Romantic Valentine's Day Cocktails

In an effort to really get to the heart of the matter of Valentine’s Day boozing, I’ve put together a collection of cocktails that send across a different message for February 14. Something with a little less of a mushy, lovey and unappetizing sentiment, and a little more, ‘How do I love booze, let me count the ways.’

So as you plan out your Valentine’s Day festivities—whether they be heartfelt and oozing with hugs and kisses, or oozing with drinks and 80 percent off chocolates from the local pharmacy— don’t hesitate to mix up a few of these quality concoctions. They’ll be sure to get you in the spirit, whatever spirit that may be. Cheers, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Want to spread the love? Share with us your favorite V-Day cocktails in the comments section.

The French Cosmo, created by Joe Reiser, Woo Lae Oak, Vienna, VA

Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

3 oz pineapple juice
1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz cassis
Pineapple slice or leaf

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients except the pineapple slice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a piece of pineapple or a leaf from the fruit.

The Delancey, created by Richard H. Friedberg, formerly of Allen and Delancey, New York, NY

Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

3/4 oz pomegranate juice
3/4 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
Prosecco

Combine the pomegranate juice and elderflower liqueur in a champagne flute. Top with Prosecco.

Rediscovered Cherry Cosmo, created by Judson Sherman Rose, STK, New York, NY

Courtesy of Cosmopolitan

2 oz Smirnoff Black Cherry vodka
1 oz white cranberry juice
3/4 oz Cointreau
Splash of fresh lime juice
Fresh or dried cherries

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients except for the cherries. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh or dried cherries.

Ward 8

Courtesy of YumSugar

1 1/2 oz rye whiskey
3/4 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
3/4 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz grenadine
maraschino cherry and orange slice, optional for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the rye, orange juice, lemon juice and grenadine. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice, if desired.

Bicyclette, created by Fergus Henderson

Courtesy of YumSugar

2 oz Campari
1-1/2 oz dry white wine
Lemon peel

Pour the Campari into a wine glass filled ⅔ of the way with ice. Add the white wine. Stir well to combine, tasting and adjusting as needed. Garnish with a lemon peel.

He’s Just Not That Into You

Courtesy of DrinkoftheWeek

2 oz Skyy Infusions grape vodka
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz Cointreau
2 oz clear soda

Combine all the ingredients except for the soda in a mixing glass filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass with fresh ice. Top with soda and garnish with a twist of lemon.