Ladies, how’s your v-day prep coming along? I know it’s a day we are supposed to be showered with gifts, chocolates, flowers and love, but perhaps it’s also time we share some of that love back with him. So, why not surprise your significant other with a “manly” cocktail? If food is the best way to a man’s heart, then drinks must be the express highway to his heart. To give us some suggestions, our resident guest blogger and cocktail aficionado, Anurat is here to share his suggestions to make your boyfriend / lover / partner fall in love with you alllllll over again.

Valentine’s Day is near; get those chocolate and flower orders ready to go, or whatever you’d rather do for that special someone. When it comes to cocktails on Valentine’s day, they are typically classified into the “girlie” category. This includes the Cosmopolitan (with raspberries), Champagne cocktails (pomegranate or cranberry), chocolate martinis, pink margaritas, and other romantic sweet drinks. I’m sure those cocktails are tasty and delicious, but I prefer something different. Here are some cocktails that you can make for that special someone who desires a nice stiff cocktail all under the theme of valentine’s day.

A classic cocktail named for one of New York City’s boroughs. Great for that classic kind of guy.

Recipe by: Jim Meehan (NYC)

2 oz. rye whiskey
1 oz. sweet vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica Formula)
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Ice
1 maraschino cherry, for garnish

Fill a pint glass with ice. Add the rye, vermouth and bitters and stir well. Strain into a glass (coupe glass preferred) and garnish with the cherry

Supposedly originated in Florence, Italy. What can be more romantic than Italy?

Recipe by: Jeff Hollinger (SF)

¾ oz. Campari
¾ oz. sweet vermouth
1 ½ oz. gin
Flamed Orange or orange twist for garnish

Combine the ingredients with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the orange (Be careful if flaming the orange for the first time. Look online for tips)

The first two are classic cocktails. But for something truly different, try the port authority. Yes, it’s named after the NYC bus terminal. The main ingredient is pretty specific, so hopefully you don’t beat me to finding it. Uses the Quinta Do Noval Black Port (I am now looking for it as well).

Recipe by: Jim Meehan (NYC) (Esquire-Jake Stavis)

2 oz. Noval Black Port

1 oz. Apple Brandy (Laird’s preferred)

½ oz. Yellow Chartreuse

3 black olives

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with 3 black olives on a pick.

Make these drinks for that special someone and he will feel that valentine’s day spirit.

Any of these “non girly drinks” will sure win him over on the special day. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Thank you Anurat for the amazing recipes and recommendations! Ladies, go out there, get your ingredients and get ready to have your lover fall in love with you alllll over again!

xoxo!