Just because we can’t go out this Valentine’s Day, doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun! For those over 21 years of age, these cocktails offer a delicious treat this season to share with loved ones or enjoy by yourself. 

Picture courtesy of pixbay.com

Poinsettias

If you want to stay in for Valentine’s Day with style, this classic cocktail is for you. It is simple to make with a delicious tart flavor from the Cointreau and a timeless ruby cocktail for any festive occasion.

Ingredients:

  • ½ ounce orange liquor (Cointreau works best) 
  • 3 ounces cranberry juice 
  • 3 ounces prosecco (La Marca, preferably) 

Directions:

  1. Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled champagne glass and stir well.
  2. Top the mixture with the prosecco.
  3. Garnish the drink with cranberries or rosemary if desired.

Adapted from: thespruceeats.com

Shelby Guy / Daily Nexus

Tequila Strawberry Soda

For those looking for a lighter, more summery drink this Valentine’s Day, tequila soda is the way to go. The strawberries and lime in this drink give it a sweet, daiquiri-like taste while the soda adds a bit of much-needed carbonation to lighten up the drink. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce silver tequila (Herradura works for fancier drinks, but el Jimador works in a pinch)
  • 3 whole large strawberries 
  • Juice of ½ a lime
  • 2 ounces of strawberry Bubly sparkling water 
  • Ice

Directions: 

  1. Add the whole strawberries, tops removed, and lime juice to your glass of choice, preferably a mint julep or tall highball glass.
  2. Muddle the fruit until the strawberry chunks are about the size of peas.
  3. Add the tequila and stir well.
  4. Top with sparkling water and enjoy.

Adapted from: sugarandcharm.com

Chace Duma / Daily Nexus

Empress Bee’s Knees

Think your partner is the bee’s knees? Why not toast to that this Valentine’s Day with a couple of Bee’s Knees! The Empress gin is optional, as it’s pretty expensive (around $40), but it’s beautiful deep purple will give this drink a lovely pastel pink color, perfect for you and your valentine. This recipe is for two drinks. 

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 4 ounces Empress gin
  • 1 ounce honey syrup
  • Lemon peels, for garnish
  • Ice

Directions:

  1. Make the honey syrup by combining equal parts honey and water in a pot and heating on the stove, stirring until combined. 
  2. Place a couple of ice cubes in a cocktail shaker along with the lemon juice, gin and honey syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. 
  3. Strain and split between two coup glasses (if you have them) or regular drinking glasses.
  4. Squeeze the lemon peels above the glasses to express their oils, then add to the drinks as a garnish. 

Chace Duma / Daily Nexus

Kiss From a Rose

Named after an absolute banger of a tune, this cocktail makes use of Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade, a delicious soft drink available at the I.V.Food Co-Op or your local supermarket. If you want to go heavy on the Valentine’s Day vibes and sip your way through a lush garden, this one’s for you. This recipe is for two drinks.  

Ingredients:

  • 4 strawberries, thinly sliced
  • A bottle of Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade
  • 3 ounces gin
  • Ice 

Directions:

  1. Fill two champagne flutes with ice
  2. Thinly slice your strawberries and add them to the two glasses. 
  3. Add 1.5 ounces of gin to each glass
  4. Split the bottle of rose lemonade between the glasses and stir to combine 
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