Welcome back to this week’s edition of Thirsty Thursday Drink Recipe Roundup! Each week we round up some new and delicious cocktail recipes for you to try at home. This week we’re getting ready for the loveliest holiday of them all — Valentine’s Day! So grab your shakers, and let’s get started.
Tequila is such a versatile drink. It can be used just as a shooter, or in a variety of delicious cocktails. el Jimador Tequila is one of my go-to brands, and it should be yours too. el Jimador Silver is a perfect clear tequila with a strong citrus aroma — and I think they are the perfect addition to any Valentine’s Day plans! Their Shake & Bite Shot is the sauciest way to start your Valentine’s Day activities.
"Shake & Bite ShotINGREDIENTS· 1.5 oz el Jimador Silver Tequila· Orange Wedge· CinnamonPREPARATIONSDust cinnamon onto a wedge of orange. Take a sip of tequila, bite into the orange and enjoy."
We’re slipping into something more comfortable for this week’s Thirsty Thursday — Valentine’s Day is almost here! Grab your drink supplies now!
Sonic Hard Seltzer is probably a drink you’re sleeping on, and seriously stop that if you are. Their take on the hard seltzer trend is exciting and very welcome, with Sonic Drive-Thru drinks as their main source of inspiration. We enjoyed them solo, but Sonic Hard Selzter’s also made a great mixed drink ingredient! My Lemon Berry Love is a cute, not-too-tart drink that will make your loved ones pucker up ever so slightly.
"My Lemon Berry Love by Elliott Clark1.5 oz Vodka1/2 oz Orange Liqueur1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice1/2 oz Simple Syrup4-5 RaspberriesSonic Lemon Berry Hard SeltzerCombine all ingredients, except for theSonic Hard Seltzer, into a cocktail shakerand muddle the berries. Strain the drink intoa glass over pebble ice, and add Sonic HardSeltzer. Garnish with a lemon wheel, andspeared berries."
Whiskey is perfect for any celebration and holiday. Crown Royal, as we’ve said before, is no stranger to celebrating everything that life might throw at you. We’ve been using Crown Royale in our mixed drinks at home, and have found Crown’s own recipes to be delicious, but also quick and easy to make!
"Royal Peached SourIngredients:· 2 oz Crown Royal Peach· .75 oz lemon juice· .5 oz maple syrup· Muddled peachesMethod:Combine ingredients in shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and peach slice."
Looking for something deep and rich? Grand Marnier’s Grand Sidecar is a beautiful drink that combines Grand Mariner with whichever cognac you see fit. My drink came out pretty fruity (with orange being the dominant flavor), so this drink is truly up to the user. Plus this took as little as 5 minutes to create!
"Grand SidecarLink to hi-res imageIngredients:1.5 oz. Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge.5 oz. Cognac.5 oz. Fresh Lemon JuiceMethod: Combine Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, cognac and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into prepared coupe glass and serve."
Bailey’s is my best friend’s favorite drink, so needless to say I’ve had my fair share of it through my professional drinking life. I like to keep a bottle around my house for nights when she may come over, and I’m always excited to whip up a new drink just for her and me. Bailey’s Red Martini might just be a great Valentine’s Day drink, but this also doubles as a swell Galentine’s Drink as well! This uses Bailey’s Strawberries and Cream, which is one of my favorite Bailey’s flavors!
"Ingredients:1 oz Baileys Strawberries and Cream1 oz VodkaPreparation:Add Baileys Strawberries and Cream & vodka to a cocktail shaker with ice.Shake until chilledStrain into a martini glassGarnish: Candied heart or strawberriesGlassware: Martini Glass"
If you’re not the type to make mixed drinks, but would rather work with something pre-made, we understand! Time is valuable, and I’m always grateful to companies that do the work ahead of time. Dogfish Head took matters into their own hands, and now consumers can enjoy their take on mixed drinks! For Valentine’s Day, I strongly recommend grabbing a case of their Blood Orange & Mango Vodka Crush. Blood orange is a peculiar flavor I only like at certain times, and this is one of those times. The mango softens blood orange’s otherwise bold taste, and this crush is absolutely terrific and great to share with the person you love the most.
Looking for something more classic? Like, red wine perhaps? Apothic is a brand that was introduced to me by one of my close friends, and I’ve returned to it time and time again. Apothic Red is my standard. This deep red wine has a significantly bold dark fruit flavor with hints of vanilla and is an excellent after-dinner wine. The scent is romantically aromatic, and you will be in heaven by the end of your first glass.
Have you tried any of our drink recipes from our Thirsty Thursday series? Have a drink you want us to try? Let us know in the comments below!