The Clover Club is *chef's kiss.*
Happy (early) Valentine's Day, everybody! This year, whether you're having a romantic evening in, partying with the girls, or sitting at home alone watching Hugh Grant movies, I have the perfect co*cktail for you.
So, if you're looking to make your Valentine's celebrations a little special, here are five great (and pretty simple) recipes for you to try.
1. The French Blonde
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I recently wrote another post about this hidden gem of a co*cktail, which we were blessed with the knowledge of after Taylor Swift ordered one at a Kansas City restaurant. She has good taste because I made this and it was amazing; I thought it'd be cute for Valentine's Day because it's pink and floral, which is really all you need. So, here's how to make it for yourself!
Difficulty rating: a little involved.
What you'll need:
Julia Corrigan
- 2 ounces Lillet Blanc
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce dry gin
- 1/2 ounce St. Germain (or other elderflower liqueur)
- 3 dashes lemon bitters (but I used orange)
How to make it:
Combine all ingredients in a co*cktail shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a glass. That's it!
2. The Espresso Martini
Julia Corrigan
A classic. Sweet, strong, and tasty, this is sure to keep you up past your bedtime!
Difficulty rating: easy — and you can honestly use any kind of coffee.
What you'll need:
Julia Corrigan
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur (usually Kahlua, but I already had this Mr. Black)
- 1 ounce espresso
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- garnish (optional) coffee beans or chocolate shavings
How to make it:
Combine all ingredients (minus your garnish) in a co*cktail shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a glass. I added a chocolate-shaving heart as a garnish because I'm a little extra, but it's not necessary!
3. The Clover Club
Julia Corrigan
This is my current favorite co*cktail, and I highlysuggest you guys try it. Reasons why this drink rocks: It's raspberry. It's gin. It predates Prohibition,as all the most-fun-to-drink co*cktails do, and, most importantly, it's pink.
Difficulty rating: on the harder end, butsoooodelicious. And easier if you have store-bought syrup.
What you'll need:
Julia Corrigan
For the co*cktail
- 2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
-1/2 ounce raspberry syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
For the raspberry syrup
(You can just buy syrup,but again, I'm extra, so I made my own.)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
How to make it:
To make the syrup, dissolve the sugar in water in a pot over medium heat. Reduce heat and add the raspberries, muddling them to make a pulp. Strain the syrup, so you don't get any berry mush or seeds.
For the drink, shake all ingredients together in a shaker with ice. The egg white is optional; it makes it nice and frothy. Strain into a chilled glass, and serve!
4. The Rosé Spritz
Julia Corrigan
I know, I know, this is the second co*cktail I'm listing that uses St. Germain; I just feel like the floral flavor is so perfect for V-Day. Plus, it tastes amazing. Plus, the bottle looksamazing, so I always make sure to have one on my shelf.
Anyway, here's how to zhuzh up a glass of rosé!
Difficulty rating: Extremely easy!
What you'll need:
Julia Corrigan
- 4 ounces rosé
- 1 ounce St. Germain (or other elderflower liqueur)
- 2 ounces tonic water (or measure to taste)
- optional: lemon slice, to garnish
What to do:
Stir together rosé and St. Germain. Pour into a coupe glass and top off with tonic water, to taste. Garnish with a lemon slice, if you like!
5. The Dirty Shirley
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She's easy. She's gorgeous. She's fast. I'm describing the co*cktail, of course. You can probably make this out of things you already have at home, and if you can't, you'll only need a couple things from the store. Who doesn't love a Shirley Temple?!
Difficulty rating: Very low-effort
What you'll need:
Julia Corrigan
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 8 ounces lemon-lime soda
- maraschino cherry for garnish
What to do:
Pour vodka, grenadine, and soda into a glass over ice. Top with a maraschino cherry. That's it!
6. And finally, as a bonus: A glass of red wine.
Jack Andersen / Getty Images
If you've read through to the end and none of these seem right for you, or you are perhaps thinking of commenting about how these are all too hard to make, take pause. I've still got your back. Go pick up a bottle of red wine from Trader Joe's. You can still have the Valentine's Day of your dreams.🫶
