Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and whether you’re celebrating alone or with your partner, you’re probably going to want a couple of cocktails.
Keep reading for five of the best romantic cocktails that you can make this Valentine’s Day or order in your local bar or restaurant.
Bellini
Unfortunately, Valentine’s day falls on a Monday this year – but you can still enjoy some delicious cocktails on the weekend if you’re worried about hangovers.
A Bellini is a great way to start your Sunday – especially if you’ve been made breakfast in bed, or you’re out for a fancy breakfast.
This classy cocktail consists of just Prosecco and peach puree and is super easy to make. The Bellini is similar to a Mimosa – however, Mimosa’s are made using orange juice whereas Bellini’s are made using peach puree.
Although Bellini’s go delicious with breakfast or brunch, they can be enjoyed throughout the day. The Bellini originated in one of Europe’s most romantic cities – Venice. One sip of a Bellini and you’re sure to be transported to the scenic canals and romantic architecture.
Strawberry Mojito
Strawberry Mojito’s are delicious all year round, but are especially popular around Valentine’s Day, partly because of the bright red colour, and party because of the stylish yet summer aesthetic.
Whether you order this at a bar, have it as a dessert after a romantic meal, or make it yourself at home, it’s sure to set the scene for the most romantic day of the year.
This recipe is super easy to make – you’ll need around 350ml of white rum, 600ml of sparkling water, 10 strawberries, 2 chopped limes, 2 sprigs of mint, and some sugar and ice.
The first step is muddling the strawberries and limes in a jug, and adding a sprinkle of sugar. Then, add the mint leaves with a tiny pinch of black pepper. Add some ice and stir well, adding the rum and sparkling water.
Cosmopolitan
If you’re a fan of the classics, then you’re sure to love a Cosmopolitan. Cosmopolitans are the ultimate bar drink – so if you’re going out for drinks with your partner, you’re on a first date, or you’re with your best friend celebrating Galentines, then why not order a Cosmopolitan?
If you want to make this classic cocktail yourself, you’ll be glad to know that it’s simple to make. With a sweet and sour taste, the Cosmo consists of vodka, cranberry, citrus, and orange liqueur – and will suit any palate.
Per glass, you’ll need around 45ml of lemon vodka, 30ml of cranberry juice, 15ml of triple sec, 10ml of lime juice, and a few ice cubes.
All you need to do is shake all of the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and then strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
You can garnish your cocktail with a piece of orange zest for that citrus zing.
Pink Lady
If you’re in the mood for a delicious and refreshing romantic cocktail, then you’re sure to love the Pink Lady.
This is a delightful combination of gin and applejack and is easy to make. Most bars and restaurants will be able to make a Pink Lady with ease.
All you’ll need to make the delicious pink frothy beverage is 100ml of Dry Gin, 4 teaspoons of grenadine, a large egg white, 2 strips of lemon zest, and 2 maraschino cherries. The grenadine adds a tarty flavour as well as fruity sweetness.
First of all, chill a couple of cocktail glasses in the fridge. Then, pour the grenadine and gin in a cocktail shaker and fill the shaker with ice, shaking until the cold has spread throughout. Then, strain the mixture into your jug and tip the ice away.
The next stage of the process is adding the egg white into the cocktail shaker, shaking until there’s a good amount of froth.
Pour the mixture into your cocktail glasses and garnish – you can skewer maraschino cherries and lemon zest, or whichever ingredients you like. Finally, enjoy your romantic Pink Lady cocktail!