Celebrate love in style this Valentine’s Day with these 17 signature cocktails. These creative and flavorful drinks will not only impress your guests but also add a romantic flair to your party or intimate gathering.
1. Rose Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1/2 ounce of rosewater
- 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Rose petal for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine vodka, rosewater, and dry vermouth in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a rose petal.
History:
The martini has long been a symbol of sophistication. This Valentine’s variation adds a floral twist with rosewater, perfect for a romantic occasion.
Tips:
Use edible rose petals for a safe and elegant garnish. Adjust the rosewater to taste, as it can be quite potent.
2. Red Velvet Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
- 1/2 ounce of red velvet syrup
- 2 dashes of bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, red velvet syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
History:
The Manhattan, a timeless classic, gets a Valentine’s makeover with the addition of red velvet syrup for a sweet and festive flavor.
Tips:
Chill the glass beforehand for the best experience. Adjust the sweetness by using less syrup if desired.
3. Cupid’s Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of tequila
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- 1 ounce of cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce of agave syrup
- Salt or sugar for rimming
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with salt or sugar and fill with ice.
- Combine tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, and agave syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
History:
The Margarita is a versatile cocktail that adapts well to seasonal themes. Cupid’s Margarita adds a romantic red hue with cranberry juice.
Tips:
For a smoky twist, substitute mezcal for tequila. Garnish with fresh cranberries for added flair.
4. Lovebird Spritz
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces of rosé wine
- 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur
- 2 ounces of soda water
- Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rosé wine and elderflower liqueur in a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with strawberry slices.
History:
This spritz is inspired by the romantic flavors of elderflower and rosé, creating a light and bubbly drink for any Valentine’s celebration.
Tips:
Serve in a large wine glass for an elegant presentation. Chill all ingredients beforehand for maximum freshness.
5. Raspberry French 75
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of gin
- 1/2 ounce of raspberry syrup
- 1/2 ounce of lemon juice
- 3 ounces of champagne
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine gin, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a champagne flute.
- Top with champagne and garnish with fresh raspberries.
History:
The French 75 is a World War I-era cocktail, known for its powerful yet elegant flavor. This version adds raspberry syrup for a Valentine’s touch.
Tips:
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less raspberry syrup.
6. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1/2 ounce of cherry liqueur
- 2 dashes of chocolate bitters
- Ice cubes
- Luxardo cherry and dark chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine bourbon, cherry liqueur, and chocolate bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.
History:
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest known cocktails, and this decadent version introduces flavors of cherry and chocolate for a rich Valentine’s twist.
Tips:
Use a high-quality bourbon for the best results. Lightly warm the chocolate shavings before garnishing for an aromatic touch.
7. Passionfruit Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1 ounce of passionfruit purée
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces of soda water
- Passionfruit slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup in a glass.
- Add ice, rum, and passionfruit purée, then stir gently.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of passionfruit.
History:
The Mojito, originating from Cuba, is a classic tropical cocktail. Adding passionfruit enhances its exotic and fruity profile, making it ideal for Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
Use fresh passionfruit purée for vibrant flavor. Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the simple syrup.
8. Strawberry Basil Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of fresh strawberry purée
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- Soda water for topping
- Strawberry and basil leaf for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle basil leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add vodka, strawberry purée, and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass with ice, top with soda water, and stir gently.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil leaf.
History:
Fruit and herb combinations have become popular in modern cocktails, and the Strawberry Basil Smash is a refreshing and aromatic Valentine’s favorite.
Tips:
Chill the glass for a more refreshing drink. Experiment with other berries like raspberries or blackberries for variations.
9. Black Cherry Sparkler
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of black cherry juice
- 1/2 ounce of Chambord
- 4 ounces of prosecco
- Black cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine black cherry juice and Chambord in a champagne flute.
- Top with prosecco and stir gently.
- Garnish with black cherries.
History:
This cocktail combines the elegance of sparkling wine with the deep, rich flavor of black cherry, perfect for an upscale Valentine’s celebration.
Tips:
Chill the prosecco and glass beforehand for the best experience. Add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness.
10. Pink Grapefruit Paloma
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of tequila
- 2 ounces of pink grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of agave syrup
- 2 ounces of soda water
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
History:
The Paloma is a traditional Mexican cocktail, and the addition of pink grapefruit makes it even more festive and appealing for Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor. Rim the glass with salt for a traditional touch or sugar for added sweetness.
11. Lavender Love Collins
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of gin
- 1/2 ounce of lavender syrup
- 1 ounce of lemon juice
- 2 ounces of soda water
- Lemon slice and sprig of lavender for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon slice and sprig of lavender.
History:
The Tom Collins is a classic cocktail from the 19th century. This Valentine’s version adds lavender for a floral, romantic twist.
Tips:
Use homemade lavender syrup for a fresh and aromatic flavor. Ensure the lavender used for garnish is food-safe.
12. Pomegranate Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of gin
- 1 ounce of Campari
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce of pomegranate juice
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and pomegranate juice in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
History:
The Negroni originated in Italy and is known for its balance of bitter and sweet flavors. The addition of pomegranate juice adds a festive Valentine’s touch.
Tips:
Experiment with the ratio of pomegranate juice to adjust sweetness. Use a high-quality gin for a smoother finish.
13. Amaretto Kiss
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of amaretto
- 1 ounce of heavy cream
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- Cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine amaretto, heavy cream, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Dust with cocoa powder for garnish.
History:
This creamy, nutty cocktail is inspired by traditional Italian flavors, making it a perfect choice for a romantic Valentine’s nightcap.
Tips:
For a lighter version, substitute milk for heavy cream. Add a cherry on top for extra flair.
14. Heartbreaker Mule
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- 4 ounces of ginger beer
- Cranberries and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel.
History:
The Moscow Mule is a 20th-century classic, and this Valentine’s adaptation uses cranberry juice for a bold red color and tangy flavor.
Tips:
Use fresh cranberries for garnish to enhance presentation. Adjust the ginger beer amount based on your preference for spice.
15. Peach Bellini Love
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of peach purée
- 4 ounces of prosecco
- Peach slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour peach purée into a champagne flute.
- Top with chilled prosecco and stir gently.
- Garnish with a peach slice.
History:
The Bellini, invented in Venice, is a beloved brunch cocktail. This romantic version highlights the soft, sweet flavors of fresh peaches.
Tips:
Chill all ingredients before assembling for the best experience. Substitute apricot purée for a unique variation.
16. Scarlet Sangria
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/2 cup of brandy
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries
- Soda water for topping
Instructions:
- Combine wine, brandy, orange juice, and honey in a pitcher.
- Add orange slices, apple, and raspberries. Stir well.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve over ice, topped with soda water.
History:
Sangria is a classic Spanish drink, perfect for large gatherings. This scarlet-red version is ideal for celebrating love.
Tips:
Use a medium-bodied red wine for balance. Add seasonal fruits for variety and visual appeal.
17. Valentine’s Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white rum
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of strawberry syrup
- Fresh strawberry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine rum, lime juice, and strawberry syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry.
History:
The Daiquiri, originating from Cuba, is a classic rum cocktail. This version adds a sweet strawberry twist for a romantic flair.
Tips:
Use fresh lime juice for a brighter flavor. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of strawberry syrup.
Impress your guests with these signature Valentine cocktails that are sure to make the evening unforgettable!
