Valentine’s Day Cocktails
Sip, Snack, and Celebrate Love
Valentine’s Day is more than just chocolates and roses—it’s an opportunity to toast to love in all its forms, whether you’re celebrating with a partner, your best friends, or indulging in a little self-love. This year, ditch the crowded restaurants and overpriced menus, and opt for a cozy night in with handcrafted Valentine’s Day cocktails and perfectly paired snacks. These creative drinks are sure to set the mood for a night to remember, complete with tasty treats and thoughtful vibes.
Valentine’s Day Planning Tips
Before we dive into the cocktail recipes, let’s talk planning. Whether you’re hosting a Valentine’s soirée for friends, surprising your partner, or spending the evening solo, here’s how to set the tone for a magical evening:
- Ambiance is Everything: Dim the lights, light some candles, and queue up a playlist of romantic or feel-good tunes. If you’re hosting friends, opt for a cozy movie night or a themed playlist.
- Signature Cocktails: Having a signature Valentine’s Day cocktail (or two) adds an elegant touch to your celebration. Bonus points if they match your color scheme or theme!
- Food Pairings: Make sure your cocktails have their perfect snack companions. Cheese boards, charcuterie, chocolate truffles, and even heart-shaped appetizers work beautifully.
- Interactive Fun: If you’re hosting, set up a DIY cocktail station so guests can create their own Valentine’s concoctions.
Now that we’re prepped and ready, let’s get into the real star of the show: the cocktails.
Valentine’s Day Cocktails and Pairings
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2oz HipStirs Cranberry Pie Syrup
- 1 ½ oz Gin (Empress Gin is beautiful here)
- 2oz Orange Juice
- ½ cup Soda or Tonic Water
Directions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add the cranberry syrup, followed by the orange juice and soda water. Gently pour the gin over the top for a layered look. Garnish with a rosemary sprig or orange slice.
Snack Pairing: Pair this bright, citrusy cocktail with goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto or a citrus-inspired charcuterie board
Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients:
- Cranberry Juice (for ice cubes)
- Fresh/Frozen Cranberries
- Blood Orange Slices
- 1oz HipStirs Cranberry Pie Syrup
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine
- Garnish: Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
Directions:
Freeze cranberry juice with fresh cranberries and blood orange slices in an ice tray. Add 1oz of Cranberry Pie Syrup to a coupe glass and add a decorative ice cube. Top with champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Snack Pairing: Serve alongside chocolate-covered strawberries or a mini dessert platter with macarons and heart-shaped sugar cookies.
Lavender Tequila Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2oz Tequila
- ¼ oz HipStirs Lavender Haze Syrup
- ¼ oz HipStirs Old Fashioned Syrup
- 2 dashes Lavender Bitters
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
Directions:
Build in a rocks glass with ice. Stir until cold. Garnish with lemon and orange twists.
Snack Pairing: Lavender pairs beautifully with savory snacks. Try rosemary and sea salt crackers with brie or a lavender honey dip for artisan bread.
Brown Sugar & Sage Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 3 Fresh Sage Leaves
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1oz HipStirs Old Fashioned Syrup
- Juice from 1 Grapefruit
- Juice from ½ Lemon
- 2oz Gin or Silver Tequila
- Grapefruit Soda
Directions:
Muddle sage leaves, brown sugar, and Old Fashioned Syrup in a cocktail glass. Add grapefruit and lemon juice along with your spirit of choice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass over ice. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a dehydrated grapefruit slice and sage leaves.
Snack Pairing: This cocktail’s herbal and citrus notes pair wonderfully with a roasted vegetable platter or herb-infused flatbread.
Galentine’s Day or Couples’ Night Pairing Ideas
Make the evening extra memorable by coordinating your cocktails with creative food pairings and activities.
- For the Foodies: Pair your cocktails with a Valentine’s-inspired cheese board featuring heart-shaped cheeses, chocolate truffles, and fresh fruits.
- For the Homebodies: Set up a cozy DIY cocktail station where everyone can customize their drinks. Include garnish options like rosemary sprigs, edible flowers, and citrus slices.
- For the Romantics: Arrange a candlelit dinner at home with a cocktail pairing for each course. Start with the Cranberry Champagne Cocktail for an aperitif, enjoy the Lavender Tequila Old Fashioned with dinner, and end the evening with the Cranberry Gin Fizz for dessert.
Host Like a Pro: Cocktail Tips for Valentine’s Day
- Batch Ahead: Prep a pitcher of your favorite cocktail (like the Cranberry Gin Fizz) ahead of time for easy serving.
- Garnish Game Strong: Fresh herbs, edible flowers, and fancy ice cubes make even the simplest cocktails feel luxurious.
- Keep It Cold: Use chilled glasses or fun ice molds to keep your drinks refreshing longer.
