Stocking The Bar: Cupid-Approved Cocktails

Even though Valentine's Day falls on a Monday this year (meaning no overly-boozy leisurely weekend brunches), we've come up with some easy ways to spice up your cocktail offerings this February 14th. Save the Rosé Champagne for another occasion, as we've come up with some sexier, Cupid-approved cocktail concoctions that you will want to try.

 

What to Have on Hand

Stock the bar with these mixers and garnishes so you can put a special Valentine's Day touch on everyday drinks.

- Cranberry and/or pomegranate juice, for mixing

- Red syrups like Grenadine, or liqueurs like crème de cassis, for mixing

- Assorted red berries, including raspberries, strawberries, and maraschino cherries, for garnishing

-Spicy red candies like Red Hots or Atomic FireBalls, to make liquor infusions

 

Recipes for a Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Hour

For some, a glass of bubbly topped off with cassis — a Kir Royale — is all they need for a smile to sweep across their face after a long day at work. If a mixed drink is more your style, dress up your favorite concoction with red liqueurs or Red Hots-infused vodka for something spicy (we might have to try a Red Hots Shirley Temple ourselves). For those avoiding alcohol, adding a splash of a red juice to your sparkling water, ginger ale, or lemonade won't make it seem as dull sitting next to your partner's red (and/or hot) cocktail.

 

Red Hots-Infused Vodka

What you need: One 1.75 liter bottle of vodka; 1 pound Red Hots candy or Atomic FireBalls candy; large jar for infusing vodka. 

How to:

1. Combine the vodka and candies in the glass jar (if you don't want to make as much, simply combine ½ liter vodka with ¼ pound candies).

2. Shake vigorously until the vodka begins to take on a red hue. While it's best to leave the vodka to infuse overnight, the more you shake it, the more quickly the candies dissolve.

 

Tea Rose Martini

Credit: Maryse Chevriere

Even those who don't like martinis will be smitten with this cocktail's intoxicating rose aroma. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with rose petals.

 

Sweet Red Kiss

Credit: Dubonnet

A rosy red, and slightly sweet, cocktail that is wonderful to come home to.

 

Spicy Basil Cocktail

Credit: Maryse Chevriere

Ginger, Sriracha, sweet elderflower, and fresh basil make for an unusual yet surprisingly refreshing twist on a Champagne cocktail.

 

Aztec Drinking Chocolate

Credit: Ryan Benyi/ryanbenyi.com

This rich, sweet, and perfectly spicy drink — or dessert — is just the right thing to serve after dinner on Valentine's Day.

 

Chocolate and Spice

Credit: Veritas Restaurant

If you'd rather have something with more kick than a rich chocolate drink, opt for this cinnamon-flavored nightcap that might remind you of a "boozy liquid bonbon."

 

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