Valentine's Day Cocktail Menu

Thorn in My Heart  

This vibrant and refreshing cocktail combines the sweet, subtly floral notes of prickly pear with the zesty tang of lime, refreshing mint, and the botanical depth of gin. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz prickly pear syrup*

• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

• 2 oz club soda

• Ice

• Lime wedge & mint sprig (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mint – In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with lime juice to release the oils.

2. Add ingredients – Pour in the gin and prickly pear syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

3. Strain & serve – Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass (preferably a Collins or rocks glass).

4. Top with soda – Gently pour club soda over the cocktail and give it a light stir.

5. Garnish – Add a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for an extra refreshing touch.

Prickly Pear Syrup Recipe:

• 1 cup prickly pear fruit (peeled & chopped)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

• Combine prickly pear fruit, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.

• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, mashing the fruit with a spoon.

• Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Stir in lime juice and let cool before use.

Kentucky Kiss

A fresh and herbaceous twist on the classic Kentucky Mule, this cocktail combines the warmth of whiskey with the sweetness of strawberries and the aromatic notes of basil.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Kentucky bourbon or whiskey 

• 3 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 3-4 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup (or honey syrup for a richer taste)

• 4-6 oz ginger beer

• Ice

• Lime wedge, basil and strawberry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the strawberries, basil leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup. Gently muddle to release the flavors.

2. Add the bourbon or whiskey: Pour in the Kentucky bourbon or whiskey and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well for about 10 seconds.

3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a copper mule mug (or rocks glass) filled with fresh ice.

4. Top with ginger beer: Pour ginger beer over the mixture and give it a gentle stir to combine.

5. Garnish: Garnish with a basil leaf, a sliced strawberry, and a lime wheel.

6. Enjoy! Sip and savor the refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors.

Tropical Love Affair

A refreshing, tropical cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum

• 1 oz passion fruit juice

• 1 oz guava nectar

• 1 oz coconut cream

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz lavender simple syrup (optional, adjust for sweetness)

• Ice

• Garnish: Lime wedge, coconut flakes or tropical fruit.

Instructions

1. Prepare the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the ingredients: Pour in the white rum, passion fruit juice, guava nectar, coconut cream, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.

3. Shake it up: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.

4. Strain and serve: Strain into a chilled coupe glass or pour over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

5. Garnish: Add a garnish on the rim or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for extra tropical vibes.

6. Enjoy! Sip and savor this delicious island-inspired cocktail.

Cupid’s Arrow (Dessert Shot)

A rich and creamy dessert shot that perfectly blends the flavors of cherry cheesecake with smooth vodka.

Ingredients (Makes 2 Shots)

• 1 oz vodka

• ½ oz cherry liqueur (e.g., Luxardo or Cherry Heering)

• ½ oz Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys)

• ½ oz heavy cream or half-and-half

• ¼ oz vanilla simple syrup 

• Graham cracker crumbs (for rimming)

• Whipped cream (for garnish)

• Cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass Rim

   • Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

   • Dip the rim of each shot glass in a little cherry liqueur or simple syrup, then coat with graham cracker crumbs.

2. Mix the Shot

   • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, cherry liqueur, Irish cream, heavy cream, and simple syrup.

   • Shake well for about 10–15 seconds until the mixture is chilled and creamy.

3. Strain and Serve

   • Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glasses.

4. Garnish and Enjoy

   • Top with a small amount of whipped cream.

   • Garnish with a cherry on top.