Cocktail & Other Recipes Occasion Valentine's Day

11 Cocktails to Make for Valentine's Day

Written by
Olivia French is writer and content creator based in Charlotte, N.C., whose experience spans cocktail trends, travel and lifestyle.
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Olivia French
Published 01/22/20
Holy Smokes. Image: Tony Devencenzi

What better way to celebrate Cupid than with a good cocktail or two? Whether you’re toasting with your sweetheart or hosting a get-together with friends, here are 11 cocktails to make on Valentine’s Day.

  • Hearts of Pom

    Tim Nusog

    If Margaritas are the true love in your life, try this variation to spice things up for the holiday. Silver tequila, pomegranate juice, Cointreau and lime juice walk the line between sweet and tart, and a fresh pomegranate garnish adds a burst of fruity flavor.

    Get the recipe.

  • Large-Batch Mezcal Negroni

    Public House Collective

    If you’re celebrating the season of love with a bigger crowd, make this scaled-up classic. The simple mix of mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth and water couldn’t be easier to make, and just one batch will serve about 11 people, so you can worry more about entertaining than mixing drinks all night.

    Get the recipe.

  • Chocomole

    Tippling Bros.

    Why eat your chocolate when you can drink it in a shooter instead? A homemade nutty chocomole mixture brings sweet richness (and a little bit of heat) to reposado tequila, while a dash of agave nectar helps to round everything out. Serve in chile-rimmed shot glasses topped with a corn chip.

    Get the recipe.

  • Maxwell

    H. Joseph Ehrmann

    This cocktail was made for two and is a great excuse to break out the bubbly. Shake cucumber vodka, cucumber juice, Cointreau, lemon juice and agave nectar, then double-strain into flutes. Top with Champagne and enjoy.

    Get the recipe.

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.

  • Between the Sheets

    Tim Nusog

    Even if your plans for the night don’t end in some adult fun, you can still get your drink on with this provocative cocktail. A rum-infused version of the classic Sidecar, the Between the Sheets combines cognac, light rum, triple sec and lemon juice to make a sour and spirit-forward drink you won’t want to put down.

    Get the recipe.

  • Italian Chocolate Martini

    Theresa O’Leary

    This isn’t the overly sweet Chocolate Martini that you’re used to. Instead, this light and slightly bitter spin is sophisticated enough to impress your boo. Chilled espresso, Amaro Averna and Kahlúa combine to form a foamy, irresistible cocktail that can be enjoyed with brunch, in the afternoon, or even after dinner.

    Get the recipe.

  • Hanky Panky

    This sultry cocktail will help you celebrate your romance the right way. Gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca combine to form a spirit-forward and slightly sweet digestif that’s perfect as a follow up to a rich and romantic meal.

    Get the recipe.

  • Dirty Martini

    Tim Nusog

    It’s a classic for a reason. This timeless combination of gin or vodka, plus dry vermouth and olive brine is a simple and savory drink that’s easy enough to throw together at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget to garnish with two olives for true classic appeal.

    Get the recipe.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.

  • Bitter Hearts Know Better

    Tim Nusog

    Not every Valentine’s Day treat has to be sticky-sweet. Case in point: This cocktail. A balance of hibiscus-infused gin, lime juice, simple syrup and amaro is a refreshingly light and herbal take on a traditional Gimlet, with a rosy hue that keeps it festive enough for your Valentine’s Day plans.

    Get the recipe.

  • Chambord Kir Royale

    This bright red, bubbly drink is a perfect way to celebrate. Chambord’s sweet and fruity black raspberry flavor absolutely sparkles when topped with a bit of Champagne. Garnish with a raspberry and lemon twist, and enjoy whenever the mood strikes.

    Get the recipe.

  • Holy Smokes

    Holy Smokes. Tony Devencenzi

    You’ll love this complex smoke show. Bourbon, cardamaro vino amaro, Benedictine, chocolate bitters and single-malt scotch are stirred with ice, then strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a flaming orange peel for extra-special presentation.

    Get the recipe.