On Valentine’s Day, nothing can help the proceedings with your significant other better than a shared cocktail.
The most romantic cocktails, of course, are those that have a special meaning for the two of you. But if you seek something that will open hearts as well as doors, then I recommend one of the following selections. They tend to the sweet and, dare we say, sensual side, which helps get the job done.
Agave Kiss
With the sweet Agave Kiss, a little tequila provides an interesting dimension. A young tequila will help keep the drink’s flavor bright and clean, while an anejo or reposado will impart a slight caramel sweetness to the cocktail. You’ll need:
2 oz. your tequila of choice
1 oz. white crème de cacao
1 oz. double cream
½ oz. Chambord
Garnishes of white chocolate flakes and fresh raspberries
Blend the tequila, crème de cacao, cream and Chambord in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with chocolate flakes and garnish with raspberries on a spear.
Hummingbird
A romantic cocktail doesn’t have to be complex, as proven by the Hummingbird, which will have your partner fluttering with its unusual mix of flavors. To create this simple concoction, you will need the following supplies:
1½ oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
2 oz. dry white sparkling wine
2 oz. club soda
Mix the ingredients into your favorite cocktail glass over ice, garnish with a lemon peel and serve.
Between the Sheets
Whether served as a suggestion at the evening’s beginning or to commemorate a conquest at the evening’s end, Between the Sheets is certain to straighten the fabric of your intentions. You’ll need:
1 oz. brandy or cognac
1 oz. white rum
1 oz. Cointreau
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel.
Blushing Geisha
The alcohol may be light, but the Blushing Geisha’s ingredients are rare, its flavors are long and its aroma beguiling. Try it on your own geisha. To mix this cocktail, you’ll need to have on hand:
2 oz. Ty Ku sake liqueur
1 oz. pomegranate juice
2 oz. rose nectar
A lime wedge for garnish
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass and blend with ice. Strain or pour over ice in a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass. White face paint is optional.
Singapore Sling
Sometimes, a classic cocktail is as romantic as it comes, and the Singapore Sling can transport your paramour to another place at another time. Let the magic begin. You’ll need:
1¼ oz. high quality gin
½ oz. Benedictine liqueur
½ oz. cherry brandy
Club soda
Lime wedge and maraschino cherry for garnish.
Combine gin, Benedictine and brandy in a sling or highball glass. Fill with ice and top with club soda. Add fruit to garnish.
Start Me Up!
If your lover needs a little coaxing to get the blood flowing, nothing may be better than Start Me Up! Be ready for some sparks after a few sips of this one, and don’t say I didn’t warn you. You’ll need:
2 oz. gin
1 oz. apple cider
½ oz. ginger liqueur
1 oz. pomegranate or cranberry juice.
Ginger ale
Add gin, cider, liqueur and juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Add ginger ale and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Banana Split Martini
Vary your ingredients, change up some flavors and you will find the Banana Split Martini as variable and delightful as its innocent dessert cousin. You’ll need:
1½ oz. vodka
¾ oz. crème de banana or banana liqueur
¾ oz. crème de cacao
Banana, cherry and/or pineapple slice for garnish
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake thoroughly. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, then garnish with your fruit of choice.
