Valentine's Day is approaching and to get you in the lovey-dovey mood, Chow Bella has picked out ten local love potions around the Valley. Try a few or try them all, just be sure not to leave an impromptu message on your ex's phone -- after all, alcohol love makes us do crazy things.
See Also: --Fourteen Valley Restaurants to Take Your Sweetie Pie to on Valentine's Day --Matthew Weston of the Royal Palms in Phoenix Talks Dessert Wines
SASSI - Amore Smooch- $16
The Amore Smooch is by far SASSI's most seductive cocktail. Godiva White liqueur, Svedka Cherry Vodka, and Crème de Cacao are served in a stemless martini glass filled with crushed ice and 2 fresh rose petals, then garnished with 3 Svedka Cherry Vodka-infused cherries, half dipped in chocolate. Amore Smooch? Try, Amore Full-On Make Out Session.
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails - First Impression $10
This First Impression is everything -- literally, the drink contains chamomile-infused Ketel One Vodka, fresh lemon juice, Dolin Blanc Dry Vermouth, Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur and house-made grenadine. (Phew.) Sometimes the first step to making a memorable night is with a memorable drink (coincidentally, too many memorable drinks is also the first step to forgetting said night, so be careful).
Lustre Bar - Sailing Solo $6 (on Valentine's Day)
Upstairs at the Hotel Palomar, the Lustre Bar has prepared something special for all the single ladies (and gentlemen). The Sailing Solo is a consolation prize of Sailor Jerry spiced rum, fresh squeezed lime, and pomegranate juice. Toast your fell stag patron at the bar and take comfort in the fact that being single means not having to share your cocktail with anyone.
Searsucker - Peach Passion $14
Searsucker's Peach Passion is a sweet serving of house-made passion fruit and peach puree, Russian Standard vodka, and Orchard Peach liquor. Topped with a proseco float and garnished with a fresh strawberry, this cocktail should be ordered for someone you're keen on... peachy keen, that is. (Don't say that.)
T. Cook's - Amore Vietato $12
T. Cook's Amore Vietato, which translates to "Forbidden Love," is a tempting mix of Plymouth gin, fresh squeezed orange juice, pomegranate juice, strawberries, cucumber slices, and a dash of simple syrup. The nice thing about this cocktail is that it's fresh, fruity, and unlike your co-worker crush, not entirely off limits.
Davanti Enoteca - Davanti Amore $10
Davanti Enoteca's bar manager and resident mixologist, Trent Eidemiller, created a "love libation" of Leblon Cachaça, fresh muddled basil, lemon juice, strawberries, egg whites, house-made simple syrup, and Angostrura Bitters. Contrary to some more commercial Valentine's drink the Davanti Amore prides itself on not being too sweet.
Del Frisco's Grille - Call Me Maybe $8
Del Frisco's Call Me Maybe is a combination of Crown Royal, Peach Schnapps, and cranberry juice mixed and split into two separate shot glass. Share a sip with your sweetie or drink them both for liquid courage, either way this double shot drink is a good ice breaker.
Windsor - French 75 $9.50
When it comes to romance, anything French is usually a safe bet. The French 75 at Windsor is a mixture of Lavender-Infused Plymouth Gin, in-house strawberry syrup, a dash of lemon juice, and a topping of sparkling wine, served in a flute glass and garnished with a lemon twist. Ooh la la.
Roaring Fork - Chocolate Martini- $10
This Valentine's season, the Roaring Fork is encouraging you to ditch the heart-shaped box and go with something more substantial. The Chocolate Martini is a combination of Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka, Van Gough White Chocolate Liqueur, and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, served in a martini glass lined with a chocolate bottom. It's rich, decadent, and you don't need a map key to figure out where the nuts are.
District American Kitchen and Wine Bar - Valentini $10
The District American Kitchen has created a cocktail confection of Rain Organics vodka, house-made lavender essence with fresh herbs, simple syrup, cotton candy, and a Pop Rocks rim garnish.
It's just the type of over-the-top candy coated concoction you want for a holiday identified with hearts, cupids, and paper doilies.
