As part of the Valentine’s Day blitz we’re running today, we wanted to share some cocktail recipes from the mixologists at William Grant & Sons that might be of interest to you as you finalize your plans for today.
For traditionalists, surprising your sweetie with a bouquet of roses is a classic Valentine’s Day tradition. The Primrose, with Hendrick’s gin, a dash of rose syrup and a refreshing spritz of lemon, is a perfect way to shake up this traditional gift.
Less than excited about this year’s Valentine’s Day prospects? Why not host a playful cocktail pairing at home with His and Hers versions of the Carpe Dia. For those who are keen to forget the holiday entirely, try a Tijuana Jerry, a drink robust enough to ease the pain of even the worst heartbreak.
Tijuana Jerry
- 1 part Sailor Jerry
- 1 part Tequila
- ¾ part fresh lime juice
- ½ part agave nectar
Glass: rocks
Shake and strain all ingredients and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with lime wheel and mint sprig.
Carpe Dia (His)
- 2 parts Milagro Añejo Tequila
- 1 part lime juice
- .75 parts Agave nectar
- 5 Blackberries
- 2 Sage Leaves
- 3 dashes Fee Brother’s Barrel Aged Bitters
Muddle fruit and herbs, add remaining ingredients. Shake with ice and strain into rocks glass over ice. Garnish with sage sprig.
Carpe Dia (Hers)
- 1 ¼ parts Milagro Reposado
- ¾ parts Lime Juice
- ½ parts Agave Nectar
- 5 Blackberries
- 2 dashes Peach Bitters
- 2 parts Champagne
Muddle fruit. Add remaining ingredients except champagn . Shake with ice and strain into a flute, top w/champagne. Garnish with a berry.
Primrose
- 1 ½ oz Hendrick’s Gin (3 parts)
- ½ oz Lillet Rouge (1 part)
- 1 ½ oz apple juice (3 parts)
- ½ oz rose syrup (1 part)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice (1 part)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Shake and strain up into a chilled a martini glass. Garnish with a rose petal.
Gypsy Rose Tea Punch
- 2 bottles Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
- 1 bottle Lillet Blanc
- 1 bottle Hendrick’s Gin
- 50 oz. strongly brewed Gypsy Rose Black Tea
- 25 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 12.5 oz. Trader Tiki’s Vanilla Syrup
- 1 bottle dry, sparkling white wine
Chill all ingredients prior to mixing and build in a small bunch bowl over a large block of ice. Stir to incorporate and garnish with edible rose petals and lime wheels.
Pink Victrola
(by Pink Victrola)
- 1 ½ parts Hendrick’s Gin
- 1 ½ parts fresh pink grapefruit juice
- ½ part fresh lemon juice
- ½ part simple syrup
- 1 barspoon real grenadine*
Combine all ingredients into a mixing container. Ice, shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Take a grapefruit peel between your thumb and first two fingers skin facing the cocktail and squeeze your fingers extracting the fragrant oils on top of the cocktail.
*Equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar heated until the sugar has dissolved.
Floradora
(by Jim Ryan, variation on classic Floradora)
- 3 parts Hendrick’s Gin
- 1 part lime juice
- 1 part Raspberry Syrup
In a long glass combine ingredients and add ice. Give a good stir, top with ginger beer and give a gentle stir. Garnish with a raspberry and a lime wheel
