Valentine’s Day Cocktails That Are Better Than Champagne

Champagne might be the traditional go-to for Valentine’s Day, but let’s be honest — it’s a little expected. If you really want to impress your partner (or friends, or even just yourself), skip the flute and serve up something more thoughtful, flavorful, and fun. Whether you're planning a candlelit dinner, a Galentine’s celebration, or a cozy night in, these Valentine’s Day cocktails are a step up from the usual toast.

1. Raspberry Rose Martini

Elegant, floral, and just the right amount of sweet

Ingredients: Vodka, raspberry liqueur, rose water, lemon juice

Shake vodka with raspberry liqueur, a splash of rose water, and lemon juice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a few floating rose petals. It’s a flirty, fragrant drink that feels like a bouquet in a glass.

2. Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned

A rich twist on a classic — dessert and cocktail in one

Ingredients: Bourbon, cherry liqueur, chocolate bitters, sugar cube

Muddle a sugar cube with chocolate bitters, then add bourbon and cherry liqueur. Stir with ice and garnish with a skewered cherry and chocolate shaving. It’s romantic, bold, and perfect for sipping by candlelight.

3. Blushing French 75

All the charm of Champagne, but with more personality

Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, sparkling wine

Shake gin, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup with ice, strain into a flute, and top with sparkling wine. The raspberry gives it a romantic hue and a touch of fruit-forward flair — like Champagne with a playful twist.

4. Strawberry Basil Smash

Bright, herbaceous, and incredibly fresh

Ingredients: Vodka or gin, fresh strawberries, basil leaves, simple syrup, lemon juice

Muddle strawberries and basil, then shake with your spirit of choice, syrup, and lemon juice. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice and garnish with a basil sprig. It’s an unexpected and refreshing way to celebrate love.

5. Pink Peppercorn Paloma

For lovers of spice and citrus

Ingredients: Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, pink peppercorn syrup, soda

This zesty cocktail has a little edge. Mix tequila with grapefruit and lime juice, add a touch of pink peppercorn syrup, and top with soda. Garnish with a grapefruit twist and a sprinkle of crushed pink peppercorn for a subtle heat.

Set the Scene: Cocktail as Connection

What makes these cocktails special isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the intention. When you take the time to make something with flavor, color, and thoughtfulness, it becomes part of the memory. Even the act of mixing a drink together can be a fun, intimate moment before dinner or a movie.

Add ambiance with dimmed lights, soft music, and thoughtful glassware. A simple garnish — a heart-shaped citrus peel, a sugared rim, or a fresh flower — goes a long way in setting the mood.

Looking for More Valentine’s Inspiration?

Explore more romantic recipes and ideas in our Valentine’s Cocktail Collection, including alcohol-free options, cozy winter sips, and dessert-inspired drinks that taste like love at first sip.

Cheers to Love in Every Form

Whether you're celebrating romantic love, friendship, or a little self-care, a great cocktail can elevate the moment. So this Valentine’s Day, go beyond the bubbly. Shake up something bold, beautiful, and from the heart — because love deserves more than just a glass of Champagne.