Forget flowers and chocolate. This Valentine's Day, you know what you really want: a good cocktail. Whether you're looking for an elegant aperitif to pair with your home-cooked dinner for two or a big batch cocktail like sangria to ensure your Galentine's Day glasses are never dry, there's a Valentine's Day cocktail for all on February 14. So, grab your shaker and prepare to craft libations that are sure to ignite some passion. Then, toast to love in its most delicious form!
This list of winter drinks, champagne cocktails, and more covers everything beyond a bottle of wine. Think: pomegranate cocktails, raspberry sorbet spritz, and a few fun variations on margaritas and martinis. And naturally, there are a lot of pink drinks on this list. Sip on a classic Cosmo, whip up some pretty palomas, or really surprise your pals with a bright pink prickly pear margarita.
While coffee lovers will go crazy for the espresso martini, anyone with a sweet tooth will adore the chocolate martini that doubles as a Valentine's Day dessert. And, speaking of dessert, pairing your Valentine's Day drinks with a sweet treat is always a good idea. Try adding scoops of raspberry sorbet to some sparkling wine to make a spritz or serve any of these with a plate of Valentine's Day cookies. They'll go together just like you and your sweetheart!
1
Frozen Espresso Martinis
Gordon Sawyer
Rich espresso and vodka blend into a creamy, icy drink that feels as celebratory as it does romantic, making it perfect for toasting with your sweetheart or sipping with your Galentine's crew. Plus, chocolate-covered espresso beans add a gorgeous garnish.
Here's a heart‑warming sip that you'll want to try for a cozy date night in. It's made with red wine, apple cider, and brandy that's gently spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus peel. As it's simmering low and slow, your home will smell delightful, too.
If you're looking for a timeless cocktail that feels just right for the holiday, a Cosmopolitan never misses. Its crisp combination of vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime never goes out of style.
You don't have to choose between dessert and drinks with this one! It marries rich coffee liqueur, creamy flavors, and a touch of sweetness to recreate the iconic tiramisu experience in a glass. Pair it with ladyfinger cookies or chocolate wafers for a bite between sips.
Hosting all the girls? Make a batch of bubbly punch and get the party started! Cranberry-strawberry juice gives it sweetness, vodka gives it a kick, and sparkling wine gives it the fizz.
The only thing better than a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day is a chocolatey cocktail that tastes just like dessert! Made with both chocolate syrup and chocolate liqueur, it's rich, creamy, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Espresso martinis are everywhere these days—so, your loved one will be impressed that you made your own. Plus, a few sips will help you stay up late and enjoy every moment.
This pink and red-toned spritz combines dessert and drinks in one. The rosy-hued drink, featuring tart raspberry sorbet and sparkling rosé, maintains its bold flavors while the sorbet serves as a refreshing ice substitute without dilution.
Skip straight to dessert with these scrumptious sugar cookie martinis. This cocktail is infused with all the flavors of a sweet, buttery sugar cookie thanks to vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, Bailey's Irish cream, and half-and-half.
The pomegranate juice in this drink adds a sweet contrast to the vermouth and orange liqueur. Plus, it gives the variation on a martini its ruby-red color, too!
Give your margarita a pink twist with this strawberry variation that's both fruity and refreshing. For even more sweetness, try using crushed freeze-dried strawberries on the rim of the glass.
Delicately sweet and slightly tangy, the prickly pear syrup imparts a pink-purple hue to the beverage, making it an ideal choice for pink-themed Valentine's Day gatherings.
The bright red color of this cranberry martini is perfect for Valentine's Day. It's also sweet and tart from the cranberry juice and plenty zingy thanks to the homemade ginger-infused simple syrup.
Any red wine lover will appreciate this popular drink. You can switch up the fruit based on your preferences—try mixed berries or even cranberries for a wintry twist.
Refreshing, frozen strawberry daiquiris aren't just for summer! The bright pink hue and sweet strawberry flavor make it a perfect choice for any Valentine's Day celebration.
Instead of a bouquet of flowers, try a floral drink instead this Valentine's Day. This pretty cocktail is even topped with an edible orchid to garnish.
If your romantic dinner includes one bowl of spaghetti with two forks, then this negroni cocktail is for you! It's a classic Italian drink that's made with Campari.