Ah, the Poinsettia. If you’ve ever sat on the edge of a festive party, clutching a glass of something too sweet or too flat and wishing for something more grown-up-but still dazzling-this cocktail is your answer. Nigella Lawson’s Poinsettia Cocktail is everything the holidays should taste like: tart, crisp, elegant and just a little bit celebratory in that sparkly way prosecco can be.
Nigella created this as a simple but glamorous cocktail, named after the bright red Christmas flower. The color alone makes it feel like you’ve got a little holiday cheer in a glass. But what I love most is how easy it is. because let’s be real, no one wants to be fussing over a cocktail shaker while the roast potatoes are catching fire.
Nigella Poinsettia Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the beautiful part: it’s just three ingredients. And they’re probably already in your kitchen. or at least your holiday shopping list.
- Cointreau (or any orange liqueur): This is the heart of it. A whisper of citrus warmth without being overpowering. Think a zesty undercurrent rather than a dominant flavor.
- Cranberry Juice: This is where the Poinsettia gets its gorgeous ruby hue and tart edge. I’ve found that using unsweetened cranberry juice gives a sharper, more sophisticated finish.
- Chilled Prosecco (or champagne if you’re feeling posh): You want something dry and bubbly here. The effervescence lifts the other ingredients and makes the whole drink feel like it’s wearing high heels and red lipstick.
Optional-but delightful-are fresh cranberries tossed into the glass for that little visual pop. Like edible confetti.
Equipment Needed
Now, if you’re a minimalist like me during the holidays (read: too tired to dig out the cocktail shaker buried under Halloween cookie cutters), you’ll appreciate how low-maintenance this cocktail is.
- A pitcher or carafe if you’re batching it for a crowd. Which you absolutely should.
- Champagne flutes (or any stemmed glassware. it’s less about the shape and more about the moment).
- Measuring jug or shot glass for the orange liqueur.
- Stirring spoon-or, honestly, a chopstick if that’s what’s handy.
That’s it. No shaking, muddling or straining. Just a stir, a pour and a cheer.
Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Poinsettia Cocktail
This is more of a rhythm than a recipe. It’s the kind of drink you make with a bit of jazz playing and a string of fairy lights blinking softly over your shoulder.
Here’s how I usually do it:
- Chill Everything: This step is crucial. Stick the prosecco, cranberry juice and even the orange liqueur in the fridge well ahead of time. A warm cocktail is an unforgivable holiday sin.
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Mix the Base: In a jug or carafe, mix:
- 500ml cranberry juice
-
250ml Cointreau
Give it a stir and pop it back into the fridge. This can happily sit for a day or two which makes it perfect for pre-holiday prep.
- Just Before Serving: Pour the chilled cranberry-orange mix about one-third of the way into each glass.
- Top with Bubbles: Gently pour prosecco over the top. It will fizz and settle and maybe even overflow if you’re lucky. like a little celebratory mess.
- Optional Garnish: Drop a few fresh cranberries into each glass. They float! It’s adorable.
What I Learnt
The first time I made this cocktail, I was actually hosting my first-ever Christmas Eve gathering. It was the year I finally had my own apartment and I wanted everything to feel grown-up but cozy. The tree was half-decorated (because I ran out of hooks), I was stress-eating Brie while vacuuming and the smoke alarm had already gone off-twice.
But when I handed my friends that first glass of Poinsettia, the room just… softened. Everyone paused. There was laughter. “This tastes like Christmas”! someone said and it really did. I learned that it’s not about pulling off a perfect party. it’s about creating a little moment of sparkle amid the chaos.
I also realized that a great cocktail doesn’t need drama. Just balance. The tartness of cranberry, the citrus glow of Cointreau and the pop of prosecco? It’s a drink that gets it right every single time.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Nigella Lawson’s Poinsettia Cocktail?
For this festive beauty, you’ll need cranberry juice, Cointreau (or any orange liqueur), Prosecco, and some fresh cranberries for garnish. It’s the kind of drink that looks as celebratory as it tastes-perfect for the holidays!
Can I Make Nigella’s Poinsettia Cocktail Ahead Of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can pre-mix the cranberry juice and Cointreau, and chill that in the fridge until you’re ready to top it with Prosecco. That way, you’ll save a bit of time when the party’s in full swing!
Can I Substitute The Prosecco In The Poinsettia Cocktail?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Prosecco, you could swap it for Champagne, or even something like sparkling water or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic twist. The key is keeping the fizz to maintain that festive sparkle!
