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The tabletop candles are flickering, eyelids are fluttering, and mouths are… drinking down those sweet Valentine’s Day cocktails! Hey, even the most tear-jerking, heart-racing romantic moment can be made a little better with a little alcohol accompanying that love running through your body, right? We thought you’d agree. Sure, wine and champagne might be the go-to pairings with dinner. But geez, don’t be such a cliché! If you’ve got a luva like no otha, treat him/her to drinks and cocktails just as unique as your connection.

I brought you flowers, darling! Now let’s get blitzed!

1. Kerasi 

Shall we start with something sensual, something sweet, something like a Kerasi? “Kerasi” means “cherry” in Greek, and this Valentine’s Day cocktail seems to have originated from Eden itself: peach liqueur, peach vodka, cherry brandy, and cherry puree. Finish with a sparkling wine for a delectable sip sure to awaken the senses for what’s to come. (Ooh la la.)

2. Forbidden Love 

Is your love… forbidden? Overstate the obvious with a Forbidden Love cocktail, a vibrant mixture of Hendricks gin, simple syrup, and blood orange juice. Top it off with succulent strawberries, cool cucumbers, and heart-shaped orange peels. Toast to your secret romance, sip, and watch for shadows around the corner. Hey, it happens in movies.

3. Sex on the Beach

Speaking of being subtle, have the bartender prepare a Sex on the Beach for your loved one. Not exactly romantic, but still luscious: peach Schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice, and some vodka create the scene for you. You might get that look you get from your plus one when you’re acting ridiculous… or you might get sand in your pants. Who knows! It’s worth a try!

4. Blood Orange French 75

If you’re stuck on wanting to have something with champagne, try a Blood Orange French 75. Pulp from blood oranges with sugar, gin, and bitters lightly embrace glasses of champagne for a delightfully romantic, fizzy dinner cocktail. The sugar contrasts with the bitters and blood orange for an palatable opposite’s-attract taste. Bottom’s up!

5. Strawberry Kiss

A dash of champagne in a Strawberry Kiss may also suit your Valentine’s fancy. Nothing says romance like champagne and strawberries, and vanilla vodka and Cran-Pineapple juice enhance that flavor with a hint of tart and depth. Share the saturated strawberry for a romantic gesture that will also raise that heartbeat just a little.

6. Espresso Martini

After all that fruit and sweetness, your palate will appreciate something like an Espresso Martini. Chocolate liqueur and vodka balance well with a shot of espresso, amaretto, Kahlúa, and Baileys. A martini is all class, and an espresso might be just what you need to keep you from falling into a food coma after your romantic dinner date.

Hopefully, you and your date are not too intoxicated to… you know… drive home. We hope all your Valentine’s Day cocktails and drinks are all you hoped they would be!