Valentine's Day Cocktails That'll Truly Impress

It’s the season of love, and nothing says you care quite like a thoughtfully made drink to start off your Valentine’s Day evening.

Forget the crowded bars this year with our curated list of 15 Valentine’s Day cocktails that will definitely sweep that special someone off their feet.

1. Pink Lady

The Pink Lady is basically a love letter in cocktail form. Its frothy top and blush color make it sophisticated without trying too hard. Perfect for the partner who appreciates vintage glamour and a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

The Pink Lady is basically a love letter in cocktail form. Its frothy top and blush color make it sophisticated without trying too hard. Perfect for the partner who appreciates vintage glamour and a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Instructions

Combine all of your ingredients in a shaker, without ice, and shake vigorously (dry shake). Add ice and shake again. Finally, strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.

Recipe

• 1.5 oz Gin (Beefeater London Dry Gin or Plymouth Gin)
• 0.5 oz Applejack
• 0.5 oz Lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Grenadine
• 1 Egg white
• Garnish: A brandied cherry

2. Rose

The Rose cocktail is all about keeping it simple and classy. This French classic is delicate, floral, and undeniably romantic. It’s a dry vermouth-forward drink, meaning it’s lighter on the alcohol burn but heavy on complexity.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

It’s named after the flower of love and fits an evening with beautiful outfits. The delicate pink colors and floral notes make it a good fit for the day. Great for someone who enjoys low-ABV cocktails.

Instructions

Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Recipe

• 2 oz Dry Vermouth (Cinzano 1757 Rosso Vermouth di Torino)
• 1 oz Kirsch (cherry brandy)
• 1 tsp Raspberry syrup or grenadine
• Garnish: A brandied cherry

3. Chocolate & Strawberry Martini

The chocolate and strawberry martini is essentially a dessert in a glass. It’s super rich and indulgent. If you’re gifting chocolates, serve this as the perfect pairing.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

It combines two of the most popular Valentine’s Day flavors into one drink that’s perfect for your partner if they have a sweet tooth.

Instructions

Begin by adding all the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until frosty. Then, strain the drink into a martini glass rimmed with chocolate syrup. Finish with a strawberry slice along the edge of the glass.

Recipe

• 1.5 oz Vodka (Ketel One Vodka or Grey Goose Strawberry & Lemongrass)
• 1 oz Crème de Cacao (white or dark)
• 1 oz Strawberry Liqueur or puree
• 1 oz Heavy cream
• Garnish: Chocolate shavings or a strawberry slice

4. Love Potion #9

This is a fun one if you’re looking for that enchanting cocktail vibe. Love Potion #9 is usually made with a mix of berry flavors and bubbly, and it’s a top choice if you want that Instagram / social media look for photos.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

The name says it all! It’s fun and flirty. If your date loves something fruity and refreshing, this is it.

Instructions

Begin by shaking the vodka, Chambord, and schnapps with ice. Strain into a flute. Top with bubbly. If you’re really looking to impress on the evening, add dry ice for a "potion" effect to enchant your guests.

Recipe

• 1 oz Vodka (Chopin Wheat Vodka)
• 0.5 oz Chambord (Raspberry Liqueur)
• 0.5 oz Peach Schnapps
• Top with Prosecco or Sparkling Wine
• Garnish: Dry ice (optional for a smoky effect)

5. Espresso Martini

Keep the energy high all night long with a bold Espresso Martini. This modern classic has taken the world by storm as it’s both delicious and sophisticated, giving you the caffeine kick you need for a long night of romance.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

It’s dark, sexy, and energetic. Perfect for an after-dinner pick-me-up and for that coffee addict in your life.

Instructions

Begin by brewing your espresso and pour it into a shaker with ice. Then, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup. Shake like crazy to create that signature foam for sipping. Finally, strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with three beans in a triangle layout.

Recipe

• 2 oz Vodka (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1 oz Freshly brewed espresso (hot)
• 0.5 oz Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Garnish: 3 coffee beans

6. Red Velvet Martini

The Red Velvet Martini is all about the essence of the red velvet cake with rich cocoa notes and a creamy texture, all wrapped up in the iconic vibrant red color.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

Red Velvet is the unofficial cake of Valentine's Day, so it’s fitting that this is served on the day. If they love dessert-like cocktails, you’ll want to give this a go.

Instructions

Start with the glass and rim it with frosting and red sugar. Then, shake the vodka, crème de cacao, grenadine, and cream with ice. Strain into the glass and enjoy!

Recipe

• 2 oz Vodka (Oasis Vodka)
• 1 oz Crème de Cacao
• 0.5 oz Grenadine (for color)
• 1 oz Heavy cream or Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Garnish: Cream cheese frosting rim and red sugar

7. Cherry Manhattan

This is a classic cocktail with a romantic twist for a special Valentine’s Day cocktail. The Cherry Manhattan becomes a fruitier version of its original take. While still presenting a bold and beautiful cocktail.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

It’s a strong sipping cocktail that feels incredibly elegant and has a cherry tart. Perfect for those who love a regular Manhattan but want to try something new for the season.

Instructions

Stir whiskey, vermouth, cherry juice, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe. Then, garnish with a Maraschino cherry for that bright red look.

Recipe

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey (Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey or Bulleit 95 Rye)
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 tsp Cherry juice (from the jar)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: A maraschino cherry

8. La Violetta

This cocktail is as beautiful to look at as it is to drink. It's absolutely stunning, the purple hue totally stands out from the red and pink of the day.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

La Violetta offers a unique visual appeal and fun floral flavor profile that feels high-end. A great choice for the adventurous drinker who loves proper aesthetics.

