A perfect Valentine’s Day Cocktail that’s sweet, refreshing, and delicious!  When it comes to Valentine’s Day, finding the perfect way to celebrate with your special someone can be a delightful challenge. Whether you’re planning a cosy night in or hosting a gathering with friends and family, a thoughtfully crafted cocktail can add that extra touch of magic to the evening. This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself and your loved ones to a cocktail that’s a perfect blend of sweet and refreshing, with fruity flavours to entice your taste buds.

Perfect for a date night or make it in batches for your next gathering.  It’s versatile, elegant, and undeniably festive.

So, raise a glass to love and enjoy the delightful flavours of this Valentine’s cocktail. Cheers!

Cocktail with fresh raspberries and mint.

This recipe makes 2 servings, to make it you’ll need:

Equipment:

  • A cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients and chill.
  • A strainer to help pour the drink smoothly into the glass, keeping the ice out.
  • A jigger for measuring

Ingredients:

  • 120mls vodka
  • 60mls raspberry liqueur
  • 60mls fresh lemon juice
  • Sparkling wine / Prosecco
  • 30mls simple syrup*
  • Fresh raspberries for garnish
  • Fresh mint for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Method:

  • Fill your shaker with ice.
  • Add the vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  • Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well combined and chilled.
  • Use the strainer to pour the mixture into your glass.
  • Top with a splash of sparkling wine / Prosecco.
  • Add a few fresh raspberries and a couple of mint leaves on top for garnish.

 

*To make simple syrup:

  • Add equal parts sugar and water (e.g one cup sugar, one cup water) to a small saucepan over a low heat for about 10 minutes
  • Gently stir the mixture until it dissolves and forms a slightly runny syrup that’s about half the original volume.
  • Once the syrup is ready, let it cool before adding to your cocktail mixture. If you’re making a large batch, strain it into a jar and seal the lid tightly. Pop it in the fridge, it will keep for about a month.

 

To make a non-alcoholic version, you’ll need:

  • 60 mls raspberry syrup
  • 60 mls fresh lemon juice
  • Sparkling water
  • 30 mls simple syrup*
  • Fresh raspberries for garnish
  • Fresh mint for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Mix as above and serve with fresh raspberry and mint garnish.

 

Top Tips

  • Adjust the sweetness to your taste – if you like your drinks sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar syrup. Taste as you go to find the right balance for you.
  • If you’re not a fan of vodka, try swapping it with gin.
  • A splash of prosecco, Cava, or champagne will make this cocktail fizzy and bubbly.  Use sparkling water instead if you’d prefer not to use sparkling wine.

Recipe & Image:  Courtesy of Thirstytales.com