Extraordinary Valentine's Cocktails with Ordinary Ingredients

Photo by Food Photographer David Fedulov on Unsplash

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