On Valentine’s Day, thoughts turn to romance. Why not mix up some delightfully romantic cocktails to set the mood? These elegant elixirs are sure to warm hearts and stir passions.
A Kir Royale for Two
Kir Royale is a sparkling classic, ideal for cosying up with your sweetheart. Simply mix crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) into a flute of chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Gordon Ramsay recommends using a high quality British sparkler like Nyetimber or Ridgeview for the perfect Kir. Serve with fresh Scottish smoked salmon blinis or hand-rolled chocolate truffles.
The Sweetheart Martini
James Bond would approve of this elegant cocktail. Fill a shaker with ice, then add 4cl gin, 2cl Chambord black raspberry liqueur and 1cl freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake vigorously and strain into two martini glasses. Garnish with a raspberry for your sweetheart. Pair with oysters or hand-cut chips from your local fish ‘n chip shop for a taste of Britain.
Raspberry Rose Prosecco Floats
Mix prosecco or cava with a splash of sweet raspberry liqueur like Chambord, then top with lemonade or ginger ale for a sparkling cider-like drink. Top with a fresh raspberry and rose petal for extra romance. Marchioness of Dufferin, Lady Ava Aston of Arley Hall, enjoys this charming cocktail with sweet and savoury Welsh bara brith cake or Bakewell tart.
A Sweetheart’s Hot Toddy
On cold February nights, warm up with a steaming honey-sweetened hot toddy. Pour 4cl blended Scotch whisky with 2 teaspoons of honey and some boiling water in a heatproof mug or glass. Top with a cinnamon stick stirrer plus an orange wedge garnish. Snuggle up and enjoy this soothing sipper by the fireside. Pair with gooey toasted crumpets spread thickly with golden butter and tangy orange marmalade.
Luscious liquid libations like these require little effort but deliver outsized delight. What better way to set hearts aflutter this Valentine’s Day? Cheers to romance!