Of all the days of the year, Valentine’s Day is the one to get everything right.
Whether you’re celebrating with a long term partner or looking to kindle something new; the perfect whiskey cocktail will add spice to your evening. Here are our top whisky cocktails for Valentine’s Day 2020 to help you get in the good books, and to get hearts racing just that little bit quicker.
Black Ship
1 ½ ounces Japanese whisky
1 ounce pomegranate juice
¼ ounce port
1 tsp lemon juice
Garnish: Lemon peel
Whisky Tip: Suntory Whisky
Japanese whiskies have become more and more popular and this is certainly one of the best ways to use them.
The name comes from Matthew Perry. Not that Matthew Perry, but rather the 19th Century Commodore who sailed to Japan. This is best served in a Martini glass to enjoy the deep red coloring and it may take you longer to find the glass than to prepare the drink. Simply add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake, strain and enjoy. The perfect starter drink for your romantic evening.
The ‘Rol ‘n’ Rye
1 ½ ounces Aperol
1 ½ ounces rye whiskey
Top glass with club soda
Garnish: Orange wheel
Whiskey Tip: Rittenhouse
If you are entertaining at home this Valentine’s Day then you’ll need a simple, quick, impressive little ice-breaker and this is the one.
As you probably guessed, this cocktail uses rye whiskey to produce that unforgettable spicy finish. It’s simple and quick to make (perfect for a last minute dash when you need to impress): just combine this with your Aperol and fill to the top with soda. Although a take on a classic, the sour hints will surprise you. Most importantly, it looks great and can be put together in seconds, leaving you the time to be your charming self.
The Witty Comeback
2 ounces rye whiskey
½ ounce Amaro Averna
½ fresh lemon juice
½ ginger simple syrup
Garnish: Orange twist
Whiskey Tip: Old Overholt
This fabulously named and great looking cocktail does require a few ingredients that may not already be sitting on your shelf. It’s Valentine’s Day – Put the effort in!
Great for those who love ginger, this cocktail was created by Dan Saltzstein, of the New York Times, alongside Jim Meehan. Although the cocktail looks very simple, the Amaro Averna adds a bitter note and completes a recipe that is both sweet and tart. Just make sure you have a few Witty Comebacks lined up, in both senses of the phrase.
Double Chocolate Bourbon Egg Cream
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
½ cup chocolate milk, chilled
½ ounce bourbon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup seltzer water, chilled
Whiskey Tip: Elmer T. Lee
Chocolate is as intrinsic to Valentine’s Day as flowers and this grown up chocolate cocktail is a great way to celebrate.
Traditionally, I am not a great lover of milk and alcohol as a combination but, with the right whiskey, this is the exception. To ensure the perfect serve and presentation, mix up the syrup, milk, bourbon and vanilla, before slowly adding the water whilst whisking. You should end up with a foamy top layer.
Tasting beautiful and looking great this one may just take you back to your youth and become your own Valentine tradition.
Apple Pie Whiskey Cocktail
1 ounce cinnamon whiskey
1 ounce vanilla vodka
4 ounce apple cider
Garnish: Cinnamon sticks
Whiskey Tip: Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
If you or your partner are anything like me, dessert and then a drink are the best part of any meal.
You can combine the two with this stunningly simple little cocktail that is as sweet as the two of you. Cinnamon whiskey is on the rise, and you can use any brand you like in this recipe; just shake everything up together for about 15 seconds and serve.
If you have a particularly sweet tooth then you can always add brown sugar to the rim of the glass, or enjoy alongside a plate of peanut brittle.
The Marriage of Figaro
For the Fig Bourbon:
1 bottle of bourbon
1/8lb Turkish figs
1/4lb Mission figs
For the Cocktail:
1 ounce of fig-infused bourbon
1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce Cardamaro
1 teaspoon allspice dram
Garnish: Lemon twist
Whiskey Tip: Four Roses Yellow Label
The key to a successful relationship is experimentation… no? Just me?
This cocktail does take a little preparation and planning but stick with it… for you will surely reap the benefits! The fig bourbon will need about a week to prepare, but is simple enough. Just decant a bottle of bourbon into a glass jar with your figs, seal tightly, and keep in a dark and cool place. Stirring once a day to add to the infusion.
On the big day, strain your fig bourbon thoroughly – a cheese cloth is best – then add the other cocktail ingredients. Stir the mixture well and pour into a chilled glass. Just for the taste alone it is worth the time, but if you get Brownie points for effort from your other half, then this is a must.
PS. Don’t think about ditching the rest of your now fig infused bourbon. Why not try it out in other cocktails?
Orkney Chapel
2 ounces single malt scotch
¼ ounce Lustau Amontillado Sherry
¼ ounce sugar cane syrup
¼ ounce Grand Marnier
½ ounce Dolin dry vermouth
Whisky Tip: Highland Park 12-Year-Old Single Malt
To mix Scotch or not to mix Scotch? It can be the make or break of a relationship.
If your partner needs convincing, well, this is the one to go for. Incredibly easy to make – just mix, stir and strain the ingredients into a glass. Make sure you use your most stylish and elegant glass to serve, as this will suit the beautiful color and depth of flavor. This is sure to win either the whisky connoisseur or the newly inducted.
Mix to Impress on Valentine’s Day 2020
Valentine’s Day is about showing you care, and there is no better way than putting some thought and effort into every detail. So why not look to surprise them with an unexpected gem of a drink? It’s guaranteed to get eyelashes and hearts fluttering alike!
Whether you’re looking to kick-start the evening with a glass to impress, indulge in a slow sipper to discuss over dinner, or mix up a cosy nightcap to snuggle up with on the sofa, these cocktails have got you covered!
