Extraordinary Valentine's Cocktails with Ordinary Ingredients

We scoured the internet looking for Valentine’s cocktails that use ingredients you might actually have on hand. Not a single one of our selections call for fancy things like elderflower bitters or ginger liqueur. To many people, those may be considered a staple, but I want to plan a cocktail that I don’t have to figure out where to find elderflower anything before I can raise my glass.

Kentucky Kiss Cocktail

This cocktail was created using Maker’s Mark and one that we sampled at a recent team meeting. It was (chef’s kiss) delicious!

The ingredients are:

· 2 strawberries (fresh; washed, sliced)

· 1/2 ounce lemon juice

· 1/2 ounce maple syrup

· 2 ounces bourbon whiskey

· Splash club soda

· Garnish: strawberry

You’ll find the directions here.

Lovebug Cocktail
 

The ingredients are simple:

· 3 ounces white cranberry juice

· 2 ounces lemon-lime soda

· 1 ounce vodka

· 1 ounce grenadine
 

You’ll find the directions over at Snacks and Sips

Cupid Floats
 

Have some littles in your life who want to celebrate too? Just three kid-friendly ingredients:

· 1 scoop Vanilla ice cream

· 8 oz Cherry soda

· 1 piece Red licorice
 

Somewhat Simple has the directions and some good advice on achieving maximum foam.

Love Potion
 

We recommend the Number 9. A few more ingredients than the others, but still easily obtainable:

· 4 oz vodka

· 2 oz cranberry juice

· 1 oz grapefruit juice

· 1 oz orange juice

· grenadine a splash

· 4 strawberry hearts garnish

You’ll find the directions here, including how to create the simple but beautiful strawberry hearts

Strawberry Lime Champagne Cocktail
 

For you champagne lovers. It’s a little more involved and will take a little longer to prepare:

· 3 tablespoons fresh strawberry purée (yield from about 2 large berries)

· ½ tablespoon lime juice

· ½ cup pink champagne (prosecco or other sparkling wine, well chilled, or regular)

· strawberries (lime wedges and mint sprigs for garnish (optional))
 

· Savory Nothings has the instructions for you here.

The Rye’N Gosling
 

Alright, we couldn’t resist. Really, who could? The ingredients are:
 

· 1 cup Bulleit Rye

· 2/3 cup vermouth

· 1 oz cherry brandy

· 4 dashes orange bitters

· 4 orange twists and fresh cherries for garnish

You’ll find the directions here.

Photo by Food Photographer David Fedulov on Unsplash