• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Grateful Meal
  • About
    • Contact Me
  • Nutrition Coaching
  • Blog
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Me
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Me
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Holidays

    Christmas Cranberry Poinsettia Mimosas 

    Published: Nov 8, 2023 · Modified: Dec 11, 2023 by Melissa · This post contains links that pay me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Pinterest images of the cocktail with the words "Christmas Poinsettia Mimosa" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Poinsettia Mimosa" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Easy to Make Cranberry Mimosa" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Poinsettia Holiday Mimosa" in text overlay.
    Pinterest images of the cocktail with the words "Christmas Poinsettia Mimosa" in text overlay.
    ↓ Jump to Recipe
    ↓ Jump to Video

    Celebrate the holidays with a festive and delicious Poinsettia Mimosa! This easy-to-make cocktail is made with just 3 ingredients. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy this time of year at any Christmas brunch, party, gatherings, or as a New Year’s Eve cocktail!

    Poinsettia mimosa on a wood surface with a mini Christmas tree and bottle of prosecco in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • What is a Poinsettia Mimosa?
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations 
    • Suggested Glassware and Equipment to Serve a Crowd
    • FAQ
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Festive Flair: The poinsettia drink has a vibrant red hue, great for holiday celebrations, and embodies the holiday spirit with its bright, cheerful color.
    • Balanced Flavor Profile: Combining tart cranberry juice with the sweet orange flavor of triple sec and effervescence of champagne bubbles creates a delicious blend that is bound to be a new favorite.
    • Easy: The simplicity of the recipe, requiring just a few simple ingredients, makes it an excellent option for a quick cocktail to whip up for guests.

    What is a Poinsettia Mimosa?

    The Poinsettia Mimosa is named after the vibrant red Poinsettia plant, which is synonymous with the holiday season. This simple drink captures the holiday essence in a glass. It’s visually stunning, thanks to its bold crimson color, making it a standout at any Christmas morning holiday brunch!

    When it comes to pairing with other festive food and beverage, a poinsettia cocktail sits nicely in a lineup that could include warm, spiced beverages like a Hot Apple Cider Toddy, to provide a chilled, bubbly drink option.

    For an evening affair, pair with spread of small bites like Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini, Baked Brie with Figs and Honey, and or a holiday themed charcuterie board, like a Christmas Tree board or a Christmas Wreath themed board. Whether for a casual get-together or a formal feast, a Poinsettia Mimosa is a glass of holiday cheer that fits seamlessly into the seasonal celebration.

    Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients for the cocktail spread out on a wood surface.l

    Cranberry juice cocktail: I prefer to use the sweetened cranberry juice, which is usually labeled as “cranberry juice cocktail” and gives a sweetness similar to that of orange juice in a classic mimosa. 

    Triple sec: This brings adds an extra sweet and orangey zest to the recipe, which is a nice nod to the original. I always recommend Cointreau for triple sec if your budget allows. The flavor is much more intense compared to the less expensive triple sec. Grand Marnier would also give a great flavor. 

    Champagne: Technically champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine and can be on the more expensive side. I recommend getting a more affordable sparkling wine like a prosecco or cava, which are better suited for cocktails. I tend to want to save champagne for when I just want to drink the bubbly by itself. 

    Garnishes: I highly recommend freezing some fresh cranberries to add to each glass. It’s festive and helps keep the cocktail cool. Then, adding a sprig of fresh rosemary gives you the classic red and green Christmas colors. 

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1 showing adding frozen cranberries and triple sec to a champagne flute.

    Step 1: Add frozen cranberries to a champagne flute (optional). Add the triple sec to the flute.

    Step 2 showing adding the cranberry juice to the champagne flute and topping with sparkling wine.

    Step 2: Add the cranberry juice cocktail and then top with the sparkling wine.

    Step 3 showing adding a rosemary sprig.

    Step 3: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, if desired. 

    Expert Tips

    Use chilled ingredients. This will help to keep your cocktail refreshing and delicious. Adding frozen whole cranberries to the glasses are another great way to keep the cocktails cool without dilution. 

    Serve immediately. Mimosas are best enjoyed fresh.

    Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you find that your Poinsettia Mimosa is too much on the sweet side, add a bit more dry sparkling wine or sparkling water. If you prefer sweeter, add a touch of fresh orange juice and/or simple syrup. 

    For a little extra flair and sweetness, dip the rim of your glasses in some of the cranberry juice, then dip in a shimmery sanding sugar. 

    Variations 

    Below are a few other variations of this festive drink using various fruit juices that you might like to try:

    • Cranberry Orange Mimosas: Cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice, triple sec, and sparkling wine.
    • Rosemary Grapefruit Mimosas: Grapefruit juice, rosemary simple syrup, and sparkling wine.
    • Christmas in the Tropics Pineapple Mimosas: Pineapple juice, cream of coconut (syrup, not the canned kind), and sparkling wine.
    • Apple Cider Mimosas: Apple cider, splash of lemon juice, and sparkling wine.

