We are now inside the 48-hour mark for Valentine’s Day and the ANUK staff have pulled together to provide a unique compilation. Unique, but once you think of it, it just makes sense!
Music creates a setting, complementing a mood, but we took it one step further with these specific Valentine’s Day drinks that, when paired with our favorite love songs, are simply made for each other.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Coming Home - Leon Bridges - Rose and Mint Champagne Cocktail Recipe
We’re calling it! This song was only made available the third of this month, and already it was the first song that had everyone in the room. 25-year-old Leon Bridges is a fresh face with an old school feel, and so is the drink we recommend.
Rose and Mint Champagne Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey, or more to taste
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, plus more to garnish
- 4 tablespoons lime juice, or more to taste
- 1 cup dried rosebuds (available at specialty food shops)
- 2 bottles champagne brut or dry sparkling wine, chilled
Make the Rose Syrup
Over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups sugar with honey and 1 cup water in a saucepan. When sugar melts, add mint leaves and let simmer, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Strain and return liquid to saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice, crushed rosebuds and rose water. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, add 2 tablespoons rose syrup to each glass. Top with dry champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with finely crushed rosebuds and mint leaves.
Love Me Tender – Elvis - New York Sour
There are toppers, and then there are classics. Originally released in 1956 by the King himself, it was so successful Elvis remade it with the famed Barbra Streisand in 1972. Likewise, our recommended drinks are classic sippers redone and served with love.
New York Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye whiskey or bourbon
- .75 oz Simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1 Egg white (optional)
- .5 oz Red wine
Prep
Add all the ingredients except the wine to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Carefully pour the wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink.
My Girl – The Temptations - Tequila Sunrise
Smokey Robinson was quoted saying the song wasn’t written with one woman in mind, but “all the women in the world” when it was recorded in 1964, which is probably why it’s still loved by everyone today, including us. And when you add a tequila sunrise and snap your fingers, we’re sure you’ll agree.
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, chilled
- 4 oz Fresh orange juice
- 1 dash Grenadine
Garnish: Orange slice and cherry
Prep
Add the tequila and then the orange juice to a chilled highball glass. Float the grenadine on top and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
I Melt With You – Modern English - Valentino’s Delight Cocktail
The upbeat melody is matched with some surprisingly romantic lyrics, and the idea of melting meant we had to find a Valentine concoction that would melt in your mouth. Caution: It could stop the world.
Valentino’s Delight Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. bourbon
- 1 oz. ruby port, the sweeter the better
- 1 oz. Kahlua
- 1 1/2 oz. heavy cream
- Ground nutmeg
Preparation
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add liquids and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a large chilled martini glass. Gently sprinkle nutmeg on top.
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran - Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail
The spicy but smooth melody called for a counterpart that is equal parts smooth and spicy, and this combination will hopefully make for a memorable holiday. Besides, this song released last year will probably be one of the top 2015 wedding songs. Just saying.
Spiced Pomegranate Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz vanilla cardamom syrup
- dash of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters
- sprig of mint and pomegranate seeds for garnish
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cardamom pods
To make the vanilla cardamom syrup:
Crack open the cardamom pods and grind the seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla extract and ground cardamom and let simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
Let cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine mesh strainer.
To make the cocktail:
Fill your glass with ice and add the vodka, pomegranate juice, lime juice, vanilla cardamom syrup, and bitters.
Give the drink a quick 10 second stir and garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint.
While we heartily support all these combinations, it might be dangerous to try them all at once. Above all, enjoy a savory and special Valentine’s Day.
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