Valentine's Day Cocktails

Many people already know to avoid the over-crowded bistros and steakhouses this Valentine's Day and instead express their love by making a romantic dinner for two at home. But, why not add a drink to the menu? Sure, serving Champagne is delicious, but shaking up a holiday-themed cocktail is a great way to make your date feel special. Try one of these Valentine's Day drinks on February 14.

Absolut Pepper-Laced Heart

This zippy drink is perfect for those Valentine's Day lovers looking to add a little spice to their life.

Ingredients

2 parts Absolut Unique vodka

1 part strawberry and peppercorn syrup (recipe below)

1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice

Method

Fill a shaker with ice. Add all ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper.

Strawberry and Black Peppercorn Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup caster sugar

1/2 cup water

20 washed, hulled and halved ripe strawberries

1 Tbsp crushed black peppercorns

Method

Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Allow to cool and pass mixture through a sieve. Bottle it up and refrigerate. The syrup will keep for up to two weeks!

Raspberry Balsamic Caipiroska

Via the Globe & Mail. Award-winning Canadian mixologist Patsy Christie created this novel variation of the Brazilian cocktail caipiroska. In addition to the traditional ingredients (vodka, lime and sugar), this version includes balsamic vinegar and raspberries.

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz Russian Standard vodka

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 oz Monin Pure Cane syrup

4 wedges fresh lime

4 to 5 fresh raspberries

Method

In a short glass, muddle all the ingredients before adding crushed ice to the halfway point. Gently churn, then top up with more fresh crushed ice before serving.

Rosy Lee

Exotic and delightful: Beefeater 24 Gin poured over Muscavado sugar and crushed pink grapefruit with a whisper of rose water.

Ingredients

1 part Beefeater 24 Gin

2 parts pink grapefruit

3 bar spoons Muscavado sugar (brown)

1/2 bar spoon rose water

Method

Muddle all ingredients together in a Collins or Highball glass. Add crushed ice, churn and then crown with more crushed ice.

Whiskey Blue Bon Bon

Via RedBook. Valentine's Day makes us think of two things: Hot dates and chocolate. This sweet dessert cocktail from NYC bar Whiskey Blue is the perfect addition to (or antidote to, if it's been that kind of night) both.

Ingredients

1/2 oz Chambord

1/2 oz Disaronno Amaretto

1/2 oz Frangelico

1/2 oz chocolate syrup

1/2 oz half & half

1/2 oz raspberry puree

Method

Combine all ingredients in mixing glass, add ice, cover and shake vigorously. Strain into a port glass, garnish with three raspberries.

Chocolate and Cherry Crush

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz Luksusowa vodka

1/2 oz chocolate liqueur

1/2 tsp vanilla syrup (recipe below)

1/2 oz cream

3-5 cherries, pitted

shaved dark chocolate and a cherry (garnish)

Method

Muddle cherries in a shaker. Add all ingredients with ice and shake well. Garnish and serve in a chilled cocktail glass.

Vanilla Syrup

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

In saucepan, bring sugar and water to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until syrupy, about five minutes. Add vanilla extract. Pour into jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.