Story by Courtney Murray
Valentine’s Day. The ultimate day of love. Some consider February 14 a manufactured day created by the greeting card industry. Some believe that it’s the day to pamper yourself and indulge in rich chocolates and champagne. Others use it as an opportunity to spoil their significant other and earn a few extra brownie points to stash away for a rainy day. It used to be if you didn’t have a partner on Valentine’s Day you sat at home alone being sad, or eating your feelings. Not anymore! Now a lot of people use it for a night of frivolous fun with their girlfriends. The term “Galentine’s Day” is here to stay. Whether it is a girl’s night in filled with sappy romantic comedies or a wild evening dancing the night away, Valentine’s Day cocktails are definitely on the menu. A chocolate martini is always a savory classic or consider adding a little bubbly to your life with a flirtini. On the most romantic holiday of the year, there is always something to celebrate. Here are a few Valentine’s Day cocktail recipes that you’ll fall in love with; Cheers!
Collection of unusual and exotic cocktails, shot on white with slight surface reflections. From left to right they are, Apple Jack Side Car, Thai Basil Lemon Drop, Cucumber Collins with Rosmary Sprig, Ruby Red Grapefruit Margarita, and Red Currant and Cape Gooseberry Gimlet.
MOONLIGHTER
For a recipe that is as visually appealing as it is palate stimulating, try the Moonlighter.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- .75 oz chamomile-lavender syrup
- .5 oz Cocchi Americano
- .75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz soda water
- Lemon twist
- Lavender sprigs
- Chamomile tea
- Lavender tea
- Sugar
Directions:
Combine vodka, chamomile lavender syrup, lemon juice, and Cocchi American in a shaker. Add ice and shake lightly. Over shaking will cause the drink to water down. Roll in soda water. Strain over ice into a collins glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and fresh lavender sprigs.
Chamomile Syrup: Brew 1 cup of strong chamomile and lavender tea. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes, then remove tea bags or herbs. Measure remaining amount of brewed tea. Stir in equal volume of sugar until dissolved. Chill.
GINGER AND JASMINE COCKTAIL
If you are a subscriber to the “Rose All Day” movement then this next cocktail is for you. When you mix ginger, jasmine tea, and sparkling rose you create pure magic.
Ingredients:
- .75 cup simple syrup
- 8 slices fresh ginger
- 6 oz room temperature steeped jasmine tea
- 3 oz vodka
- 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- A splash of sparkling rosé
Directions:
Muddle the ginger and simple syrup together. Add the tea, lemon juice, and vodka. Strain over a glass and add a generous splash of sparkling rosé on top. Garnish with a lemon twist.
LIBIDO
For a more masculine beverage try turning up the heat and making this spicy number for your man on this special holiday.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- .75 oz lime Juice
- .75 oz honey jalapeño syrup
- .5 oz turmeric juice
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a shaker over ice, strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with Thai basil and a salt rim.
