Valentine Cocktail Roundup: Love Potions and Jello Shots
Love is in the air, suddenly hearts and roses seem to populate the world and the movie theaters are showing nothing but romantic comedies. It's enough to drive anyone to drink, singles and couples alike. Fortunately, there are bars in L.A. that feel ya and have created many Valentine cocktails that you can either toast your love with or use to drink this red-and-pink day away.
Pablo Moix of STK, that "sexy steakhouse" in West Hollywood, steered clear of the usual chocolate martini fare and instead created tequila-based cocktails that can be shared by lovers, proudly ordered by dudes and enjoyed by the single ladies. Cupid's Arrow, Love Potion #1 and Kiss de Coco ($14 each) are just specials for Valentine's Day but ::whispering:: you may still be able to order it from Pablo in the days after, too.
Where to find that uber-sweet chocolate martini or fishbowls of love potion?
The ArcLight theater bars are serving up a Chocolate Lovesicle ($11) made with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, dark and white chocolate Godiva and a splash of Chambord Liquor served straight up with a cocoa powdered rim. For something simpler, order the Cupid-tini ($10) with Absolut Vanilla Vodka and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. And couples may want to share the Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto D'acqui ($16/split), a blush sparkling wine that pairs well with chocolate and strawberries.
Café Pinot, Kendall’s and Pinot Bistro are doing up a Sangria Martini cocktail ($10) that's made with red wine, triple sec, vodka, pomegranate juice and orange juice.
Riva in Santa Monica has cocktail kisses for you; namely the Riva Bacio ($11). This special pink-hued concoction is made with Campari, Elderflower, Prosecco and lemon juice.
Sports bar South Santa Monica is where the singles will be flocking to with its drink menu of love potions served in fishbowls, jello shots and something called Love Doctor, which, according to South co-owner Adam Milstein is "red, it's strong, and guaranteed to bring some love to your life!"
Century City's X Bar invites you to enjoy its Séduisant Champagne Cocktail during its V-Day event. The cocktail is served with a complimentary red velvet cupcake. DJ Raymond Dominguez will be spinning from 9pm to 1:30am and there's a $10 cover.
Don't drink? Make your own non-alcoholic Valentine cocktails at home thanks to these recipes by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, Liquid Muse and author of Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be.
Berry Basil Blush (tall glass)*
1 heaping tablespoon of diced strawberries
1 tablespoon torn basil
1 ounce strawberry syrup
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 ounces Fre White Zinfandel alcohol-removed wine
Muddle strawberries, basil and simple syrup in the bottom of a tall glass. Add ice and Fre White Zinfandel. Shake and strain.
Love Triangle (Champagne Flute)*
1 1/2 ounces white cranberry juice
3/4 ounce strawberry flavored syrup
3 ounces Fre® alcohol-removed sparkling wine (or club soda)
2 drops Fee Brother’s® grapefruit bitters* (optional)
heart-shaped lollipop
Pour white cranberry juice, strawberry syrup and bitters into a champagne flute. Top with Fre®alcohol-removed sparkling wine (or club soda). Garnish with a heart-shaped lollipop.
*Excerpted from Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, TheLiquidMuse.com. Copyright © 2008. Reprinted with permission.