Is there anything more worthy of celebration than affection? Whether you toast a first date, a best friend or a longstanding partnership, raise these 11 enchanting cocktails in a salute to love.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Como La Flor at El Ponce
Creamy and sharp, El Ponce’s Como La Flor balances Conniption gin, sweet St. Germain elderflower liqueur and tart essence of hibiscus flower with a splash of citrus. Pair this rich, foamy cocktail with special Valentine’s Day heart-shaped churros.
939 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-6040, elponce.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Still Got the Blues for You at AltaToro
As you think about the one who got away, sip on AltaToro’s Still Got the Blues for You. It’s a tropical blend of BarSol Pisco, Mathilde peach liqueur, blue curacao, lime juice and peach syrup. You can order it in Cupid’s Cove, the restaurant’s immersive Valentine’s Day pop-up experience, until March 1.
33 Peachtree Pl. NE, Atlanta. 470-995-8676, altatoro.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
The Compliment at Nakato
Using the citrus-forward profile of Suntory Toki Japanese whisky, the Compliment at Nakato is a bittersweet fruity sour that delightfully cuts through the richness of hibachi-grilled foods. Its jammy floral sweetness gets a tropical lift from pineapple and lemon juices. Aperol’s gentian root offers a balancing bitterness.
1776 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta. 404-873-6582, nakatorestaurant.com
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Credit: Handout
Pistachio Kiss at Rumi’s Kitchen
Like a Dubai chocolate dessert in a glass, Pistachio Kiss is a Valentine’s Day treat from Rumi’s Kitchen. A rich, sippable mix of gin, pistachio cream, cocoa, lime, date and rose notes is served in a coupe, garnished with Farsi conversation hearts.
Available at all Rumi’s locations. rumiskitchen.com
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Credit: Handout
Love Potion at the Office Bar
Inherently romantic, muddled fresh strawberries infuse vodka with a vibrant ruby-pink hue and natural berry flavor. Lime juice lends a clean, refreshing snap to the fruity mix, which is strained into a coupe and garnished with a naturally heart-shaped strawberry.
1105 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. 470-283-2912, theofficebaratl.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Lady Godiva at Siena
Inspired by the bold spirit of Lady Godiva, the eponymous cocktail at Alpharetta’s Siena is a French martini kicked with fresh ginger. Shaken until frothy, Haku vodka, crème de cassis, pineapple, lime juice and ginger combine for a fruit-forward tang with deep berry flavor.
124 Devore Road, Alpharetta. 404-488-3399, sienaatl.com
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Credit: Handout
Left on Red at 5Church Midtown
With a sweet, earthy base of fig-infused gin, Left on Red gets depth from Pinot Noir and spice from black peppercorn. Lemon juice balances the sweet fig, while pomegranate-chamomile tea adds a fruity acidity. It is one of a full menu of Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails, which are unique to each location.
1197 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-400-3669, midtown.5church-atlanta.com
Credit: Angela Hansberger
Credit: Angela Hansberger
L-Train at Kindred
Take the L-Train to love at Kindred. The combination of smoky mezcal and fruity Colorful shochu (made from sweet potato) is boosted with lemongrass, lime leaf and lime juice. Taro root brings a sweet, nutty flavor, and pandan adds grassy, floral notes to this balanced sipper.
2751 Lavista Road, Decatur. 404-975-3542, kindreddecatur.com
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Credit: Handout
Enamorada at CT Cantina and Taqueria
Served in a heart-shaped glass, Enamorada, meaning “in love,” at CT Cantina features strawberry-infused tequila cream, LALO blanco tequila, coconut puree and strawberry puree. It’s much like a strawberries and cream dessert, playful and indulgent with an agave kick.
CT Cantina has three locations in Alpharetta, Buckhead and Cumming. cttacos.com
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Pomegranate Berry Spritzer at Wylie and Rum
This tropical spritzer combines Tito’s vodka with a dash of pineapple juice, a house-made syrup of fresh raspberries, and PAMA pomegranate liqueur. Shaken then poured over ice, it gets a lightly romantic Champagne topper for effervescence.
45 Moreland Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-941-7877, wylieandrum.com
Credit: handout
Credit: handout
Friend Zone at Lucky Star
Even if you’re “just friends,” cocktail lovers will adore this Negroni sour built with lots of technique. It features cacao butter-washed gin with a rich mouthfeel. Campari and sweet vermouth bring the classic Negroni profile, while lemon juice and egg white transform the drink into a smooth, foamy sour. It’s garnished with Peychaud’s bitters and white chocolate.
1055 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 678-994-6016, luckystaratl.com
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