The horticulturist's holiday cocktail: The poinsettia

The poinsettia isn't just a pretty holiday flower. It's also the perfect holiday cocktail.

© mizina | ADOBESTOCK

© mizina | ADOBESTOCK

Christmas is a time for celebrating. For many people, that celebrating includes making tasty cocktails. Whether it's a mimosa at brunch or a cup of after-dinner eggnog that follows your grandmother's secret family recipe, there's no shortage of drinks to choose from. And for horticulturists, there's a holiday cocktail named after everyone's favorite holiday plant: the poinsettia.

Named for its bright red color reminiscent of the holiday flower, the poinsettia cocktail is a combination of cranberry juice, orange liqueur and champagne. If your holiday is typically filled with heavy drinks like hot chocolate and eggnog, the poinsettia's light and fruity taste will be a refreshing change of pace.

Here's the recipe and how to make the drink. The cocktail can also be made ahead of time in a large batch by scaling up the recipe. 

Ingredients:

3 ounces champagne or sparkling wine
3 ounces cranberry juice
1/2 ounce orange liqueur, such as triple sec, curaçao or Cointreau
Cranberries for garnish (optional)

Rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)

Steps:

Add orange liqueur, cranberry juice and champagne to champagne flute
Stir lightly to mix the ingredients
Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprig (optional)
Enjoy responsibly