Valentine’s Day is here and love is in the air. After roses, chocolates, and a fancy dinner, there are few better ways to top off Hallmark’s favorite evening than a special cocktail with the one you love. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite mixed drinks for just this occasion. Dressed in sultry reds, pretty pinks, or even blossoming whites, these cocktails are certain to take your night of romance one step further.
You’re Making Me Blush
Instructions:
Whip, hard shake, double strain, Peychaud’s Bitters on top.
Gin-Campari Sour
1 1⁄2 oz. gin, such as Plymouth brand
3⁄4 oz. Campari
3⁄4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 oz. simple syrup
1 egg white
1 dash orange bitters
1 small orange wedge, to garnish
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, Campari, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters, and egg white, and shake until combined. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice and shake vigorously until the egg white is incorporated and frothy, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with the orange wedge.
Sicillian 75
1 oz. fresh blood orange juice, plus slice
1 oz. gin
1⁄2 oz. simple syrup
1⁄4 oz. Campari
2 oz. dry champagne
Instructions:
Combine juice, gin, syrup, and Campari in an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a flute. Top with champagne; garnish with orange slice.
Pink Lady
1 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce applejack, bonded
3/4 ounce lemon juice
1/4 ounce grenadine
1 egg white
Garnish: brandied cherry
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake without ice. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Flame of Love
2 oz Monkey 47 Gin
.5 oz dry sherry
3 flamed grapefruit twists
Instructions:
Add ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir for 10-15 seconds. Pour into the glass of your choice and garnish with a flamed citrus twist.
The Flatliner
.75 oz. Lemon
.75 oz. Red Hot Syrup
2 oz. Mulholland Whiskey
Instructions:
Quick whip, dump, crushed ice, charred cinnamon stick for garnish
*Red Hot Syrup: Cayenne, Cinnamon & Vanilla Bean
New York Sour
2 oz Rye whiskey or bourbon
3/4 oz Simple syrup
1 oz Lemon juice
1 Egg white (optional)
1/2 oz Red wine
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients except the wine to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Carefully pour the wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink.
Love Potion #9
1 oz. Hibiscus Syrup
1 oz. Mulholland Vodka
Prosecco
Instructions:
Build in glass, top with Prosecco & Babies Breath for a nice effervescent finish.
Moradita
2 tbsp. beet purée
3⁄4 oz. triple sec
1⁄2 oz. jalapeño-infused tequila (such as Dulce Vida)
1⁄4 oz. lime juice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass.
French Monaco
1½ oz. pomegranate syrup
2 oz. lemonade
6 oz. pale lager, preferably Stella Artois
Instructions:
In an ice-filled shaker, syrup and lemonade; shake vigorously and strain into a chilled beer glass. Top with beer.
Bacardi Red Punch
¾ part Bacardi Limón Rum
¾ part Bacardi Raspberry rum
¾ part Bacardi Superior rum
½ part grenadine
2 parts sweet & sour mix
1 part cranberry juice
Instructions:
Pour all ingredients including garnishes into a punch bowl with a block of ice. Pour over single serve glass filled with ice. Garnish each single serve with a mint sprig and lemon wedge.
