As Valentine’s Day approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate your love and affection than with a romantic evening at home. And what better way to set the mood than with a delicious and indulgent cocktail? Whether you’re planning a night in with your significant other or hosting a Galentine’s Day party for your closest friends, these 18 Valentine’s cocktail recipes are sure to impress.
From fruity spritzers to decadent martinis, each of these romantic cocktails is designed to delight the senses and leave your guests feeling loved. With flavors ranging from strawberry to rose, pomegranate to passionfruit, there’s something for everyone on this list. So why not try something new and exciting this Valentine’s Day? Your taste buds – and your love life – will thank you!
Champagne Strawberry Love Spritz
Celebrate love and sunshine with this refreshing champagne spritzer featuring sweet strawberries and bubbly fun. Perfect for romantic gatherings, brunches, or simply toasting to life’s joys!
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of champagne (chilled)
– 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup of sparkling water
– 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur
– Ice cubes
– Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes.
2. Add the chilled champagne, sparkling water, and Grand Marnier. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the sliced strawberries to the pitcher.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve immediately, garnishing each glass with a few fresh strawberry slices.
Cooking Time: None! This spritzer is ready when you are.
Raspberry Rose Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Raspberry Rose Gin Fizz, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of raspberries, rose syrup, and gin in a fizzy and revitalizing way.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup raspberry puree or preserves
– 1/2 oz rose syrup
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh raspberries and rose petals for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, raspberry puree, and rose syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water.
6. Garnish with fresh raspberries and rose petals.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink recipe, not a cooking one.
Enjoy your Raspberry Rose Gin Fizz!
Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this indulgent treat that combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and espresso.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce Kahlúa
– 1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
– 1 shot (1.5 ounces) strong brewed espresso
– 1 tablespoon dark chocolate syrup (at least 70% cocoa)
– Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, white chocolate liqueur, and Baileys Irish Cream.
3. Pour in the espresso and dark chocolate syrup.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Pomegranate Kiss Prosecco Cocktail
This refreshing Prosecco cocktail combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the crispness of citrus, perfect for a romantic evening or a celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/4 teaspoon orange liqueur (optional)
– Slice of orange, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Add the pomegranate juice and grapefruit juice.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Drizzle the honey syrup over the mixture.
6. If using orange liqueur, add a small amount (about 1/8 teaspoon).
7. Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Vanilla Bean White Russian
Elevate your cocktail game with this creamy, sweet, and indulgent Vanilla Bean White Russian recipe. Perfect for special occasions or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) coffee liqueur
– 1 oz (30 ml) heavy cream
– 1/4 cup vanilla bean syrup (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and vanilla bean, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Add the vanilla bean syrup (or extract) and shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a vanilla bean.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply shake, strain, and serve.
Honey Lavender Whiskey Sour
This sweet and savory twist on the classic whiskey sour combines the floral notes of lavender with the rich flavor of honey, creating a unique and refreshing cocktail perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or lavender sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or lavender sprig.
Cooking Time: None
Blackberry Basil Vodka Smash
Combine the sweet and tangy flavors of blackberries with the bright, herbaceous taste of basil in this refreshing summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blackberries with the vodka until well combined.
2. Add the lemon-lime soda and simple syrup; stir to combine.
3. Muddle in the fresh basil leaves.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Blackberry Basil Vodka Smash over the ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (a refreshing summer cocktail, ready in just a few minutes!)
Passionfruit Coconut Rum Punch
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of passionfruit, the creaminess of coconut, and the warmth of rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed passionfruit juice
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine passionfruit juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add dark rum and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add a splash of club soda.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Cherry Amaretto Sour
This Cherry Amaretto Sour recipe combines the sweetness of cherry liqueur with the complexity of amaretto, creating a unique and refreshing cocktail perfect for special occasions or a night out with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey
– 1 oz cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– 1/2 oz amaretto
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– Cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add whiskey, cherry liqueur, amaretto, and lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Spiced Pear Bourbon Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this warm and inviting Spiced Pear Bourbon Smash, perfect for crisp autumn evenings. This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of pears with the spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up in a bourbon-filled package.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz pear syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 2-3 dashes cinnamon bark tincture (or ground cinnamon to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
– Ice
– Fresh pear slice or wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine bourbon, pear syrup, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
2. Add cinnamon bark tincture (or ground cinnamon) to taste.
3. Grate the nutmeg over the mixture and muddle gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a fresh pear slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Blood Orange Rosemary Margarita
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this unique margarita recipe, featuring blood orange and rosemary flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel and sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, blood orange juice, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and water.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Drizzle rosemary-infused simple syrup around the rim of the glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Elevate your holiday cocktail game with this refreshing White Chocolate Peppermint Martini recipe. A perfect blend of creamy and cooling, this treat is sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz white chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva)
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps (such as Hires)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Lychee Rose Gin Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of lychee with the subtle charm of rose, perfectly balanced by the crispness of gin. Perfect for warm evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) lychee liqueur
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) rose syrup
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, lychee liqueur, and rose syrup.
3. Shake gently for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in minutes.
Mango Hibiscus Tequila Sunrise
Elevate your tequila sunrise game with the sweet and tangy flavors of mango and hibiscus. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz mango puree
– 1 oz hibiscus syrup (see note)
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– Splash of grenadine
– Ice
– Orange slice and cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila, mango puree, and hibiscus syrup.
3. Top with pineapple juice.
4. Add a splash of grenadine for a touch of sweetness.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just minutes.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Elevate your classic Old Fashioned cocktail with the sweet and spicy flavors of caramel apples and warm cinnamon. This unique twist on a timeless recipe is perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Orange peel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, caramel syrup, apple cider, and cinnamon.
3. Stir for 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange peel, twisted into a spiral shape.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes of mixing and straining.
Pink Grapefruit Vodka Collins
This Pink Grapefruit Vodka Collins recipe combines the tartness of pink grapefruit juice with the smoothness of vodka, all wrapped up in a refreshing Collins-style drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Pink grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, pink grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with a pink grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in under 2 minutes.
Blueberry Thyme Gin Smash
This sweet and savory cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. The combination of blueberries, thyme, and gin creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 3 oz club soda
– Ice
– Lime wheel and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the blueberries with a muddler or back of a spoon to release their juice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and thyme sprigs to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Toasted Coconut Rum Alexander
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing twist on the classic Alexander. The toasted coconut adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet rum and citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 1/2 oz crème de cacao
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
– Club soda, for serving
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, crème de cacao, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the toasted coconut flakes to the shaker and muddle gently to release their flavor and aroma.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wheel.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold cocktail.
Summary
Get ready to impress your loved one with these romantic Valentine’s Day cocktail recipes. From champagne-infused Strawberry Love Spritz to decadent Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini, and from fruity Raspberry Rose Gin Fizz to creamy Vanilla Bean White Russian, there’s something for every taste bud. With unique flavors like honey-lavender Whiskey Sour and blood orange-rosemary Margarita, you’ll be sure to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. Treat your sweetheart (or yourself!) to a sweet celebration with these 18 delicious cocktail recipes.