Valentine’s Day is here, so what better way to celebrate love and affection than with a night in, indulging in some quick, delicious, and romantic cocktails? Whether you’re in a relationship, still on the prowl, or happily taking some time for yourself, find a drink that’ll help set the mood for your night of intimacy and romance – whatever that means for you.
Love Potion #9
Not only is this love potion visually stunning, but it also packs a flavorful punch. Two of these, and you’ll have no problem entering the flirty zone.
You’ll need the following:
- 1 1/2 oz of gin
- 1 oz of cranberry juice
- 1 oz of orange liqueur
- 1 oz lime juice (or freshly squeeze them yourself)
- Ice
- Cocktail shaker
Combine the gin, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Shake. Shake. Then strain it into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini
Chocolate-covered cherries, but make it swanky. This drink is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth and love chocolate-covered anything. Decadent and sweet, it’s the best romantic nightcap.
You’ll need the following:
- 1 1/2 oz of vanilla vodka
- 1 oz of crème de cacao
- 1 oz of cherry liqueur
- Splash of grenadine
- 1 cherry for garnish
- Ice
- Cocktail shaker
Grab the vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, cherry liqueur, grenadine, and ice and combine it in a cocktail shaker. Shake it all up, and strain it into a chilled martini glass. And the cherry on top? The cherry on top (for garnish).
Strawberry Margarita
A romantic twist on a classic marg. We’re talking strawberries, people. Nothing says romance quite like strawberries, and this recipe combines them with the classic margarita for a drink that’s both delicious and delightful.
You’ll need the following:
- 2 oz of tequila
- 1 oz of triple sec
- 1 oz of lime juice (or freshly squeeze them yourself)
- A handful of fresh strawberries
- Blender
Dust off that blender and add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and strawberries. Mix until completely smooth, and then pour into a salt-rimmed glass. For garnish, add one strawberry to the glass for an extra touch of sweetness.
Passion Fruit Martini
Yes, another martini. Why? Martinis are fast, boozy, and usually packed with a ton of flavor. This passion fruit martini is perfect for setting the romantic mood for the evening. Who doesn’t love a bit of fruity sweetness on their lips?
You’ll need the following:
- 2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of passion fruit puree
- 1 oz of orange liqueur
- 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Cocktail shaker
- Passion fruit slice for garnish (optional)
Get out that cocktail shaker and combine the vodka, passion fruit puree, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well until all the ingredients are properly mixed. Once mixed, pour and strain into a chilled martini glass. And if you’re feeling fancy, try a passion fruit slice to add a touch of extra sweetness to the drink.
Raspberry Champagne Cocktail
No more martinis, I promise. Champagne is used to celebrate almost anything, and for a good reason. It’s light and bubbly, and you feel fancy with a glass in your hand. So why not use champagne as an ingredient to celebrate love? Celebrate your love with a sip of this sweet and effervescent cocktail.
You’ll need the following:
- 1 oz of raspberry liqueur
- 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 oz of chilled champagne
- A couple of raspberries
- 1 flute glass
Pour the chilled champagne into the flute glass. Gently stir in the raspberry liquor and lemon juice to mix the cocktail. Be gentle, as carbonated drinks like champagne can bubble up and spill over the top. To make it sweeter, add a couple of raspberries to the drink. A drink and a snack in one, we love to see it.
Whether you prefer sweet, sour, or tropical flavors, a cocktail on this list will suit your taste buds and help you set the mood for however you like to celebrate the big V-day. There is no right way to celebrate love of any kind, but you sure as hell can make a cocktail to embrace the day. So grab your loved one, friends, or yourself, mix up a drink, and enjoy a night of indulgence. It’ll be romantic no matter what.
