For Valentine’s Day, we’re constantly told that either the “big gift” is the way to impress, or that it’s really the gesture and the experience that counts. This year, cocktail expert Blythe Gruda decidedly sides with the latter. She recommends “his & hers cocktails”– easy-to-make recipes that can be ordered at ANY bar or restaurant, or to make at home with just a few ingredients.
For
The Ruffino Sophisticate
5 oz. Ruffino Prosecco
- 5 drops Orange Flower Water
- lemon rind
Slice a small lemon rind and place in the glass.
Pour glass ¾ full of Ruffino Prosecco, add Orange Flower Water and serve.
For Him:
The Sardinian
3 oz. Ruffino Prosecco
2 oz. Mirto (pure myrtle berry liqueur from Sardinia)
- fresh grapefruit skin
- 2 large ice cubes
Circle the rim of the glass with a long, peeled grapefruit skin.
Twist the skin over the drink and place into the glass.
Add Mirto, Ruffino Prosecco and ice. Stir, do not shake.
Vodka
There can be no question that Belvedere Vodka is smooth, well balanced and absolutely one of our favorites. Therefore we had to include a few Belvedere luscious cocktails for valentine’s Day.
Cupid’s Bow
50ml / 2 oz Belvedere Vodka
15ml / ¼ oz Simple Syrup
20ml / ½ oz Lemon Juice
6 Raspberries
Dash Egg White
Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry.
Lover’s Tango
2 oz Belvedere Unfiltered
2 bar spoons Sweet Vermouth
Dash lavender bitters
Stir over ice and serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist
Sweetheart Swizzle
1oz Belvedere Citrus
1 oz lime syrup
Angostura bitters
Tonic Water
Garnish with lemon, lime and cucumber wheels
On Location
Looking for a romantic place to take your date on Vday? We recommend the The Empire Room (350 5th Ave New York, NY 10001), the upscale cocktail lounge located on the ground floor of The Empire State Building. They will be mixing up The Chocolate Kiss ($14) on Thursday, February 14.
1 1/2 oz Van Gogh Dutch chocolate vodka
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz fresh orange juice
1/2 oz ginger liqueur
Splash of simple syrup
1 strawberry, trimmed and sliced in half
Directions: Muddle the strawberry with the lemon and orange juices. Then add ice and remaining ingredients, and shake well. Strain into martini glass.
Garnish: pinch of ground cinnamon
Always remember to drink responsibly!