Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether that means cosying up with a loved one, having a Ryan Gosling film-fest, heading out on a mate date or disregarding the whole thing as a trick made up by greeting card companies… it’s still a chance to drink some cupid-inspired cocktails. We’ve rounded up the best sultry sips to have you speaking the language of love in no time.
‘Tequila Mockingbird’ at W Hotel’s Perception Lounge
This Valentine’s Day, immerse yourself in stylish glamour at The Perception Lounge at W London Hotel in Leicester Square. This stunning bar has been recently revamped to create a multi-level, multi-sensory space complete with shimmering beaded curtains, neon orbs of light, flickering flames, jazzy tattooed-couches and even a revolving sofa. The hub of this design-palace is a circular bar at which the team mix up a menu of truly creative cocktails.
And for Cupid’s holiday, they have two very special tipples on offer, both served in chic flutes and incorporating bubbles. The Tequila Mockingbird (above) is an exotic mixture of Casamigos tequila, kiwi, fig liqueur, agave and Veuve Clicquot Champagne, creating a lip-smacking cocktail that still has a seductively sharp finish. The Watermelon Fizz is pure summer in a glass – juicy, fruity, refreshingly sweet and the prettiest pink we ever did see. So whether you feel like a blushing beverage or something with a little more of a sharp edge, propping up the bar here is the way to spend February 14th.
The ‘Afternoon Delight’ at Little Bat
What could be more romantic than building a cocktail with a loved one? Or rather, what could be a better test of how compatible you are than attempting to follow instructions to create an afternoon tea-inspired tipple? If you’re not huffily arguing over the ratio of Chambord to Prosecco by the end, then maybe they’re The One.
Head to Little Bat on Valentine’s Day to indulge in this DIY cocktail inspired by the romance of an English Afternoon Tea, with a tray that includes Chambord, Bacardi white rum, English Breakfast tea syrup, rose water, prosecco and lemon juice – to be mixed in desired quantities. Just how much do you need those booze-goggles?!
Valentine’s Day only. littlebatbar.com
‘Oestrogen’ and ‘Testosterone’ at The London Edition
Well, now. Cocktails named after the hormones released by each gender that are essential to reproduction? Just what is The London EDITION suggesting…
These two cocktail combos each feature Hendrick’s Orbium (instilled with additional extracts of Quinine, Wormwood and Blue Lotus Blossom for an ‘oddly exquisite flavour’), and each come with an additional love potion to act as a libido booster, naturally. The Testosterone cocktail (above) is served on the rocks, and combines gin with crème de peach and Cocchi Americano with a twist of lemon, while the Oestrogen cocktail arrives in a feminine flute and contains pineapple cordial and Chambord, before being topped with champagne. Both are available exclusively at the Lobby Bar of The London EDITION on Valentine’s Day – the question is, just how much extra sexiness can you handle?
Valentine’s Day only edition hotels.com
‘True Love Story’ at Restaurant Ours by Perrier-Jouët
This Valentine’s Day, head to The Living Room Champagne and Cocktail Bar by Perrier-Jouët at Restaurant Ours in South Kensington for a very fancy flute indeed. The True Love Story is inspired by the tale of young newlyweds Pierre Nicolas Perrier and Rose Adelaide Jouët, whose union launched the iconic Champagne house a year after their wedding in 1811. Head to the garden-themed Living Room Bar to enjoy this cocktail consists of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Absolut Elyx vodka, sake, lime and cherry syrup. Not before taking that ever-important Insta snap though, surely?
Between the 13th – 18th February. restaurant-ours.com
Cheeky tipples (and tassels) at Super Lyan
Fancy a Valentine’s Day to remember that certainly doesn’t confirm to your usual mushy slush-fest? Head to Super Lyan this February 14th, where you can enjoy three different cocktails inspired by the senses and arousal – Touch, Taste and Smell – while also turning your hand to a little nipple-tassel masterclass. That’s right, things are getting saucy as boutique lingerie designer Rosie von Boschan takes a workshop in nipple tassel making – what could be more fun alongside drinking cocktails? We’re keen to try Smell – a libation inspired by smells that arouse and attract. This fragrant delight is a combination of Mr Lyan Gin, roasted pumpkin, lavender and lemon, because according to a recent scientific study, a combination of pumpkin and lavender aromas is more arousing to men than the classical perfume. We bet it’s scent-national.
Wednesday 14th February, 5pm – late. Walk-ins available, but for reservations visit: www.superlyan.com
‘The Romeo’ Black Cow cocktail at HIX Restaurants
‘Emilienaire’ at Le Moulin
Speak the language of love – or rather, sip it – in new French speakeasy bar Le Moulin. Red is the colour of passion, roses and rubies, so take a seat at the intimate bar and present your amoureux with the Emilienaire, featuring VSOP Rhum Agricole, Sloe Gin, Lime and Grenadine.
Get nostalgic for a free cocktail at Bobby Fitzpatrick
‘Dena’s Treasure’ at Bokan
Nothing says ‘you’re the one for me’ like a cocktail with a heart atop it, enjoyed while gazing out over 360-degree views of the city. Is this because we love London as much as we’ll ever love a partner? Possibly, but the important thing is that Dena’s Treasure is a pretty-as-picture tipple available at Bokan, mixing that classic combo of gin, lemon and raspberries. Some people wear their heart on their sleeves… why not wear yours on a cocktail?
‘Classy Love’ at TwoRuba
It’s not easy finding the right words to express your feelings – so pop them on a cocktail, instead! This Valentine’s Day, the chic lounge bar TwoRuba, located in the Hilton Tower Bridge hotel, have come up with a trio of boozy delights including the aquamarine Classy Love. This guilty pleasure combines Cognac, white chocolate, cream and vanilla for a smooth and seductive sip. What’s more, show the bar team a photo of you and lover on Valentine’s Day and they can reproduce your faces on the froth! Now that’s commitment…
