Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to toast to love in all its forms, whether you’re celebrating with kids, partners, spouses, family or friends alike. And what better way is there to indulge on the holiday than with a seasonal beverage? But if you or those you love aren't keen to imbibe (or you’re celebrating with children), these three Valentine’s Day mocktails are guaranteed to sweeten your Valentine’s Day. Bonus: Since these Valentine drinks are non-alcoholic, you can sip as many as you please.
Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer
Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer
A pretty pink hue and homemade rosemary simple syrup make this an extra-special beverage perfect for sipping on Valentine’s Day. Serve it in champagne glasses to make the experience even more of a celebration.
Serving for 2 people
Ingredients
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 ounces grapefruit juice
6 ounces seltzer water
Ice cubes
Optional: thinly sliced grapefruit wedges for garnish
Directions:
1.
A pretty pink hue and homemade rosemary simple syrup make this an extra-special beverage perfect for sipping on Valentine’s Day. Serve it in champagne glasses to make the experience even more of a celebration.
2.
To prepare the rosemary simple syrup, combine the water, sugar and one rosemary sprig in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking vigorously to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
3.
After the liquid has boiled and the sugar has dissolved, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. This will make enough for 8 cocktails (store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, to use for another few rounds of drinks).
4.
Take two champagne glasses and place several ice cubes in each. Measuring with a jigger, pour 1 ounce grapefruit juice and 3 ounces seltzer in each glass, and add 1 tablespoon of rosemary simple syrup to each. Stir to combine.
5.
Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of grapefruit if desired, and serve immediately.
Strawberry Italian Soda
Step back in time to the days of sock hops and soda fountains and sharing a frothy fizz with your high school sweetheart. You can recreate the scene with this creamy Italian soda.
Serving for 2 people
Ingredients
Ice
1/2 cup strawberry syrup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cup cold sparkling seltzer water
4 tablespoons heavy cream (or dairy free alternative)
Optional: fresh mint leaves or sliced strawberry for garnish
Directions:
1.
Step back in time to the days of sock hops and soda fountains and sharing a frothy fizz with your high school sweetheart. You can recreate the scene with this creamy Italian soda.
2.
Fill two 12-ounce glasses 3/4 full with ice. Pour half of the strawberry syrup (or your flavored syrup of choice) into each glass, then do the same with the lemon juice and sparkling water.
3.
Add two tablespoons of heavy cream to the top of each glass.
4.
Garnish with a few mint leaves or strawberry slices if desired, and serve. Stir just before drinking.
Raspberry Hot Cocoa
Serving for 2 people
Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream, chilled (or non-dairy whipping cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablesoons sugar (plus more to taste)
4-6 raspberries
2 cups milk (or non-dairy milk)
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Optional: more berries and shaved chocolate for garnish
Directions:
1.
Everybody loves a piping cup of hot cocoa on a chilly February evening, especially if it’s a homemade berrylicious take on the childhood favorite. The key to making this beverage special: fresh berries, homemade whipped cream, and no pre-packaged mixes in sight.
2.
Prepare the whipped cream: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar to a chilled mixing bowl. Using an immersion blender or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk the ingredients on medium-high until stiff peaks form, usually after several minutes. Store the cream covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3.
Prepare the hot cocoa: Mash the berries in the bottom of a small pot, then add the milk and turn the heat up to medium, stirring constantly so the milk doesn’t scald. When it starts to steam, add the cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Whisk the mixture until no chunks of cocoa powder remain. Add more sugar to taste if desired.
4.
Pour the hot cocoa into two mugs, passing the cocoa through a fine mesh strainer to strain out the berry pieces; make sure to evenly distribute the mixture between the two mugs.
5.
Top each mug with whipped cream (adding shaved chocolate on top or a berry on the rim if desired), and serve hot.
Searching for even more great mocktail recipes? Find tips for making other refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, and learn how to whip up specialty coffee beverages.
