Love is in the air! Covid or not.

The world has been on dating apps pre-pandemic; covid just furthered the trend of meeting virtually, especially through dating apps like Raya, Coffee Meets Bagel, Hinge, and Tinder. How many of you did a FaceTime date over cocktails?

It’s also been a make or break kinda year for couples quarantined together and at each others necks. Regardless the statues of your dating life, there has certainly been a hike in alcohol consumption.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day her are  themed drinks for you to experiment with…

KISS ME QUICK COCKTAIL

• 8 Ounces of Fresh Raspberry Sauce, Divided.
• 4 Ounces of Vanilla Cake Vodka, Divided.
• 8 Ounces of Pineapple Juice, Divided.

RASPBERRY SAUCE

• 1 Cup of Granulated Sugar.
• 2 Cups of Water.
• 12 Ounces of Fresh Raspberries.

FOR THE RASPBERRY SAUCE

In a medium saucepan, place the water and granulated sugar in it while on medium-high heat. Be sure to mix until the sugar dissolves.

Then add the raspberries and bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Let the mixture simmer for 25 minutes.

Remove your saucepan from the heat. Then strain the raspberry/sugar mixture over a bowl. After dispose of the fruit from the strainer then place the syrup back into your saucepan.

For 15 more minutes, simmer the raspberry sauce  then strain again, let cool and place into your drink.

FOR THE KISS ME QUICK COCKTAIL

In each glass, fill with 4 ounces of raspberry sauce. Then add 2 ounces of the vodka in each glass. Following, add 4 ounces of the pineapple juice in each glass. Give it a nice mix and enjoy!

STRAWBERRIES & CHAMPAGNE MARGARITAS 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup strawberries hulled
• 3/4 cup champagne
• 3/4 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• pink crystallized sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Puree the strawberries. You want the consistency to be smooth.
2. Combine strawberries, champagne, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Then, stir or shake well until combined splendidly.
3. Rim edges of your glasses with pink crystallized sugar (or salt). This is optional.
4. Pour combined margaritas over glasses full of ice.

BLOOD ORANGE GIN SOUR COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz Gin
• .50 oz Blood orange juice
• .25 oz Lemon Juice
• .75 oz Simple Syrup
• 2 tablespoons aquafaba
• 3 dashes El Guapo Love Potion #9 Bitters

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all ingredients into a shaker tin.
2. Dry shake for 15 seconds.
3. Add ice into the shaker and shake until completely chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of dried orange or orange peel.
5. Cheers!

NOTES

You could substitute an egg white for the aquafaba if your prefer that style of foam.

You can also serve this on the rocks if so desired.