The infamous day of love is almost here. And while chocolates and roses are given, mixologists across the nation are whipping up cocktails to set the mood for Valentine’s Day, and that means plenty of drinks with hues from pink to purple to burgundy.
For a list of drinks to make the day special, featuring everything from sparkling drinks and martinis to chocolate libations, check out three sexy and simple recipes below sure to quench your thirst.
CRUZ Choco- Tini
Created by Niccole Trzaska, The Liberty NYC
Chocolate and tequila? The answer is yes! Skip the classic box of chocolates and impress your sweetheart with this dessert-like cocktail.
2 ounces CRUZ Reposado Tequila
3 ounces Choco-vine, Chocolate Wine
Directions – Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass, garnish with chocolate sauce and cinnamon.
The Lady in Red
Created by Pamela Wiznitzer, USBG NY Chapter President, Seamstress NY
Superfood, antioxidant… Perhaps, aphrodisiac? The pomegranate juice makes this alluring cocktail all about the romance.
1 ½ ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 ounce Pomegranate Juice
½ ounce lemon juice
Ginger Beer (chilled) to fill
Directions – Combine lemon juice, pomegranate juice and bourbon in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for a minute then pour over ice in a Collins glass and top off with ginger beer; garnish with lime wheels (optional).
Blushing Vesper
Created by Jaime Rios, Bartender, Top of the Standard, Manhattan
Embrace the essence of romancewith this pink and bubbly twist on the classic Vesper Martini. The triple berry flavors of the vodka pairs perfectly with the festive rosé color.
1 ½ ounces Ménage à Trois Berry Vodka
1 ½ ounces Lillet Rosé
1 ounces Tanqueray (or other juniper forward gin)
½ ounce Campari
Directions – Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir for about 20 seconds with Kold Draft ice (or ten seconds with smaller ice). Strain into rocks glass with “whisky stones” or large cube of ice. Garnish with lemon twist.
