Love, as they say, is best served shaken or stirred. This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re planning a candlelit dinner for two, a fun Galentine’s soirée, or simply a moment of indulgence for yourself, let the perfect cocktail make the occasion all the headier and more delightful. From the seductive allure of a ruby-red Negroni (seen here with a rose twist) to a classic martini served up with a side of passion, there’s a tipple to match every romantic mood. We present a menu of concoctions that pair beautifully with the love that will, no doubt, be wafting in the air. Gather your shakers and raise a glass: let’s drink to love, in all its forms.

Rosé Negroni Sbagliato


Olive Magazine
Rose Negroni Sbagliato

This might be touted as perfect for summer and it doubtless is, but we think that a rosé spin on a ruby-red Negroni is the ideal sip for Valentine’s Day too. Plus, appealingly, it contains just three ingredients (Campari, Lillet rosé and sparkling rosé wine), ensuring there is minimal faffing but maximum flavour punch. Scores high in the looks department too. Get the recipe.


Kiss


Liquor.com
Kiss

If Valentine’s Day could be distilled into a drink, it would, surely, taste a little something like this. Hailing from New York, this heady number brings together Parisian Dubonnet with sweet vermouth, gin and a slug of Luxardo maraschino liqueur for an injection of high drama. If you’re hoping for the perfect kiss this Valentine’s, look no further. Get the recipe.


Bee’s Knees Cocktails


Delish
Bee

Shaking up something special for someone you think is the bee’s knees? If the feeling isn’t already mutual, it surely will be after you concoct this lovely gin-based tipple, with its perfect balance of the sharp (thanks to the lemon) and the sweet ( that’ll be the honey). Get the recipe.


Kiss From A Rose


Grey Goose
Kiss From A Rose

We are utterly seduced by this vodka-based cocktail, which is exquisitely pretty; delicate thanks to the rose water syrup; and deeply luxurious on account of the champagne. Rose or berry sorbet gives it an ice-cold finish, while the basil leaf garnish ensures it’s not just aromatic but picture-perfect too. Get the recipe.


Passion Fruit Martini


BBC Good Food
Passion Fruit Martini

Looking to dial up the passion this Valentine’s Day? This blend of vodka, two ripe passion fruit, passoa and prosecco should do the trick beautifully. Romance in a glass. Get the recipe.


Rhubarb And Rose Gin Fizz


Olive Magazine
Rhubarb And Rose Gin Fizz Copy

We just can’t get enough of a pink cocktail on Valentine’s Day – or any day, to be perfectly honest. This gin-based cocktail is a luxuriant beauty, with the sour bite of rhubarb, the delicate drops of rose water, a sharp twist of lemon, and an egg white to froth the whole heady affair up to perfection. A few scattered rose petals on top and this has all the makings of a romantic classic. Get the recipe.