Holiday Mixer: 3 Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to start a romantic evening than some delicious, homemade Valentine’s Day cocktails. Who says that you have to spend a lot of money on Valentine’s Day? There’s nothing quite as romantic as a quiet night at home with homemade drinks, meals and candlelight.

Creamy Espresso Martini

While chocolate is the standard go-to for Valentine’s Day, why not try a different delicious dark treat for your loved one. If they are lovers of coffee, they will definitely love this delicious Valentine’s Day cocktail. The trick is to make sure that the espresso isn’t too overpowering, otherwise you’ll lose the sweetness that makes this drink delectable.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz of vanilla vodka
• 0.75 oz of Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 oz of Kahlua
• 0.75 oz of cold espresso

Equipment

• Jigger
• Espresso machine
• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Ice
• Martini glass
• 3 espresso beans for garnish

Directions

1. Make the espresso ahead of time and then refrigerate until chilled.
2. Once espresso is chilled, combine it with the rest of the liquid ingredients in the cocktail shaker then top with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
4. Strain into martini glass.
5. Garnish with espresso beans.

 

Strawberry-Basil Cooler

This refreshing and sweet Valentine’s Day cocktail is perfect for the bourbon lover. The strawberries enhance the natural sweetness of the bourbon while the basil tempers the sugar. Instead of chocolate covered strawberries, why not give the gift of bourbon and strawberries?

Ingredients

• 1.5 fresh strawberries quartered
• 3 fresh basil leaves
• 2 oz of bourbon
• 0.5 oz of simple syrup
• 0.5 oz of lemon juice
• 2 dashes of bitters

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• muddler
• jigger
• ice
• rocks glass
• Lemon twist garnish

Directions

1. Put the strawberries, basic and simple syrup into the cocktail shaker then muddle the basil and strawberry for 15 seconds.
2. Pour in the rest of the liquid ingredients then top with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Pour into rocks glass then garnish with a lemon twist.

 

Blushing Sakura

This delicious and delicate blend of flavors will have you wondering why you hadn’t enjoyed sake before. Sakura, in Japanese, means cherry blossom, fitting for this pink colored Valentine’s Day cocktail. Enjoy on the rocks or in a martini glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz of  sake
• 0.5 oz of cherry brandy liqueur (must be red in color not clear)
• 0.25 oz of lemon juice
• 0.5 oz of simple syrup
• 0.75 oz of white cranberry juice

Equipment

• Jigger
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice
• Strainer
• Martini glass
• Maraschino cherry garnish

Directions

1. Add all the ingredients into the cocktail shaker then top with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain into martini glass then garnish with a maraschino cherry.

 

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Check out our other cocktail recipes here!