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10 Cocktails For Your Valentine’s Dinner At Home
Express your affection with a cocktail shaker.
photo credit: Emily Schindler
This Valentine’s Day, there’s a hot new bar to check out. It’s called your home, and you already have a standing reservation. The lighting and soundtrack are up to you, but if you need some ideas for what to drink, we’d like to help with that.
These are our top 10 cocktails for Valentine’s Day. Some are pink, one tastes like flowers, and every single one of them will help you get into the spirit of the holiday, even if you’re celebrating alone. Or with your roommate.
French Martini
photo credit: Emily Schindler
The French Martini isn’t really a Martini. But it’s still a great drink. The pineapple juice gives it a thick cap of foam, the raspberry liqueur adds a touch of sweetness, and the vodka contributes, um, vodka.
Aviation
Made properly, an Aviation should be slightly cloudy and pale blue, like the view from an airplane window (and that might be where the name came from). This classic gin cocktail should also taste slightly floral, so it’s perfectly acceptable to gift in place of flowers.
Kir Royale
You can make a Kir Royale in under a minute, and that is not an exaggeration. All you need is some dry sparkling wine, a bottle of crème de cassis, and a Champagne flute - which happens to be the official glassware of Valentine’s Day.
Mezcal Negroni
It’s a holiday, and you deserve the best kind of Negroni. We’re speaking of the Mezcal Negroni. This cocktail is smoky, bitter, and a little sweet, plus it’ll match any heart-shaped boxes of chocolate you have lying around.
White Negroni
If you’re not quite ready for the full assertiveness of a Mezcal Negroni, start with this version instead. It’s bright, crisp, and slightly bitter, and it’ll go perfectly with whatever you’re having for dinner.
Paloma
Did we include this cocktail on this list purely because it’s pink? Sort of. A Paloma is also one of the finest things you can put in a glass, and it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Grab some tequila and grapefruit juice, and don’t forget to salt your rim.
Clover Club
A Clover Club works well for any occasion. But just look at this thing. It was practically made for Valentine’s Day, and, as an added bonus, it tastes like a fluffy pile of raspberries (without being too sweet).
Strawberry Basil Daiquiri
Yes, you can drink a Daiquiri during the winter. And you should. Because Daiquiris are delicious, and this Strawberry Basil one is especially holiday-worthy. Be sure to float that basil leaf on top. It completes the drink.
Make a Strawberry Basil Daiquiri →
Manhattan
Much like you, the Manhattan is strong, classic, and silky smooth. It’s perfectly engineered for elegant sipping, and, also, it’s really hard to mess up. Not sure whether to go with bourbon or rye? Make one of each, and see if you can tell the difference.
Appletini
It’s easy to make fun of the Appletini, but it’s even easier to drink one. As long as you like apples (and vodka), you’re going to be a fan of this drink. Make a batch this Valentine’s Day and pretend you’re at a club where they only serve Appletinis.