Barsys
Sparkling Poinsettia
About
Named for the bright red holiday flower, the Poinsettia is a classic Christmas sparkler. This version keeps it simple: cranberry juice, a touch of rosemary syrup, and Prosecco over ice. Ruby red, lightly bubbly, and barely a cocktail - in the best way.
There's no hard spirit in it, which makes it the lightest drink in the set. It's the one to sip through a long evening, or to hand a guest who wants something festive but easy. A little cranberry tartness, a whisper of rosemary, a lot of fizz.
Shaken or Stirred?
Built, not shaken - and barely stirred at that. Everything goes straight into the flute over ice: cranberry juice and rosemary syrup first, one gentle stir to combine, then the Prosecco poured slowly on top. Pour the bubbles in gently and the fizz stays; stir them hard and it's gone. This is the easiest drink in the collection to make.
What You'll Need
For one Sparkling Poinsettia:
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) Cranberry juice
- 0.25 oz (7 ml) Rosemary syrup
- Ice Cubes
Glass: Champagne flute
Garnish: Sugared cranberries, a small rosemary sprig and 3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco, poured on top
Pro tip: Pour the Prosecco slowly down the side of the flute so it doesn't foam up over the ice. To make sugared cranberries, roll fresh cranberries in a little simple syrup, then in sugar, and let them dry - they add sparkle and a festive crunch.
How to Make It
Prep time: 2 minutes
Skill level: Easy
- Fill a Champagne flute with ice cubes.
- Add the cranberry juice and rosemary syrup.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly top with Prosecco.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries and a small rosemary sprig, and serve.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
Of all the Sip & Sparkle drinks, this is the one the Barsys 360 AI Cocktail Maker makes almost entirely on its own. It's built with no shaking, so the 360 pours the cranberry juice and rosemary syrup straight into the flute in exact measure. The measure matters here, because there's only a tiny amount of rosemary syrup and a heavy pour would take over the whole glass. Add the Prosecco by hand, slowly, and you're done. Simple drink, simple job, right every time.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys Ai app.
The Barsys Edge
There's very little to this drink, which makes the small pour the whole game. A quarter ounce of rosemary syrup is easy to misjudge by hand, and too much turns a light, crisp sparkler into something herbal and sweet. Barsys pours that small measure exactly, so the cranberry and rosemary stay in balance and the Prosecco has a clean base to sparkle over. For a drink this delicate, that precision is the difference.
Sip Setting
This is a toast in a glass - the drink for raising at midnight, or handing round the moment guests arrive. It's low in alcohol and light on the palate, so it fits any point in a long holiday evening without slowing anyone down. Festive, pretty, and endlessly easy to pour by the tray.
Garnish Game
Sugared cranberries and a small rosemary sprig are all it takes. The frosted cranberries catch the light and echo the ruby color inside, while the rosemary adds a fresh green note and a bit of holiday shape. Drop the cranberries right into the flute, or set them on a pick across the rim. A simple, pretty finish for a simple, pretty drink.
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FAQs
What is a Sparkling Poinsettia?
A light, bubbly holiday cocktail made with cranberry juice, rosemary syrup, and Prosecco over ice. It's named for the red Christmas flower and served in a Champagne flute.
Is there alcohol in it?
Only from the Prosecco, so it's low in alcohol - the lightest drink in the collection. There's no vodka, tequila, or other hard spirit in it.
How is it different from a classic Poinsettia?
A classic Poinsettia uses cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and sparkling wine. This version drops the liqueur and uses a little rosemary syrup instead, which keeps it lighter and adds a seasonal, piney note.
Is it sweet?
No, it's fairly dry. The small amount of rosemary syrup adds just a touch of sweetness, and the tart cranberry and dry Prosecco keep it crisp.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. Swap the Prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or chilled soda, and build it the same way for a bright cranberry mocktail.
Can I batch it for a party?
Yes. Mix the cranberry juice and rosemary syrup ahead in a pitcher, then pour into ice-filled flutes and top each with Prosecco to order so the bubbles stay fresh.