FOOD

4 STUNNING COCKTAILS FOR VALENTINE’S

These swoon-worthy cocktails are perfect for a Valentine's Day dinner par deux

CAMILLE BERRY

Looking to impress this February 14th? From a fizzy toast to lux nightcaps, these beautiful Valentine's Day cocktail recipes are wonderfully flavorful and easy to make.

Whether you're planning on stepping out on the town or cooking a gourmet meal for two at home, break out your mixology skills with these stunning Valentine's Day cocktail recipes. With delicious options to take you from your starter course to the denouement of your meal, these carefully crafted libations are sure to put a smile on your date's face. So without further ado, here's our round-up of Valentine's Day cocktails, laced with delectable aphrodisiacs to help set the mood.

GINGER SAFFRON FIZZ

When it comes to raising a glass in celebration on Valentine's Day, there's nothing quite like a glass of bubbly. Why not try something a little different and mix up a delicious ginger saffron fizz? These two gorgeously fragrant spices are both purported aphrodisiacs you may already have in your cupboard. Save your high-end Champagne for this recipe – a good quality sparkling wine (think Cava or Cremant) will do the trick.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz ginger liqueur • 10 saffron threads, lightly toasted • Sparkling wine • Orange twist to garnish

Pour an ounce of ginger liqueur into each flute. Add 5 threads of toasted saffron to each glass, then top with sparkling wine, and garnish with an orange twist. Serves 2

HONEYMOON

Fresh and crisp, balanced out by a tender kiss of sweetness, the Honeymoon is an outstanding classic cocktail whose name and luscious profile make it a must for Valentine's Day. This lovely little sipper can be enjoyed before sitting down to dinner or enjoyed through the course of your meal. For newly-weds, it's tailor-made for toasting your nuptials.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 oz Calvados or apple brandy • 1 oz triple sec • 1 oz Benedictine • 1 oz lemon juice

Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the ingredients, and shake vigorously. Strain evenly into two cocktail glasses. Serves 2

STRAWBERRY PASSION FRUIT MOJITO

Another delicious palate-cleanser to enjoy with dinner (especially dishes with a little heat to them), the strawberry passion fruit mojito is sure to please. If you're new to home bartending, this one may seem a little complex, but don't be deterred. It's easy to make and the results will definitely impress your date.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 oz white rum • 4 bar spoons sugar • juice of half a lime • ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice • ¾ oz strawberry puree • ¾ oz passion fruit puree • 20 mint leaves • Soda water

Add sugar to a mixing glass. Pour in rum, lime juice, strawberry and passion fruit purees, then stir until the sugar dissolves. Add mint leaves and muddle gently. Place ice into two fresh highball glasses. Pour the cocktail into the glasses, top with soda water, and garnish with mint leaves or fresh passion fruit. Serves 2.

CHOCOLATE CHILI MARTINI

Some like it hot and if you and your partner enjoy a little sugar and spice, look no further than the chocolate chili martini. All that decadent sweetness is balanced out beautifully by a hint of spice from a fresh red chili. We recommend enjoying this cocktail at the end of your meal as a nightcap.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ oz vodka • 1 ½ oz chocolate liqueur • 1 red chili • 1/2 bar spoon of brown sugar

Muddle the chili and sugar in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, vodka, and chocolate liqueur. Shake well, then strain into two glasses. Garnish with chocolate powder, if desired. Serves 2