A bunch of flowers is nice, but have you ever had an Espresso Martini Granita? Well, maybe this Valentine’s Day you shake things up a little.
People bang on about Romeo and Juliet being a couple made for each other, but have they tried raspberry and lemon together? In honour of dynamic duos that just work, we’re kicking off with the sweet and sour symbiosis of these two fruits in a ripper of a cocktail. The fresh raspberries and lemon juice bring tang and tart, while a lick of limoncello opens the door to a subtle syrupy texture and sophisticated sweetness.
If you’re hoping to earn some points in the effort department then look no further because a Raspberry Limoncello Martini needs pro-level shaking and a generous amount of lemon and sugar on the rim – but other than that, it’s dead easy. And no, Valentine’s Day cocktails do not need to be pink or red, but this so happens to be an excellent way to show off your mixology skills with a cocktail (almost) as sweet as you.
This is the original Espresso Martini’s younger (more Italian) sibling, and it’s a decidedly chic evolution of the classic cocktail we all know and love. Granitas are a dime a dozen in Italy. Good ones are almost crunchy in texture (somewhere between an icy pole and a slushie), and straddle the line between drink and dessert in a way that only enhances their charm. Adding alcohol gives it a deliciously adult level-up that is perfect for the big day – the bitterness of the espresso, the creamy sweetness of the liqueur, the bite of the vodka. It’ll only take you five minutes to prepare this cocktail, but you will need to think 24 hours ahead to give it a solid day in the freezer. That means getting your act together on February 13 so it’s smooth sailing on Valentine’s Day, okay? Good. Try and end your home-cooked, Italian-themed date-night meal with one of these and you’ll be living la dolce vita, literally.
Turn your living room into a dimly-lit Parisian bistro with this next cocktail. After all, Paris is the city of love and if you can’t be there on February 14, you can at least pretend you are. A Bijou (French for ‘jewel’) is named for the jewel-like tones of the three liquors that make it – gin for diamond, vermouth for ruby and Chartreuse for emerald. A spirit-forward cocktail that’s delightfully complex, crisp and herbaceous, the Bijou is almost a riff on a Negroni’s gin and vermouth base, before swerving sharply into Chartreuse-ville. It’s sophisticated and mysterious: a unique fusion of flavours that’ll transport you back in time with a cheeky glint. Dust off your best coupe glasses for a Bijou – this vintage classic deserves the best and will be a delicious jewel in the crown at any soireé.
Yes, we know what you’re thinking: a Pineapple and Coconut Margarita is as fun and fruity as it sounds. Up until now, we’ve been suggesting cute cocktails for couples, but we think this one has Galentine’s Day or Invite-All-Your-Single-Mates-Over-For-Dinner Day written all over it. This downright delicious cocktail tastes like a tropical holiday, which probably has something to do with the inclusion of pineapple and coconut mixed with lime, agave and tequila. Heck, if the weather forecast is looking hot for Valentine’s Day you could even roll out the paddling pool and a couple of banana lounges in honour of its tropical-holiday vibes. It’s easy-peasy to make too – throw your zesty lime, sweet pineapple and creamy coconut milk into a shaker or blender with some top-notch tequila and agave syrup, and proceed to swap your funniest dating tales while you sip.
So, it turns out miso isn’t just here for your soups, glazes and dressings – it's part of a long list of umami-heavy ingredients to creep over from kitchen to bar. In this unexpected cocktail we came up with recently, the miso adds a round, salty mouthfeel to the drink. Paired with the sourness of lemon and the sweetness of the apple, the combo is out of this world and will keep your date on their toes. The addition of egg white (or aquafaba, or some other foaming agent) gives the cocktail a great texture, trapping the aroma of the miso in the foamy crown of the drink. Those tastebuds are in for a real treat! Not only will your date be delighted with the taste of their So-Miso, they’ll also be impressed with your prep and garnishing skills. A sesame-dipped cucumber garnish turns the fancy up a notch, and having the foresight to make a miso syrup from scratch the day before is both clever and thoughtful. Make sure you’ve got a nice bottle of Japanese gin on hand so you’re really teaming with the theme. Kanpai!
Whether you’re having a fling or settling down into a five-year relationship, a little spice is always welcome… we’re talking about the drinks department, not the bedroom, obviously. Enter the Spicy Bucherita: a delectable mix of a Spicy Marg and kombucha. Wonderfully tropical and energetic (and, of course, spicy), this bubbly cocktail is a real crowd pleaser (read: a clever date-night pick). For our Spicy Buch-erita, we recommend a tropical-tasting ’buch to complement the lime and spice – but make sure you taste it before you start mixing so you know exactly how much sweetness needs to be added to the drink; take it easy on the agave syrup if it’s a really sweet ‘buch. Also, don’t be afraid to load up on the hot sauce if you want to heat things up – but maybe check your date’s idea of spice isn’t sweet chilli sauce-level first. Finally, don’t forget to restock your cocktail cabinet with a great-quality tequila ahead of February 14 – and if you’re planning a meal to serve alongside your Spicy Bucherita you can't go past homemade tacos. Who said romance is dead?
You’d be forgiven for thinking the Negroni has been overdone – we all went a bit mad for them in 2022. Truth is, this classic aperitivo hour non-negotiable is super simple to make and it’s a favourite for a reason. Don’t knock it when it comes to the special days of the year. The Negroni is a popular pre-dinner tipple because its unique flavour stimulates your appetite and prepares your palate for whatever’s on the menu. So, if you’ve planned a feast then a) go you! and b) a little aperitivo is a great way to kick off proceedings. The key to a great Negroni is to not overthink it; it’s been doing the rounds since the 1920s and doesn’t need to be reinvented, just nailed with great-quality ingredients. Those three key ingredients are Campari, sweet vermouth and gin. That’s it. Pop them in a tumbler glass, add ice, stir and Happy Valentine’s Day to you.
