11 Cocktails to Make for Valentine’s Day

If Margaritas are the true love in your life, try this variation to spice things up for the holiday. Silver tequila, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, and lime juice walk the line between sweet and tart, and a fresh pomegranate garnish adds a burst of fruity flavors

If you’re celebrating the season of love with a bigger crowd, make this scaled-up classic. The simple mix of mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth, and water couldn’t be easier to make, and just one batch will serve about 11 people, so you can worry more about entertaining than mixing drinks all night.

Why eat your chocolate when you can drink it in a shooter instead? A homemade nutty chocomole mixture brings sweet richness (and a little bit of heat) to reposado tequila, while a dash of agave nectar helps to round everything out. Serve in chile-rimmed shot glasses topped with a corn chip.

This cocktail was made for two and is a great excuse to break out the bubbly. Shake cucumber vodka, cucumber juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and agave nectar, then double-strain into flutes. Top with Champagne and enjoy it.

Even if your plans for the night don’t end in some adult fun, you can still get your drink on with this provocative cocktail. A rum-infused version of the classic Sidecar, the Between the Sheets combines cognac, light rum, triple sec, and lemon juice to make a sour and spirit-forward drink you won’t want to put down.

This isn’t the overly sweet Chocolate Martini that you’re used to. Instead, this light and slightly bitter spin are sophisticated enough to impress your boo. Chilled espresso, Amaro Averna and Kahlúa combine to form a foamy, irresistible cocktail that can be enjoyed with brunch, in the afternoon, or even after dinner.

This sultry cocktail will help you celebrate your romance the right way. Gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca combine to form a spirit-forward and slightly sweet digestif that’s perfect as a follow up to a rich and romantic meal.

It’s a classic for a reason. This timeless combination of gin or vodka, plus dry vermouth and olive brine is a simple and savory drink that’s easy enough to throw together at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget to garnish with two olives for true classic appeal.

Not every Valentine’s Day treat has to be sticky-sweet. Case in point: This cocktail. A balance of hibiscus-infused gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and amaro is a refreshingly light and herbal take on a traditional Gimlet, with a rosy hue that keeps it festive enough for your Valentine’s Day plans.

This bright red, bubbly drink is a perfect way to celebrate. Chambord’s sweet and fruity black raspberry flavor absolutely sparkles when topped with a bit of Champagne. Garnish with a raspberry and lemon twist, and enjoy whenever the mood strikes.

You’ll love this complex smoke show. Bourbon, cardamaro vino amaro, Benedictine, chocolate bitters, and single-malt scotch are stirred with ice, then strained into a cocktail glass and garnished with a flaming orange peel for an extra-special presentation.