For the Love of Cocktails

Photo Grey Goose Vodka

Who needs a reason to raise a glass with friends or your special someone? Maybe a cold February night is reason enough. Whether you’re looking forward to a cozy evening for two this Valentine’s Day, planning a Galentine’s Day party, or just settling in for your latest binge-watching session, a tasty tipple that’s a departure from your usual drinks is a fun way to celebrate an occasion or a non-occasion.

This collection of cocktails mixes in a variety of spirits including gin, rum, vodka, cognac, and tequila as well as a range of liqueurs, wine, and various fruits in recipes that are easy to make at home. You don’t need a reason to celebrate. But if you do, these cocktails—most of which are in shades of red and pink for the season—will help.

Spiced Pear Martini

Makes 1 | Recipe courtesy of Grey Goose

50 mL (1¾ ounces) Grey Goose La Poire
15 mL (½ ounce) Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
20 mL (¾ ounce) fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh clove
10 mL (1/3 ounce) ginger syrup
fresh nutmeg, for garnish

Shake well and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg and a pear slice.

The D’ussé Red Velvet

Makes 1 | Recipe courtesy of D’usse Cognac VSOP

2 ounces D’ussé Cognac VSOP
1½ ounces crème de cacao
½ ounce simple syrup
3 fresh raspberries
3 dashes chocolate molé bitters
3 fresh raspberries on a metal skewer, for garnish

Muddle raspberries and simple syrup in a shaker. Add D’ussé Cognac, crème de cacao, and bitters. Shake vigorously with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries on a skewer.

Photo Shutterstock

Sapphire Silk

Makes 1 | Recipe courtesy of Bombay Sapphire

2½ ounces strawberry liqueur
1 ounce Bombay Sapphire Gin
½ ounce triple sec
½ ounce half-and-half
strawberry, for garnish
Martini sparkling rosé, to top

In a shaker, add all ingredients, except the Martini sparkling rosé. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to chill. Strain into a chilled flute or stemmed cocktail glass and top with Martini sparkling rose. Garnish and enjoy.

Photo D’usse Cognac

The More the Merrier

Makes about 12 (6-ounce) servings | Recipe courtesy of D’usse Cognac VSOP

12 ounces D’ussé Cognac VSOP
1 (750 mL) bottle Sauvignon Blanc wine
12 ounces pomegranate juice
10 ounces simple syrup
12 ounces blackberry puree
½ cup of each: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries
club soda
assorted berries, for garnish

Add ingredients, except the club soda, and ice into a pitcher. Stir until well mixed. Pour into ice-filled red wine glasses. Top each serving with a splash of soda and garnish with fruit.

Fallen Orchard

Makes 1 | Recipe courtesy of 1800 Tequila

2 ounces 1800 Silver Tequila
½ ounce lime juice
3 slices of Granny Smith apple
8 fresh cranberries
apple slice and cranberries, for garnish

In a mixing tin, add apple and cranberries. Muddle until pureed. Add remaining ingredients and ice and shake hard for 10 seconds. Double strain into a rocks glass with ice, and garnish with apple slices and fresh cranberries.

Berry Sencillo

Makes 1 | Recipe courtesy of 1800 Tequila

2 ounces 1800 Silver Tequila
1 ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce agave nectar
5 blackberries
lime wheel, for garnish

In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice. Shake hard for 15 seconds. Pour into a rocks glass with crushed ice, and garnish with a lime wheel.