Eesha Kulkarni

Go beyond a bottle of wine this Valentine’s Day by making one of these romantic cocktail recipes. (Because real talk: Who doesn’t feel loved when being handed a delicious chocolate martini?)

No matter if you’re in the mood for a mimosa, a classic cocktail, or a fizzy Champagne cocktail to have (and your boo) feeling drunk in love, we’ve got a little bit of something for every kind of lover. So go ahead and make your special someone feel weak in the knees with these V-day cocktails.

Chocolate Martini

If your dream after-dinner combo is dessert + a sweet cocktail, then this chocolate martini will be your dream come true. Think of a rich chocolatey dessert and a boozy beverage, all in one delicious sip.

Ingredients

2 tbsp Chocolate Syrup, plus more for drizzling

4 oz. Baileys

4 oz. Chocolate Liqueur

4 oz. Smirnoff vodka

Ice

Shaved Chocolate (optional)

Method

1. Pour chocolate syrup onto a shallow plate. Dip the rims of martini glasses and drizzle the inside of each glass into the chocolate syrup.

2. Combine Baileys, chocolate liqueur, and vodka in a large cocktail shaker.

3. Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 20 seconds.

4. Divide evenly between glasses. Top it with shaved chocolate. Serve.

V-Day Mimosas

Start your Valentine’s Day off right with this ultra simple two-ingredient cocktail that’s sure to elicit some serious heart eyes.

Ingredients

1 bottle Champagne, chilled

Grenadine

Strawberries, cut into hearts

Directions

1. Using a paring knife, cut strawberries into a heart shape. Pierce about 2-3 onto skewers.

2. In champagne flutes, fill each glass about two-thirds full with champagne.

3. Pour in about a tablespoon of grenadine on top. Garnish with strawberry skewers, and enjoy!

The French 75

The French 75 is among the fanciest of cocktails. Sure, there’s the tried-and-true margarita and the timeless Old-Fashioned, but the French 75 has got what those two don’t: Champagne! Champagne is what makes this drink distinctively French (and totally worth the splurge), but a more affordable sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava are both great alternatives. Make sure to squeeze the lemon twist into your drink to add some of those floral lemon oils.

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Gin

3/4 oz. fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 oz. simple Syrup

3 to 4 oz Champagne or any other Sparkling Wine

1 Lemon peel, for garnish

Directions

1. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake until completely chilled then strain into a champagne flute.

3. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Americano

There’s no doubt about it—we’re living in the era of the Negroni. But if you look closer at the origin of everyone’s favorite viral drink, you’ll find that the Americano is just as sophisticated and even easier to make at home. It’s a simple drink with just three ingredients: Campari, club soda, and the best sweet vermouth you can find, topped with an orange slice. For those new to the world of Campari and vermouth-based cocktails, think of them as a pre-dinner beverage that’ll pair perfectly with a homemade Valentine’s Day dinner.

Ingredients

Ice

1 1/2 oz. Campari

1 1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth

2 to 3 oz. Club Soda

Sliced Orange Wheel, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.

2. Pour Campari and vermouth over.

3. Top with club soda and serve with an orange wheel or some orange zest.

Boozy Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake

We love the idea of these for a brunch date or a fun Galentine’s Day party, especially for when you want to go above and beyond a plain orange juice mimosa. They’d also make for a great dessert cocktail any time of day!

Ingredients

1 (1.5 quart) Natural Vanilla Ice Cream

1 c. Red Wine

4 oz. Vodka

Whipped Cream, for serving

Maraschino Cherries, for serving

Directions

1. In a blender, blend ice cream, red wine, and vodka until smooth.

2. Pour the concoction in cute milkshake glasses and garnish with whipped cream and cherries.