Doesn’t this photo just remind you of YOU! That image choice is because our “wine and spirits afficionade” Michele has decreed that cocktails are the sexy way to go for Valentine’s Day. Fresh, huh!? But least you think she’s left you in the lurch, she’s given us her fabulous “recipes” for a romantic evening …It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which is always a great day for Hallmark and Godiva, but not always for the rest of us — especially when it falls on a hectic weeknight, and we may not feel, well, inspired to romance our mate. I say don’t worry about forcing romance on February 14. Instead, find a night to be alone together and create a sensual, seductive evening at home with dimmed lighting, flickering candles, delectable foods, good wine, soft music, and, of course, an attention-getting outfit. The rest will take care of itself.
Start your special evening with a “sexy” cocktail – one that conjures visions of an illicit tryst in a hotel bar or a cozy nightclub. Think: the liquid version of a classic Cole Porter song, like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Are you with me? Try one of these recipes and get things stirred up (or is it shaken up?).
Lover’s Cocktail (for two)
- 3 oz. vodka
- 2 oz. sloe gin
- 1/2 tsp. raspberry or grenadine syrup
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Mix gently and serve in two chilled cocktail glasses.
Skip a Beat
- 1/2 shot of rum
- 1/2 shot of gin
- 1/2 shot of vodka
- dash of lemon juice
- dash of Sprite
- dash of grenadine
- Champagne
Put all ingredients into a flute and top off with Champagne.
Chocolatini (everyone needs some chocolate on Valentine’s Day)
- 2 oz.Vodka
- 1 oz.Godiva chocolate liqueur
- Cocoa Powder
Wet the rim of a martini glass and dip in cocoa. Combine vodka and Godiva liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well to chill and strain into the martini glass.
Kir Royale (a festive way to serve bubbly)
- Champagne
- 1/4 oz. crème de cassis/Framboise liqueur
Pour crème de cassis/Framboise liqueur in the bottom of a Champagne glass and fill with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon peel.
A Goodnight Kiss (another twist on bubbles)
- 1 drop Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 splash Campari
- Champagne
Add the bitters to the cube and place in the bottom of a Champagne flute. Add a splash of Campari, and then fill it up with Champagne.
Lemon Drop (to get you puckered up)
- 1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 2 oz. citrus vodka
Stir like a martini, and serve up. Float a thin wheel of lemon on top as a garnish and sugar the rim of the glass.
Between the Sheets (need more be said?)
- 1 oz. Cognac or brandy
- 1 oz. Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 oz. light rum
- 1 oz. lemon or lime juice
Combine ingredients in a shaker with cracked ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Dirty Martini (the dirty part is strictly up to you!)
- 1 dash of white vermouth
- 3 oz. gin or vodka
- 1/4 oz. olive brine
Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish traditionally with a pitted cocktail olive (no pimento).