    Suggested Glassware and Equipment to Serve a Crowd

    Image of Rose Gold Rim Plastic Shatterproof Glasses

    Rose Gold Rim Plastic Shatterproof Glasses

    Buy Now →
    Image of Glass Pitcher for Mimosa Bar (1 liter, set of 4)

    Glass Pitcher for Mimosa Bar (1 liter, set of 4)

    Buy Now →
    Image of Champagne Bucket Ice Mold

    Champagne Bucket Ice Mold

    Buy Now →
    Image of Holiday Magnetic Wine Glass Charms & Cocktail Markers Set of 12

    Holiday Magnetic Wine Glass Charms & Cocktail Markers Set of 12

    Buy Now →

    FAQ

    What’s the best champagne or sparkling wine is best for mimosas?

    The best option is a dry sparkling wine for mimosas as this will help to balance out the sweetness. Sometimes they are labeled as “dry” or “brut” on the label. I recommend avoiding sweet wines, such as asti spumante and moscato d’Asti as will make the mimosa too sweet.

    Here are a few good options to choose from:

    -Champagne is the classic choice for mimosas, but I prefer to save champagne for when I want to just drink the bubbly on its own as it is more expensive than other types of sparkling wine. Plus, the nuanced flavors of very high-end Champagnes are often lost in the mix of cocktails. 

    -Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that is a more affordable option than pricey champagne, and it also has a dry, fruity flavor that pairs well in mimosas.

    -Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that is made in a similar way to champagne. It has a dry, slightly yeasty flavor that is the perfect choice for mimosas.

    Other good options for mimosas include crémant and dry sparkling rosé.
    Personally, my go-to bubbly for cocktails are a dry prosecco or cava – they’re affordable and easy to come by.

    And quite honestly, I often buy them from Costco. 

    What is a bellini vs mimosa?

    A Bellini and a mimosa are both classic brunch cocktails made with similar ingredients The main difference between the two is the type of fruit juice used.

    Bellini: An Italian cocktail from Venice, it’s made with peach puree and sparkling wine, typically prosecco. 
    Mimosa: Made with orange juice and sparkling wine, typically champagne or prosecco.

    If you like bellinis, you should also check out my Peach Martini Bellini. It’s a more potent drink than a regular bellini but can still be a nice brunch cocktail. 

    What’s the best juice for Poinsettia Mimosas?

    While I used cranberry juice cocktail, you can also use pomegranate juice or cherry juice. If you opt for 100% cherry juice or unsweetened cranberry juice, they can be quite tart so you may need to add some simple syrup to balance the flavors. 

    Can I make a big batch? And, can that batch be made in advance?

    Yes, you can make a batch of Poinsettia cocktails, and they can be partially prepared in advance, which is excellent for hosting.

    To do so, follow these guidelines:
    Mix Together: Combine the cranberry juice cocktail and triple sec in a large pitcher. You can scale up the quantities based on the number of guests.

    Refrigerate: Store this mixture in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This can be done several hours ahead of time, or even the night before.

    Chill the Sparkling Wine: Make sure your unopened bubbly is thoroughly chilled.

    Combine: Right before serving, gently stir in the chilled sparkling wine into the pitcher with the juice mixture. Doing this too early can cause the wine to lose its effervescence.

    How can I make a mimosa bar?

    You can also make a “mimosa bar” by leaving the cranberry juice cocktail and triple sec mixture in the pitcher and keeping the chilled bubbly ready next to it.

    Guests can pour from the pitcher into their champagne flutes and then top with the bubbly. Although, some people can be a little heavy handed with the bubbly, so I’d have an extra chilled bottle or two in the fridge just in case.

    Poinsettia mimosa garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

    Related Recipes

    • Martini glass with rosemary and dried orange wheel for garnish.
      Christmas Cranberry Mistletoe Martini with Vodka
    • Two margaritas next to a bowl of limes and cranberries.
      Big Batch Christmas Cranberry Mistletoe Margaritas
    • Spritz in a wine glass with a bottle of Cointreau, orange half, and green plant in the background.
      Citrusy Cointreau Spritz Cocktail
    • Cocktail on a wood board with dried flower vase in background.
      Sparkling French Pear Vodka Martini

    Did you love this recipe?
    Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating & review in the comments below.

    📖 Recipe

    Poinsettia mimosa on a wood surface with a mini Christmas tree and bottle of prosecco in the background.

