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The heart-iest moment of the year is just a few days away, and you don’t want to be caught without the right romantic drink. But it’s not just about the drink—it’s about the atmosphere and naturally about doing something sweet with your significant (or want-to-be-significant) other. With all that loveliness in mind, here are two drinks suggestions if you’re spending an evening out on the town, one idea for staying in and a special cocktail class if you’re an activity couple.

The Silk Road at Foreign National: There’s something delightfully coy about this cocktail’s name. Though of course it refers historically to the trade network across Asia, the nature of silk as a luxurious fabric used often in under garments adds a slightly flirty edge. The drink reflects the legacy of its name, with multiple rums, Asian spice pandan, ginger, curry and then rich coconut cream. Smooth stuff. This Capitol Hill bar is also a great rendezvous, dimly lit, with a cozy, slightly exotic nature.

The Wasp’s Sting at Rob Roy: Love isn’t always smooth and silky, however. Sometimes, it’s fiery and passionate and perhaps even a little dangerous, which is where my other Valentine’s-drink-out comes into your date night. Here, Reposado tequila, lemon, honey and a hint of cilantro are mingled with Bittermens Hellfire shrub, made with the powerfully piquant habanero pepper. Sometimes, love hurts! But the low lights and 1950s lounge vibe at this most-classic Belltown bar never hurts, and definitely helps if you’re in for a night of batting eyelashes at each other. 

 

Couples Cocktail Class at Young American Ale House: For those wanting to do something beyond dinner and drinks, there’s a special mixology class this Saturday, February 11, from 1 to 3 at Ballard’s Young American Ale House. Taught by the restaurant’s general manager Kurt Argys and bartender Karen Johnson, these starry-eyed two hours will begin with some bubbly, along with light snacks and Theo’s Chocolates, and then its happy couples get to learn to make three delicious cocktails using spirited stalwarts bourbon, vodka and more. It’s almost like having two Valentine’s Days, because you can re-create the drinks on the 14th. That’s double the love! The class is $75 per person, and you can make reservations at mariahinesrestaurants.com or by calling 206-706-2977.

Valentine’s Slumber at Your House: If you’re wanting to stay in and get really cuddly on the couch so you can just gaze into each other’s eyes without worrying about any other folks around you, then this effervescent number from Champagne Cocktails makes for a nice accompaniment. It has a continental flair, too, with French apply brandy Calvados and Italian red frizzante wine Lambrusco. The below recipe serves two, because you shouldn’t ever drink this alone.

Valentine’s Slumber recipe

4 peach slices
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ice cubes
1-1/2 ounces apricot brandy
2 ounce Calvados
4 dashes orange bitters
Chilled Lambrusco

1. Place the peach slices and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or leftover arrow from cupid’s quiver, muddle well.
2. Fill the shaker halfway full with ice cubes. Add the apricot brandy, Calvados, and orange bitters. Shake well.
3. Fill two highball glasses three-quarters full with ice cubes. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer over the ice, equally into the glasses. Fill each glass almost to the rim with Lambrusco. Stir carefully. Serve!