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