20 Best Valentine's Day Cocktails to Get You in the Mood

Forget oysters and strawberries—a hand-crafted alcoholic drink is the perfect aphrodisiac.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Valentine's Day is all about chocolate, teddy bears, flowers, and showing someone that you love them. If you feel stumped for celebratory plans or couldn't get a reservation, then just stay home and make your date a drink. You can raise your romantic homemade cocktail and make a toast to your loved one, or have it accompany the sweet card that you got them. And forget oysters and strawberries—according to strong anecdotal evidence, alcohol is the most effective aphrodisiac. No matter the reason, a well-made cocktail that matches your date's tastes will be the romantic gesture that they'll remember long after the holiday is over.

Why it matters

Cocktails can be the perfect romantic gesture for Valentine's Day, providing a personalized and memorable experience for couples. With a wide variety of flavors and styles, there is a cocktail to suit every taste and mood, making it a versatile and thoughtful way to celebrate the holiday.

The details

The article provides 20 different Valentine's Day cocktail recipes, ranging from classic options like the Cosmopolitan and Bellini to more unique creations like the Roses are Red #2 and the Forbidden Fruit. Each cocktail is described in detail, including the ingredients, preparation, and the inspiration behind the drink. The recipes cover a variety of flavor profiles, from sweet and fruity to bitter and herbal, ensuring there is something for everyone.

  • The article was published on February 12, 2026, just in time for Valentine's Day.

The players

Anthony Baker

A bartender at Warren Street Bar and Restaurant in New York City, who created the Roses are Red #2 cocktail.

Darryl Chan

The bartender at Portrait Bar in New York City, who created the COGNAC — FRANCE cocktail.

Gregory Perez

The bartender at Concrete Rose, a Mexican-American bar in Houston, who created The Rose cocktail.

Lou Bernard

The beverage director at the Michelin-starred MITA restaurant in Washington D.C., who created the Maris cocktail.

Tim Herlihy

The national ambassador for Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, who created the Forbidden Fruit cocktail.

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What they’re saying

“This is perfect for Valentine's Day because the cocktail is the color of love with its deep ruby hue and its rose bud garnish.”

— Anthony Baker, Bartender (Warren Street Bar and Restaurant)

“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

Crafting a personalized cocktail for your Valentine's Day celebration can be a thoughtful and memorable way to show your loved one how much you care. With a wide variety of flavors and styles to choose from, there is a cocktail to suit every taste and mood, making it the perfect romantic gesture this holiday.