COCKTAILS FOR VALENTINES

There's so much hype around Valentine's Day nowadays. I think a lot of it is commercial nonsense, with companies looking for an excuse to make an extra buck in a quiet time of year (errr... mine included?!?! I'm doing a pop up on Valentine's though it won't be any different to my normal pop ups, so no pink heart balloons or tacky decorations in sight!) But it is also a nice day to spend with your loved one, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to have a good time. So rather than go out to a restaurant where you'll be packed in with tons of other cosy couples whispering sweet nothings into each others ears, why not stay home, cook each other some delicious food, and whip up some fancy cocktails? I've got a few of my favourite recipes for you here, one of which I'm serving at my pop up, as I like to welcome guests with something boozy when they arrive.

First up is a cocktail that uses 2 new drinks ingredients I've recently discovered. I call it the Wild Honey Ginger Apple.....

50ml The Wild Geese Irish Honey Liqueur - a delicious, sweet spirit made using Irish Whiskey and Irish honey - delicious in this mix, but also so good on it's own or on ice
50ml James White Bramley Apple Juice - a dry, crisp 100% filtered juice made with apples from British orchards
50ml ginger beer
1 lime

In a cocktail shaker mix all the ingredients together, including the juice of 1 lime. Pour into a glass and serve on its own, or over ice. Decorate the glass with some slices of apple, or even better, if you have a heart shaped pastry cutter, stamp out some hearts and put these on the side of the glass. So rom!!

 

 
Next is something a bit more playful, the You and Me Cooler. Late Night London have teamed up with Jelly Belly to create a cocktail that tastes exactly like the pomegranate Jelly Belly sweet. The You and Me Cooler is being served throughout February at all of Late Night London's venues, but if you don't fancy venturing out, I've got the recipe for you here.

50ml Grey Goose L'Citron - one of my personal favourite vodkas
50ml James White cox apple juice
10ml Grenadine
15ml passion fruit syrup
15ml lime juice
10 mint leaves
Pomegranate Jelly Bellys

Shake all the liquid ingredients together, pour over crushed ice in a tall glass and garnish with the mint and Jelly Bellys.

The last cocktail recipe I've got for you is the one I'll be serving at tomorrow's pop up. It's fruity and bubbly with a strong kick - perfect for a Valentine's dinner.

50cl Smirnoff vodka
Juice of half a blood orange
Juice of 1 passion fruit
50cl cloudy lemonade
100cl prosecco

Shake the vodka, blood orange and passion fruit juice. Pour into a large wine glass and top up with lemonade and prosecco.

Have a lovely Valentine's day whatever you're doing.