Three Valentine’s Cocktails for Grown-Up Palates

Valentine’s Day has a habit of leaning sweet and obvious—bright red drinks, heavy syrups, and flavors that do all the talking at once. These cocktails take a different approach. They’re balanced, composed, and built for people who like their romance subtle and their drinks well considered. Nothing flashy. Nothing cloying. Just thoughtful combinations meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Cherry Cordial

Cherry doesn’t have to mean sugary. This cocktail keeps things bright and polished, with just enough lift to feel celebratory without tipping into dessert territory. It’s an easy place to start the evening—approachable, lively, and quietly refined.

1 oz 1861 Distillery Barrel Aged Rum 

1 oz Amaretto

1/2 oz lemon juice

1/4 oz cherry syrup

3 drops Fee Brothers Aztec chocolate bitters 

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. 

Shake. Strain into glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Blind Date

Blind Date is smooth and restrained, with layers that unfold rather than announce themselves. It’s the kind of drink that feels comfortable right away, then grows more interesting as you spend time with it. A natural fit for low light, good conversation, and no pressure to rush.

1 ½ oz 1861 Distillery Amaretto

¼ oz cold brew concentrate

1 oz heavy cream

1 dash Fee Brothers black walnut bitters

Chill a martini glass.  Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake. Drop a cherry in bottom of glass.

Strain ingredients into glass. 

Cherry Chocolate Old Fashioned

This is for people who don’t usually order Valentine’s cocktails. Deep, structured, and intentionally unsweet, it leans into contrast instead of candy notes. It’s best enjoyed slowly, when the evening has settled and there’s nowhere else you need to be.

2 oz 1861 Distillery Smoked Cherry Malt Bourbon

1/4 oz Cherry Syrup

1/4 oz Chocolate Syrup

2 dashes King Floyd Cherry Cacao Bitters

Sprinkle of Salt

Add ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir gently until well chilled, about 20–30 seconds.

Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Add an amarena cherry.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t need bright colors or over-the-top sweetness to feel special. Sometimes a composed drink, a relaxed pace, and a little restraint are what make the night worth remembering