Romantic Valentine's Drinks and Desserts Across Alabama

Skip the dinner crowds and enjoy romantic Valentine's Day drinks and desserts instead.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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If you haven't made a Valentine's Day dinner reservation, there's still hope. Some of the best romantic moments happen when you skip the scramble and pop in somewhere for a great drink, a shared dessert, or a quick bite. Alabama has plenty of spots worth toasting with, from festive cocktails in Birmingham to rooftop views in Auburn and playful mocktails in Fairhope.

Why it matters

With many restaurants booked solid for Valentine's Day, this story provides an alternative for couples looking to celebrate the holiday in a more spontaneous and low-key way. It highlights unique drink and dessert destinations across Alabama that offer a romantic ambiance without requiring advance reservations.

The details

The story features several Alabama bars and restaurants with special Valentine's Day cocktails and desserts, including Adios in Birmingham, Current Charcoal in Birmingham, Southside Cocktail Club in Huntsville, Olivine in Auburn, and Little Bird in Fairhope. The drinks range from floral and citrus-forward mules to a Negroni with a ritual-like presentation, while the desserts include a nostalgic Fruity Pebbles sundae, a decadent chocolate cake, and a chocolate-covered strawberry cake.

  • The Valentine's Day cocktails and desserts featured in the story will be available on February 14, 2026.

The players

Adios

A bar in Birmingham, Alabama that has created a festive and playful signature Valentine's Day cocktail lineup.

Current Charcoal

A bar in Birmingham, Alabama that has a cocktail inspired by Lunar New Year, which is believed to be one of the most romantic drinks in the state.

Southside Cocktail Club

A new bar in Huntsville, Alabama that features curated cocktails made with house-made syrups, as well as thoughtful mocktails and non-alcoholic options.

Olivine

A rooftop bar in Auburn, Alabama that offers sweeping views and a cocktail called the Satsuma Sour, which is one of the editor's favorite sips in the state.

Little Bird

A restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama that has a bar called the Ginny Bar, which pays homage to the chef's mother, Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This story provides a unique and spontaneous alternative to traditional Valentine's Day dinner plans, highlighting a variety of romantic drink and dessert destinations across Alabama that offer a more relaxed and intimate way to celebrate the holiday.