If you picked 10 random people from your local coffee shop and asked them how they felt about Valentine’s Day, you’d probably get 10 different answers. Some people view the love-themed holiday as a capitalistic cash cow, some spend months looking forward to a special day with their loved one. While others resent those doe-eyed couples for reminding them of their singledom.
No matter your connection, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a loving relationship with anyone in your life. With half of the American population identifying as single and a quarter of them planning on doing something for Valentine’s Day, this holiday is no longer reserved for those with a romantic partner.
For single women especially, the concept of “Galentine’s Day” has given this time of year an entirely new meaning. Coined by Leslie Knope on the sitcom Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day is held on February 13 and focuses on celebrating friendships between women. People around the world have latched on to this alternate version of the heart-filled holiday. It gives anyone with any type of relationship status the chance to get in on the worldwide celebration of love.
Whether you’re planning on inviting your closest gal pals over for a night of drinking and debauchery or planning a romantic dinner for two, these Valentine’s Day cocktails are sure to make even the most cynical feel the love.
- Figgy Sparkler
Along with chocolate, flowers, and giant teddy bears, champagne is a key ingredient for a classic Valentine’s Day celebration. Luckily, it is also a key ingredient in the figgy sparkler. This unique drink pairs vodka and Prosecco with figs and cranberries for a distinctly fruity palette. If you want to amp up the fig’s flavor even further, infuse your vodka with the dark fruit. - Love Potion #9
This dessert-like drink is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The recipe even calls for vanilla ice cream, the most popular flavor in a survey of International Ice Cream Association member companies. Combine the well-loved ice cream with chocolate liqueur with an option of clear, vanilla, or strawberry vodka to get this boozy smoothie. Top it off with a strawberry, and you’ll have Valentine’s Day in a glass. - Kir and Kir Royale
A wine cocktail for all time, the Kir is a simple addition to any celebration of love, romantic or platonic. The star of the drink is blackcurrant, a lesser-known aphrodisiac for those who want to romance their partner. All you need to do is pour creme de cassis in a glass and top with white wine. If you’re among the 32% of people who are worried about the look of their teeth, choose a white wine with low sugar content and maintain the integrity of your pearly whites. - Besame
Spanish for “kiss me,” this drink will have anyone dreaming of a sunny summer day spent swimming, the fourth most popular sports activity in the country. As you think of warmer days in blue waters, you’ll taste Agavero, the centerpiece of the Besame. This tequila-based liqueur is flavored with the essence of the Damiana flower. Mix it with passion fruit juice and Chambord, and then pour the cocktail over muddled raspberries and lime to concoct this refreshingly fruity drink.
Valentine’s Day isn’t about how much money you spend on your special someone, but the experiences you share together. Whether you join the masses at the movie theatre, go on one of the 27% of trips that are taken solely to attend an organized sporting event, or serve up these uniquely themed cocktails, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Or at least until next Valentine’s Day.
