect carbonation.
Use superfine bubbles sparkling wine for a smoother texture.
Gently clap the rosemary sprig before garnishing to release aroma.
If the drink tastes too tart, add a splash more orange liqueur.
Wipe the rim of the glass before serving for a clean look.
Freeze cranberries to use as decorative ice without dilution.

Variations

The Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail is easy to customize based on your crowd or preferences. Here are a few variations that still keep the holiday spirit intact:

Add a splash of pomegranate juice for deeper color and flavor.
Replace orange liqueur with elderflower liqueur for a floral twist.
Use rosé sparkling wine for a softer berry profile.
Make a non alcoholic version using sparkling cranberry juice and orange syrup.
Add a sugar rim for a sweeter, dessert style presentation.

Each variation offers a slightly different experience while staying festive.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail fits seamlessly into almost any holiday occasion. It works especially well as a welcome drink or toast because it is light and refreshing.

Serve it alongside:

Cheese boards with brie or goat cheese
Shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon bites
Holiday appetizers with herbs or citrus
Light desserts like shortbread cookies
Other champagne cocktails for a themed bar

Its acidity helps balance rich foods, making it very food friendly.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail is best made fresh, especially because Champagne loses bubbles quickly. That said, some prep can still save time.

Helpful notes:

Do not batch with Champagne added.
Pre mix cranberry juice and orange liqueur and chill ahead of time.
Keep Champagne refrigerated until serving.
Garnish right before serving for the best look.

Fresh assembly ensures maximum fizz and flavor.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail.

Is this cocktail sweet or tart?
It leans tart, but the orange liqueur softens the cranberry flavor nicely.

Can I use prosecco instead of Champagne?
Yes, prosecco works well and adds a fruitier finish.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the juice and liqueur, but add Champagne just before serving.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy cranberry cocktails and festive champagne drinks, here are more holiday favorites to explore:

White Cranberry Christmas Mimosa: A fruity twist on a brunch classic.
Sparkling Pom Sidecar: Elegant and perfect for celebrations.
Winter Wonderland: Citrus and ginger with a festive touch.
Cranberry Limoncello Spritz: Light, bubbly, and crowd friendly.
Pomegranate Prosecco Winter Punch: Great for serving a group.