Ahead of Valentine’s Day on Wednesday 14 February, we’ve curated some mocktail and cocktail recipes, perfect to celebrate this international day of love.
First up, a cocktail recipe especially created for Valentine’s Day 2024 by Canberra distillery Underground Spirits and DOMA Group.
Or how about a special watermelon gin riff created by Canberra’s own The Antipodes Gin Co. using their unique Watermelon Gin?
Strawberries & Cream: A Valentine’s Day toast to love
This Valentine’s Day, captivate your senses and celebrate the essence of romance with Canberra’s own exquisite Underground Strawberries & Cream cocktail where succulent strawberries dance gracefully with the delicate notes of Pimm’s, elderflower, and a whisper of vanilla. Each sip is a love letter, crowned with the silken touch of Underground Vanilla Vodka.
Ingredients
45ml Underground Vanilla Vodka
60ml berry mix juice
15ml strawberry syrup
15ml Pimm’s (or substitute with Underground Spirits Signature Gin)
5ml lime juice
5ml elderflower syrup
A dollop of cream for garnish and strawberry slices
Method
Begin by chilling a cocktail glass.
In a shaker, combine the Underground Vanilla Vodka with the Berry Mix Juice, then add the Strawberry Syrup; pour in the Pimm’s (or Underground Spirits Signature Gin) and lastly a zesty dash of lime juice and elderflower syrup.
Add a generous amount of ice and shake.
Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass and top with cream and strawberry slices.
Watermelon Gin Riff
Here’s another great local cocktail created by The Antipodes Gin Co. – Australia’s first distillery to be certified sustainable – using their unique Watermelon Gin.
Ingredients
30ml Watermelon Gin
1 tsp raspberry jam
1 dash bitters
Top with Prosecco
Garnish with lemon or a strawberry
Method
Add everything but prosecco, quick still and top up with the bubbles.
Great for brunch!
Palermo Passionate Spritz mocktail (alcohol-free!)
Ingredients
90ml Mindful Wines non-alcoholic sparkling wine
60ml Palermo Amarino non-alcoholic aperitif
30ml soda water
Method
Fill a large wine glass with ice.
Pour in Mindful Wines non-alcoholic sparkling wine and Palermo Amarino.
Top up with soda water.
Stir gently and enjoy a non-alcoholic spritz perfect for celebrating love.
Love in Bloom Gin Fizz
Ingredients
1 Tbsp lemon sorbet
200ml prosecco
50ml Edinburgh Gin Lemon & Jasmine
Mint leaf to garnish
Crushed amaretti biscuits for topping
Method
Place a spoonful of lemon sorbet in a champagne flute.
Pour in 50ml of Edinburgh Gin Lemon & Jasmine.
Top up with chilled prosecco.
Garnish with a mint leaf and a sprinkle of crushed amaretti biscuits for a romantic touch.
Rhubarb and Ginger Tonic Love
Ingredients
25ml Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
Mediterranean tonic
Makrut lime leaf & lemon or rhubarb twist to garnish
Method
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour in 25ml Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Gin.
Top up with Mediterranean tonic.
Garnish with a makrut lime leaf & lemon or rhubarb twist for a fragrant touch.