    Cranberry Poinsettia Mimosa Recipe

    Melissa
    Celebrate the holidays with a festive and delicious Poinsettia Mimosa! This easy-to-make cocktail is made with just 3 ingredients.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 minutes mins
    Course brunch, Cocktails
    Cuisine Christmas, Holiday Cocktails
    Servings 1 cocktail

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ ounces cranberry juice cocktail
    • 1 ounce triple sec (preferably Cointreau)
    • 2-3 ounces champagne (or prosecco or cava, dry/brut style)
    • Frozen whole cranberries and/or fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Add the frozen whole cranberries (if using) to a champagne flute, then add the cranberry juice cocktail.
    • Add the triple sec and top with the champagne.
    • Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, if desired. 

    Video

    Notes

    For a batch of 8:
    • 1 ½ cups cranberry juice cocktail
    • 1 cup triple sec
    • 1 (750 ml) bottle of champagne (or prosecco or cava, dry/brut style)
    • Frozen whole cranberries and/or fresh rosemary (optional)
    Tips for making a batch:
    1. Mix Together: Combine the cranberry juice cocktail and triple sec in a large pitcher. You can scale up the quantities based on the number of guests.
    2. Refrigerate: Store this mixture in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This can be done several hours ahead of time, or even the night before.
    3. Chill the Sparkling Wine: Make sure your unopened bubbly is thoroughly chilled.
    4. Combine: Right before serving, gently stir in the chilled sparkling wine into the pitcher with the juice mixture. Doing this too early can cause the wine to lose its effervescence.
    Tips for a mimosa bar:
    • You can also make a “mimosa bar” by leaving the cranberry juice cocktail and triple sec mixture in the pitcher and keeping the chilled bubbly ready next to it.
    • Guests can pour from the pitcher and then top with the bubbly. Although, some people can be a little heavy handed with the bubbly, so I’d have an extra chilled bottle or two in the fridge just in case.
    CLICK TO DISPLAY NUTRITION INFO

    Nutrition

    Calories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 89mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Don’t forget to follow along on social media or subscribe for alerts on new recipes!
    You can catch me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook. 

    More Festive Christmas and Holiday Recipes

    • Charcuterie board shaped like a Christmas tree.
      How to Make a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
    • Two White Christmas margaritas on a white surface with a red velvet background.
      Easy White Christmas Margaritas
    • Wine glasses lined up in a row with the words "Best Wine Gifts agratefulmeal.com" in text overlay.
      23 Best Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers (2025)
    • Candy cane martini garnished with a mini candy cane on the rim.
      Creamy Candy Cane Martini

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Stephanie

      December 24, 2023 at 7:42 pm

      Is there a non-alcoholic recipe for this?

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Melissa pouring a cocktail into a coupe glass.

    Hi, and welcome! 👋🏻 I’m Melissa, a RD with a Food Science degree living in Charleston, SC. I love sharing all my favorite food and cocktail recipes right here.

    More about me →

    Photo collage of where A Grateful Meal has been featured including the Today Show, Women's Day, Yahoo!, Brit + Co., Redbook, and more.

    🌷 Spring Cocktail Recipes

    • Strawberry shortcake martini on a pink surface with ingredients in the background.
      Strawberry Shortcake Martini with Whipped Cream Vodka
    • Limoncello martini on a wood cutting board with a bottle of limoncello and a lemon half in the background.
      Lemon Drop Limoncello Martini (3 Ingredients)
    • A coupe glass of Empress Gin French 75 on a cutting board with lemons, a bottle of gin, and tulips in the background.
      Empress Gin French 75
    • Spritz on a wood cutting board with a prosecco bottle in the background.
      Hugo Spritz (St-Germain Elderflower Spritz with Mint)
    • Lillet rose tonic cocktail garnished with floral, rose ice cubes, fresh mint, and a lemon wedge.
      Refreshing Lillet Rosé Tonic Cocktail 
    • Orange creamsicle martini on a wood cutting board with greenery and fresh oranges in the background.
      Orange Creamsicle Martini Cocktail with Whipped Vodka

    Mother's Day Recipes

    • Spritz in a wine glass with a bottle of Cointreau, orange half, and green plant in the background.
      Citrusy Cointreau Spritz Cocktail
    • Top view of the strawberry banana pancakes studded with the fruit on a white plate with syrup and gold silverware on the side.
      Caramelized Strawberry Banana Pancake Recipe
    • Bramble spritz with a bottle of Bramble gin, raspberries, and a green plant in the background.
      Bramble Pink Gin Spritz Cocktail
    • Lemon Mascarpone Doughnuts with Berries
      Lemon Mascarpone Doughnuts

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Content and Recipe Sharing Policy

    Connect

    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Web Stories
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • YouTube

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Disclaimer: Information on this website is meant for general use only and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or condition. Readers should consult their healthcare providers prior to making any changes to their lifestyle. The information contained in this site is intended to serve as general information and should be used in conjunction with advice from your healthcare team. It is not a substitute for medical treatment or therapy of any kind. All information contained in this site is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without permission from the site owner.

    Copyright © 2025 Grateful Meal Nutrition

    • 24