Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re wanting to go the extra mile for your partner or impress that special someone, planning a night of romantic red cocktails with dinner is sure to be a success.
Any special occasion is better with a themed signature cocktail. And whether you’re looking for something, sweet, bitter or tart, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best red cocktail recipes for Valentine’s Day. We’ve even included a couple of red mocktails too, for those who’d prefer a non-alcoholic beverage.
1. Cosmopolitan
Pale red in colour and well-known for being the cocktail of choice for the glamorous, the modern classic Cosmopolitan is irresistibly sweet with a hint of sourness that’s incredibly more-ish. Blending vodka, Cointreau and cranberry juice, it’s a simple yet delicious and eye-catching combination. If you want to take it to the next level, why not add a splash of champagne to make it even more memorable?
2. Strawberry Margarita
If you’re a fan of the tart and tangy flavours of a Margarita, then we guarantee you’ll love the vibrant red colour and sweet berry flavours of the Strawberry Margarita. Combining strawberries, tequila, triple sec or Cointreau, lime juice and agave nectar, throw all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You can even add a handful of frozen strawberries to a ready-made Margarita for a fool-proof way to getting a great drink!
3. Negroni
Nothing beats the iconic bittersweet taste of the Negroni. An Italian summer staple, this cocktail packs a punch and is perfect to serve just before a delightful home-cooked dinner. Combining equal parts of gin, vermouth, Campari and bitters, it’s near impossible to get it wrong, and its vibrant red colour is a sight to behold.
4. Ruby Red-Tini
The Ruby-Red-Tini is a twist on a classic that’s sweet and citrusy and similar in taste to the Cosmopolitan. It offers a bright red shade that’s bound to achieve the wow factor, and it’s easy to make too. What’s not to like? Adding ruby grapefruit juice, lime juice, grenadine and gin to a shaker, shake the ingredient well and strain into martini glasses. Then, add a twist of lime for garnish. You can also rim the glass with pink sugar just before to make it look even prettier.
5. Boulevardier
Rich, warm and sophisticated, the dark red Boulevardier cocktail is bursting with both flavour and colour and is a darker take on the classic Negroni thanks to its whiskey base. It’s an ideal cocktail for the bold and adventurous at heart. Combining bourbon, rather than gin like the Negroni, with vermouth, Campari and bitters, this cocktail is great to serve before a meal or to have with a platter of smoked ham and cheese.
6. Red Sangria
A fruity glass of Red Sangria always goes down well. The perfect balance of dry and sweet, the classic Spanish cocktail is bold, flavourful and fun to make. While it might take a little bit more effort than other cocktails, we promise it’ll be worth it. A classic Sangria usually features fruit such as oranges, lemons and green apples, which are soaked in red wine, brandy and orange liqueur. Add a dash of sugar and some sparkling water, then refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavours to develop before serving.
7. Manhattan
Although the Manhattan cocktail is more of an amber-red rather than a true red, we believe this dark and sultry cocktail more than deserves its place on our Valentine’s Day cocktail list. With a simple blend of whiskey, vermouth and bitters, it creates a perfectly balanced sweet and smoky drink that’s extremely rich in flavour. Ideal for sipping by the fire as you converse after dinner, the Manhattan has an air of sophistication and class surrounding it.
8. Strawberry Daiquiri
The Strawberry Daiquiri is an iconic drink and firm fan favourite. It’s extremely popular during the warmer months but will be a real treat for Valentine’s Day too. With its luscious fruity flavour and bright colour, you and your partner are sure to be impressed. Blending frozen strawberries with lime juice, simple syrup, white rum, ice and a dash of salt, you’ll soon understand why this sweet and tangy tipple is so well-loved. Want something even easier? Then simple add some frozen strawberries to a ready-made Daiquiri for a perfect mix!
Non-Alcoholic Red Cocktail Recipes
If you’re wanting some delicious red-themed mocktails to cheers to, we’ve got just the thing.
1. Virgin Bitters
Our award-winning premixed Virgin Bitters mocktail offers the same depth, aromas and flavours of the classic Negroni but without the alcohol. Perfect to drink as an alcohol-free aperitif, this mocktail has wonderfully spicy notes that offer a real kick. Combining non-alcoholic spirits with bitters, lemon juice and natural flavourings, this fruity blend is designed to be savoured.
2. Lemongrass Citrus
For something refreshing, fragrant and a little different, our Lemongrass Citrus mocktail is the answer. This cocktail, with its pale red colour, is known for its sweet citrus scent and vibrant lemon flavour. Blending together an aromatic mix of non-alcoholic spirits with grenadine for extra added sweetness, this mocktail will whisk you and your date away to a tropical paradise.
Take a look at our brand new Valentine’s Day cocktail gift sets and bundles that will undoubtedly make your special someone swoon.
Looking for more cocktail ideas and inspiration? Have a read of our top 10 most romantic Valentine’s cocktails.