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Valentine’s day elixirs
Concoctions, potions and elixirs often surround stories of love.
Flowers, chocolates and jewelry are the norm for many searching for gifts for their Valentine. But romantic potions of the cocktail variety may be another way to spice up this year’s celebration.
American pop-culture is peppered with plenty of unforgettable dynamic duos — Lucy and Desi, Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie, Laverne and Shirley, Mickey and Minnie, Bogie and Bacall and countless others.
Keeping the idea of classic duos in mind, the Lounge Lizards set about to offer a few flirty cocktail suggestions that can be ordered in or ordered out. Cocktail potions don’t have to be complicated to win over your Valentine. Some of our favorite cocktail combinations — think gin and tonic — only call for two ingredients (ice and garnish not included).
So, if you’re looking for ideas, here are seven simple sippers to toast your Valentine with:
Gingerlime
1 1/2 oz. of either Tanqueray Rangpur (gin distilled with limes and botanicals) or a lime-infused vodka; 3-5 oz. of ginger ale. Mix ingredients. Pour into ice-filled Collins glass.
Kir Royale: The February issue of “Country Home” listed this well-known recipe following it up with the recommendation of substituting Zen Green Tea Liqueur or Pama Pomegranate Liqueur instead of the Crème De Cassis for an updated twist on this classic recipe.
1/2 oz. Crème De Cassis; 4-6 oz. chilled Champagne. Pour Crème De Cassis into a chilled flute. Fill with Champagne. Garnish with lemon twist.
Lady Macbeth
3-5 ounces of chilled Champagne; 1 ounce ruby Port. Pour the Champagne into a chilled flute. Slowly pour in the port, but do not stir. Twist an orange peel over the top.
Malibu Barbie
2 oz. coconut rum; 8 oz. pineapple juice. Mix ingredients. Pour into ice-filled Collins glass.
Tickled Pink 2/3 glass of Champagne; 1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur poured over the top.
The X-Rated Liqueur brand is probably the most inspired option out there for Valentine’s Day if you ask us. The French vodka infused with blood oranges, mangos and passion fruit can also be served as a base for several more romantic cocktails, which are listed on their Web site.
Zen Tonic
2 oz. Zen Green Tea Liqueur; 2 oz. Tonic water. Pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime.
Three may be a crowd, but in the case of the Negroni Martini - a combination of gin, bitter Campari and sweet Vermouth - it makes for an exotic potion that can give Cupid’s arrow a run for the money.
1 ounce Gin; 1 ounce Campari; 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth. Shake together and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a blood orange slice — they’re in season and have a bright red hue that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
And if you’re looking for a duo to sub for dessert, one part Baileys Irish Cream mixed with one part of Frangelico is a rich aphrodisiac that’s sure to satisfy. Regardless of what you choose, these love potions will beat a cheap-o box of chocolates any day of the week, leaving your valentine feeling warm and bright.
Cheers!
