Very Sexy Cocktails: Best Valentine's Drinks

If you're in the mood for love this week or perhaps a little lust—try these sumptuous, sexy cocktails inspired by romance and guaranteed to make you swoon. Created by top New York City mixologists, these specialty drinks are the perfect way to begin or end your evening. If you're in the Big Apple for Valentine's Day, definitely sample them in person. Not in the neighborhood? No worries. Impress your sweetheart and play bartender at home.

Mata Hari
Created by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric at Employees Only, the Mata Hari makes reference to the beautiful exotic dancer and double agent of World War I who was executed for spying and became the archetype for the term "femme fatale". Featuring original Chai Tea infused Sweet Vermouth with cognac, fresh pomegranate juice and garnished with dried rose buds, this sultry cocktail is a seductive feast for all the senses.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 oz. Courvoisier VS Cognac
1 oz. Chai-infused Italian Vermouth*
3/4 oz. Fresh-squeezed Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
3/4 oz. Pomegranate Juice

PREPARATION:
Put all ingredients into a mixing glass. Add large, cold ice cube and shake vigorously for 7-8 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini-cocktail glass and garnish with dry organic rose buds.

* Chai-infused Italian Vermouth (for 2 liters):
8 Green Cardamon Pods
8 Cloves
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 small piece of Ginger (chopped)
2 tablespoons Chai Tea
2 cups of Sweet Vermouth (for concentrate)

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a small pan. Bring to a low boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Strain mixture. Even out the 2 bottles of Sweet Vermouth and evenly distribute Vermouth concentrate.

Biscotti & Cream
Concocted by Frank Caiafa Peacock Alley, The Waldorf-Astoria, this rich, creamy white chocolate cocktail makes traditional chocolate martinis seem, well; ordinary. Featuring delicate Faretti Biscotti Liqueur and topped with a chocolate biscotti, this naughty beverage will let you to eat your cookie, and drink it too.

INGREDIENTS:
1.5 oz Faretti Biscotti Liqueur
1 oz. Boulard 'Grand Solage' Calvados
1.5 oz house made white cocoa mix (see below)

PREPARATION:
Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into Martini glass. Place biscotti cookie across top of martini glass as garnish.

* White Cocoa Mix:
1/2 quart heavy cream
1 quart milk
680 grams white chocolate
Yield: About 2 quarts

Directions: Bring dairy items to boil, remove from heat and mix into cocoa. Let sit for 5 minutes then mix well with whisk.

The Royal Blush
Mixologist Eben Freeman knows how to make us bloom! This provocative potion will perfect your evening, whether you enjoy the original at Tailor NYC restaurant or experiment at home. Featuring vodka, champagne, a hint of mint and luscious Morello cherry puree, this drink does actually "blush" with the final fizzy flourish. Impress your date and watch the cocktail magically turn from green to pretty pink.

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 oz. Vodka
3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
5-6 Mint Leaves
1 Tsp. Morello Cherry Puree
2 oz. Champagne

PREPARATION:
Place first three ingredients in cocktail shaker. Tear mint leaves in half, place in shaker and shake vigorously for 25 seconds. Strain directly into martini glass containing cherry puree. Pour straight and carefully as to not upset puree. Top with champagne in front of guest. Note: cocktail should change in color from green to pink!!!

— Written by Mona Buehler

< PREVIOUS ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE >

Tags : ---

Login to comment