The Poinsettia swaps the Mimosa's orange juice for cranberry, with a splash of orange liqueur to bridge the two. It pours a deep festive red — named, like the holiday flower, for the season it belongs to.
The Mimosa, in its winter coat.
A Drink for December
The Poinsettia is a seasonal cocktail by design. Its cranberry-red colour and a name borrowed from the Christmas flower make it a fixture of holiday brunches and parties — the Mimosa family's contribution to December.
Orange Liqueur as the Bridge
Cranberry juice alone can be sharp against sparkling wine. A small pour of orange liqueur — Cointreau or triple sec — softens the edge and adds depth, tying the cranberry and the wine together. It is the difference between a good Poinsettia and a thin one.
Sparkling Wine to Use
A dry brut works best — the cranberry and liqueur bring their own sweetness, and a sweeter wine tips the whole drink over. Prosecco, cava, or Champagne all suit it; the only firm rule is that it be properly cold.
The Mimosa Family
The classic — equal parts chilled sparkling wine and orange juice, served in a flute.
- 3 ozSparkling wine
- 3 ozOrange juice
Venice's brunch classic — Prosecco and white peach purée, soft and pink.
- 2 ozWhite peach purée
- 4 ozProsecco
London's take on the Mimosa — Champagne-led, with just a little orange juice.
- 4 ozChampagne
- 2 ozOrange juice