Sparkling wine has long been the beverage of choice for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Though it may seem odd to many imbibers, not everyone loves bubbles. In fact, there are numerous message boards populated with Champagne dissenters. “I hate it,” says one opinionated Redditor. “Most of it tastes like cheap white wine gone through a soda streamer.”
Though we agree to disagree (respectfully, of course), for those seeking to plan the most romantic Valentine’s Day ever, we’d like to offer an alternative to the effervescent norm: cocktails. The following beverages, which range in color from delicate blush to blood red (with one chocolate concoction thrown into the mix), have romance written all over them thanks to pretty presentations and complex flavor profiles. (Because what relationship isn’t complex?)
Ready to start shaking? Let’s go.
Blood Orange Margarita Photography by Ali Redmond
Incite feelings of ardor in the margarita-lover in your life with this ruby red-hued riff on the classic. This stunning drink gets an infusion of drama thanks to vivid blood orange juice. The sweet-and-sour fruit flavors are complemented with silver tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and agave nectar, making for a well-balanced drink that is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange Margarita
Barbie Cocktail Photography by Ali Redmond
Is the feminist in your life bummed over Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s recent Oscar snubs? Celebrate your love as well as the groundbreaking box-office smash—it was the highest-grossing film of the year—with this Barbie-themed cocktail created by Jacy Topps,
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
