Poinsettia Cocktail Recipe
Poinsettia Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:12%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Poinsettia cocktail is a classic holiday drink that has been enjoyed for decades. It is believed to have been created in the 1950s, and its name is inspired by the vibrant red and green colors of the poinsettia plant, which is a popular decoration during the holiday season. This festive cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, and is often enjoyed by those who appreciate a light, fruity, and bubbly drink.
How Poinsettia Tastes?
The Poinsettia cocktail has a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne creates a delightful balance of fruity and bubbly flavors, with a hint of tartness from the cranberry juice.
Interesting facts about Poinsettia
- The Poinsettia cocktail is named after the poinsettia plant, which is native to Mexico and is a popular holiday decoration due to its vibrant red and green colors.
- This cocktail is often served in a champagne flute, which helps to showcase its beautiful color and maintain the effervescence of the champagne.
- The Poinsettia cocktail is a versatile drink that can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences by adjusting the proportions of the ingredients or adding additional flavors, such as a splash of lime juice or a sprig of fresh mint.
Ingredients
- Champagne: 4 oz(120ml)
- Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Fresh cranberries: 3
- Garnish: 1 sprig of mint
Champagne
The champagne adds effervescence and a touch of elegance. It tends to brighten up any mixture. If you skimp on it, you might end up with a cocktail that's too sweet or too dense. If you add too much, it could overpower the other flavors. Prosecco can be a less expensive alternative, giving a similar fizz with a slightly sweeter taste.
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice offers a lovely sharp tang and a beautiful red color, giving the drink its festive appearance. Using less could make the cocktail too dry, and using more could overwhelm with tartness. An alternative could be pomegranate juice, which would bring a different type of tartness and a deeper red color.
Alex Green
Orange Liqueur
It brings a subtle citrus sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberry. If you leave it out, you'll miss the depth it brings. Too much, and it'll overshadow the cranberry. Cointreau or Grand Marnier are good options, with the latter giving a brandy base and richer flavor.
Emma Rose
Fresh Cranberries
These are primarily for a pop of color and a hint of fresh tartness. They float delightfully, adding to the presentation. If you don't have fresh ones, frozen cranberries can substitute, but don't skip them entirely, or you'll lose the festive look. No cranberries? Try raspberries for a similar visual effect but a sweeter taste.
Mary Mitkina
Garnish: Sprig of Mint
The mint garnish adds a fresh aroma which subtly influences the taste and provides a green contrast to the red cranberries, completing the holiday theme. Forgetting the mint would mean missing out on fragrance and the full sensory experience. Alternatively, a twist of orange zest could complement the orange liqueur with a citrus aroma.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Poinsettia Drink
- Chill a champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes to ensure the cocktail stays cold.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the cranberry juice and orange liqueur. Shake well to mix.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled champagne flute.
- Top with the champagne, pouring slowly to avoid overflowing.
- Gently drop a few fresh cranberries into the glass for added color and flavor.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, placing it on the rim of the glass or floating it on top of the cocktail.
Pro Tips
- Chill your glassware: This will keep your cocktail colder for longer.
- Use fresh cranberries: They add a pop of color and a hint of tartness.
- Pour the champagne slowly: This will prevent it from overflowing and maintain its effervescence.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Bruschetta: The light, crispy bread and fresh tomato will complement the crispness of the Poinsettia.
- Cheese board: Choose brie or goat cheese to match the drink's brightness.
- Smoked Salmon Canapés: Their rich flavor pairs nicely with the acidity of the cranberry.
Main Courses
- Roast Turkey: A classic holiday pairing, the Poinsettia's sparkling nature cuts through the richness of the turkey.
- Grilled Sea Bass: The citrus notes from the cocktail will enhance the fish's delicate flavors.
Desserts
- White Chocolate Cheesecake: The creamy texture and the citrusy spark of the cocktail will balance each other.
- Fruit Tart: Picks up the berry notes in the cocktail.
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What you could change in Poinsettia
- Champagne: Can be substituted with any other sparkling wine.
- Orange liqueur: Can be replaced with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Cranberry juice: Can be substituted with pomegranate juice for a different flavor profile.
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And of course - twists🍹
Poinsettia Sparkler
- Add sparkling apple cider: Instead of champagne, top with sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that's still festive.
Pomegranate Poinsettia
- Swap cranberry juice with pomegranate juice: For a deeper red hue and a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor profile.
Frosty Poinsettia
- Blend with ice: Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until slushy. Serve in a chilled glass for a frozen twist that's perfect for those holiday parties in warmer climates.
In case you forgot basics how to make Poinsettia
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Poinsettia
What is the origin of the name 'Poinsettia' for this cocktail?
The cocktail is named 'Poinsettia' due to its vibrant red and green colors, which are similar to those of the poinsettia plant, a popular holiday decoration.
Is the Poinsettia a seasonal drink?
Typically, the Poinsettia is seen as a holiday or winter cocktail due to its festive color and the use of cranberry, which is a seasonal fruit in many parts of the world. However, it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
What is the best champagne to use for a Poinsettia cocktail?
The taste of the Poinsettia cocktail largely depends on the quality of the champagne. It typically suits well with a Brut champagne, which is dry and not very sweet, to balance the sweetness from the cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
Can I adjust the strength of the Poinsettia cocktail?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of champagne to make the cocktail weaker or stronger according to your preference.
Is the Poinsettia cocktail served shaken or stirred?
The Poinsettia cocktail is shaken. The cranberry juice and orange liqueur are combined in a shaker before being strained into a champagne flute.
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