Instructions

It’s easy, shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a flower.

Recipe

• 1.5 oz Gin (No. 3 London Dry Gin)
• 0.75 oz Lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Crème de Violette
• 0.5 oz Simple syrup
• Garnish: An edible violet flower

9. Café Amore

Café Amore is a hot cocktail that combines coffee and Cognac or Amaretto for a cozy evening. It's the top choice if you’re snuggling up by the fire in February.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

"Amore" means love in Italian and is the perfect nightcap. It’s perfect for someone who prefers a hot drink over a cold one.

Instructions

Begin by pouring your choice of Cognac and Amaretto into a coffee mug. Then, top with hot coffee and stir gently. To make it special for Valentine’s Day, top it with a large amount of whipped cream and shaved almonds.

Recipe

• 1 oz Cognac (Hennessy VSOP)
• 1 oz Amaretto
• Hot black coffee
• Whipped cream
• Garnish: Shaved almonds

10. Between the Sheets

A cheeky name for a delicious cocktail! Between the Sheets is a variation on the Sidecar with rum for a little extra kick.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

The name alone makes it a cheeky and flirty addition to your evening menu! It’s tart and citrusy for a strong conversation starter.

Instructions

Begin by shaking all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Recipe

• 1 oz White Rum (Copalli White Rum)
• 1 oz Cognac
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 0.75 oz Lemon juice
• Garnish: Lemon twist

11. Strawberry Rosé Sangria

Hosting a Galentine’s party? This sangria is your best friend. It’s easy to make in a pitcher, serves a crowd, and tastes like summer in a glass. The combination of rosé wine, fresh strawberries, and vodka is refreshing and light.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

It’s communal, pink, and festive; ideal for sharing with a group of friends where you need something that everyone can get in on.

Instructions

First, combine your wine, vodka, brandy, sugar, and fruit in a large pitcher (ideally one you can stir in to mix it all around). From there, move it to the fridge for at least an hour, up to 4 hours to get it really cold and let the flavors infuse. Then, serve over ice, topped with some club soda.

Recipe

• 1 bottle Rosé Wine (Try a dry Rosé like Whispering Angel)
• 1/2 cup Strawberry Vodka
• 1/4 cup Brandy
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• Sliced strawberries, raspberries, and lemon wheels
• Club soda to top

12. Rosé Spritz

This one is perfect if you’re looking for something that’s quick, light, and still on point for the evening. The Rosé Spritz elevates your favorite pink wine with a bit of sparkle and a touch of bitterness from an aperitif.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

The Rosé Spritz is low-stress but high-reward. The bubbles feel celebratory. It’s a wonderful pre-dinner drink that awakens the palate.

Instructions

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add rosé and Aperol. Top with a splash of club soda. Stir gently and garnish.

Recipe

• 3 oz Rosé Wine (Taittinger Prestige Rosé)
• 1 oz Aperol or Campari
• Club soda
• Garnish: Orange slice or rosemary sprig

13. French 75

If you want to feel like you’re in a romantic movie, serve up a French 75. It’s crisp and modern.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

Champagne is practically mandatory on Valentine’s Day, and this is one of the best ways to enjoy it. This cocktail is designed for that special someone who loves a refreshing kick for the evening.

Instructions

Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with Champagne and garnish.

Recipe

• 1 oz Gin (Hendrick’s Gin or Tanqueray No. Ten)
• 0.5 oz Lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Simple syrup
• 3 oz Champagne (Moët & Chandon Brut)
• Garnish: Lemon twist

14. Raspberry Bellini

A twist on the classic peach Bellini, the Raspberry version is tart, sweet, and vibrantly red. It’s straightforward to make, requiring just two main ingredients, but it feels very special.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

It’s red, fruity, and bubbly, the hallmark of a supreme Valentine’s Day drink that can fit any occasion, from lunch to dinner, or late dessert cocktails.

Instructions

Pour raspberry puree into a flute. Slowly top with Prosecco while stirring gently to mix. Garnish with a fresh berry.

Recipe

• 2 oz Raspberry puree (fresh or frozen raspberries blended and strained)
• 4 oz Prosecco
• Garnish: A fresh raspberry

15. Love & Murder

Last but certainly not least, the Love & Murder cocktail is a complex masterpiece. The color is a deep, intense red.

Why it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day

This cocktail represents the complexity of love. Plus, the color is absolutely stunning and will impress any guest. The combination creates a fascinating balance of herbal and bitter notes.

Instructions

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. No garnish needed for this lovely sipper. The color speaks for itself.

Recipe

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Green Chartreuse
• 1 oz Lime juice
• 0.75 oz Simple syrup
• 4 drops Saline solution (or a pinch of salt)

How To Elevate Your Valentine's Day Cocktail Experience

You’ve got the recipes, but how do you take your evening from "nice" to "unforgettable"? A few simple tweaks can turn a homemade drink into a bar-quality experience.

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Upgrade Your Glasses

Drinking a martini out of a coffee mug just isn't the same, especially on Valentine’s Day. We highly recommend investing in a few key pieces of glassware. It’ll dramatically improve your overall presentation for the occasion.

Coupes are perfect for drinks that’re shaken and served without ice for that vintage elegance. Flutes are best for bubbly drinks as they help to maintain carbonation and elevate the presentation.

Discover Other Amazing Cocktails & Valentine's Spirits Fun

• The Best Wine Valentine's Day Gifts
• The Best Whiskey Valentine's Gifts
• Valentine's Day Spirits Gift Guide