5 Valentine’s Day Cocktails Sure to Stir Up Some Romance

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and celebrate love, whether it’s with a partner, friends or even a little self-love. This year, why not mix things up with some creative and romantic cocktails that will make your celebration even more special? From spicy and bold to sweet and refreshing, these Valentine’s Day cocktails will add a touch of mixology magic to the occasion. 

1. Rosey Romance

(Photos: Jessica Gleman)

This cocktail might just make florists jealous, since it is a bouquet of roses and a sweet treat all rolled into one. Inspired by jam cocktails, Rosey Romance brings together the floral elegance of rose-flavored gin with the luscious sweetness of strawberry jam. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of floral gin (Bayab African Rose or Hendrick’s Flora Adora recommended)
• 2 teaspoons of strawberry jam
• 1 ounce pasteurized egg whites (may substitute aquafaba)
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4  ounce simple syrup (may adjust based on taste preference) 
• Garnish: dehydrated strawberry powder or strawberry slice

Directions 

• Add gin, jam, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg whites to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frost forms on the shaker.
• Remove the ice and shake again (a “dry shake”) to help the egg whites become creamy and create a foam layer on top of the cocktail.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with dehydrated strawberry powder or a fresh strawberry slice on the edge of the glass.

2. Apple of My Eye

Inspired by the classic Penicillin cocktail, the Apple of My Eye is a comforting twist that is perfect for capturing a loved one’s heart. This rich and flavorful drink combines rye whiskey, soothing ginger honey syrup, and a touch of tangy of apple cider vinegar for balance. A float of peated Scotch adds depth and complexity. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey (Hudson Rye Calvados Cask recommended)
• 3/4 ounce ginger honey syrup
  • Honey
  • Water
  • Sliced ginger
• 1/4 ounce apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 ounce peated scotch whisky
• Garnish: Apple fan 

Directions

• Add rye whiskey, ginger honey syrup and apple cider vinegar to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
• Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Float the peated scotch whisky on top of the drink by gently pouring it over the back of a spoon.
• Garnish with a fan of apple slices. 

Ginger Honey Syrup Instructions: To make ginger honey syrup, simply add equal parts honey and water to a pot and bring to a simmer. Then, add a few slices of ginger to the pot. Remove from the heat and let cool. Once cool, strain out the ginger and store in an airtight jar or bottle.

3. Soju Sweetheart

Toast to love with this light, bubbly and effortlessly romantic cocktail that’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day brunch date. Soju Sweetheart is a simple yet elegant two-ingredient drink that combines the delicate sweetness of peach soju with crisp effervescence of sparkling rosé, creating a refreshing sip reminiscent of a bellini. 

Ingredients

• 1 ounce peach soju (K-Town Peach and Chili recommended)
• 3-4 ounces sparkling rosé (may substitute with any sparking wine)

Directions

• Add the peach soju to a champagne or wine glass.
• Top with chilled sparkling rosé (or your preferred sparkling wine).
• Stir gently to combine if needed. 

4. Pomegranate Passion Margarita

Spice up your date night with this twist on a classic Tommy’s Margarita. Bold, fiery and irresistible, this is a pomegranate margarita so tasty it would tempt the goddess Persephone herself. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of jalapeño-infused tequila
  • Tequila
  • 1-2 jalapeños
• 1 ounce pomegranate juice
• 1/2 ounce of lime juice
• 3/4 ounce agave nectar
• Garnish: salt for rim and a lime wheel

Directions

• Rim your glass with salt.
• Add the jalapeño-infused tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice and agave nectar to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a lime wheel.

Jalapeño-Infused Tequila Instructions: To make jalapeño-infused tequila, simply cut one to two jalapeños (or more for extra spice) and place them into a sealable container. Add the tequila and seal the container. Let it infuse overnight for the best results, then strain out the jalapeños before using.

5. Love You a Latte

Looking for a sweet and indulgent way to wrap up your Valentine’s Day celebration? Dessert and after-dinner coffee combine to make this decadent tipple. This shot will be sure to end your night on a sweet note. 

Ingredients

• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur recommended) 
• 3/4 ounce chocolate hazelnut liqueur (Stella Rosa Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Liqueur recommended)

Directions

• Pour the coffee liqueur into a shot glass.
• Carefully layer the chocolate hazelnut liqueur on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.
• Serve immediately.