Of all the holidays, Valentine’s Day has the cornerstone on candy and sweets, particularly those that are red, white, and pink. But while candy is certainly dandy, liquor is definitely quicker. So why not combine the two and serve up some snacks and adult bevvies that will make the holiday even more delicious? These Valentine’s Day drinks and treats are a total turn-on — in all the right ways.
21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila
You’ll swear that it’s the middle of summer when you sip on the Valencia Orange Blanco Tequila from 21 Seeds. It’s made from Blanco tequila and real orange juice. And since it’s not too sweet, you can drink it on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail. 21 Seeds, which is a female-owned company, offers other tempting tequila flavors, too, such as Grapefruit Hibiscus and (yum), Cucumber Jalapeno.
Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Bites
Sure, it might be Valentine’s Day, but when you’re trying to corral the kiddos into bed, it can make you too sleepy for some adult alone time. So when you’re looking for a bedtime boost, AWAKE Caffeinated Chocolate Bites can keep you up — in a good way. Each bite equals ½ cup of coffee, and in flavors like caramel, chocolate, dark chocolate mint, and peanut butter, it’s a lot sexier than having coffee breath.
Highclere Castle Gin
One sip of the Highclere Castle Gin will make you feel like you’re a part of Downton Abbey. And with good reason, since Highclere Castle Gin honors British traditions — the botanicals in the gin are actually harvested at the Highclere Castle’s estate in the United Kingdom. As for the taste, it’s a lovely blend of lime flower, orange peel, juniper, and lavender. The gin can be savored traditionally with tonic water or used as a beautiful base for a classy cocktail and a truly sophisticated drinking experience.
Molly Bz Cookies
There are your basic chocolate chip cookies — and then there are Molly Bz’s cookies. The mega-sized cookies come in fun flavors like Straight Fire (a take on a traditional s’mores), to The Bossman (filled with maple, whiskey, white chocolate chips, and bacon), each one is more outrageous (and delish) than the next. While you might not want to share these cookies with your kiddo, let them have a bite of the Hot Mess, a confection that includes mango chunks, white chocolate, and topped with Hot Cheetos.
TBJ Gourmet Bacon Chocolate Bar
Put together two of the best foods in the world (chocolate and bacon), and you get the Bacon Chocolate Bar from TBJ Gourmet. The chocolate bars are made with the finest ingredients to satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings. You could break off some squares and eat the chocolate as is, or you can amp up your s’mores and use this in lieu of that “other” famous chocolate bar for an out-of-this-world treat.
Cheese Brothers “Love Is Cheesy” Valentine’s Day Gift Basket
While some might say that Valentine’s Day is corny and cliched, let it never be said that it’s cheesy. Unless they’re referring to the “Love Is Cheesy” Valentine’s Day Gift Basket from Cheese Brothers. In which case, it is. From an 8 oz. jar of Cherry Lavender Jam to bite-sized caramels, there is so much gouda-ness in this gift set — especially the 3 6 oz. blocks of Wisconsin cheese in the form of Honey Sriracha Gouda, Dill Havarti, and Smoked Gouda. It’s perfect to serve as part of a charcuterie or an amazing app on Valentine’s Day.
Very Dark Red Wine
It won’t ever be a question of “White or red?” when you sample the Very Dark Red Wine. A mélange of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, the full-bodied wine has an intensity that needs to be experienced. As for its notes, Very Dark Red tastes like black cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, with floral hints of lavender. But it also has underlying notes of mocha, black tea, and sweet Madagascar vanilla, making it a wine that’s mysterious, confident, and sexy — perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Wine
You’ll feel just like Emily in Paris when you pour a glass of Beaujolais-Villages Wine. With 100% Gamay grapes, the easy-drinking wine has flavors of strawberries and black cherries with some spice notes, too. You can easily pair it with apps, mild cheeses, entrees like chicken, and it’s even delicious served chilled with dessert. If a wine were considered effortlessly romantic, this one would be it.
Stella Rosa Tropical Passion Brandy
Served after a sumptuous Valentine’s Day dinner or simply as a delicious drink, anytime is the right time for the Tropical Passion Brandy from Stella Rosa. The drink will transport you to paradise, with its passion fruit, mango, and pineapple flavors. It’s made in small batches to keep its craftsman quality and is preserved in a gorgeous glass bottle (in fact, it’s the same glass that’s used to make Chanel No. 5!) and will give you a luxurious experience that will elevate your Valentine’s Day evening… or anytime, really.
Honey Mama’s Bars
It’s hard to describe how insanely good (and addicting) Honey Mama’s truffle bars are. The bars are made with better-for-you ingredients like raw honey and coconut oil which help create a silky-smooth truffle-esque texture. Flavors include Lavender Rose (which has flower petals on top) to the zesty Ginger Cardamom. But the real superstars are the Cherry Hazelnut, an exclusive flavor that’s only released once annually, and the creamy dreamy Chocolate Cake. In addition to being delish, the truffle bars are also free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar, and soy, but they’re still so, so good.
Nyak Cognac VSOP
Craving some cognac? Look no further than Nyak Cognac VSOP. The super smooth cognac has been aged for over four years in French oak barrels, giving it a smooth finish. It has a multilayered taste that includes soft wood aromas with vanilla and dry apricot notes. There is even a slight taste of spice, and it culminates in a creamy almond and honey finish for a taste that is delicious on the tongue.
It will feel like love is in the air when you sip the 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir. It has fruit forward aromas of watermelon, honeydew, and fresh berries. And if the scent of springtime isn’t enough, the bottle itself is so pretty, too, that it will lovely on your table…or by your bed.
Colavita Pasta for 2 Dinner
Wine is wonderful, but at some point, you’re going to need to make something to eat, too. Colavita’s Italian pantry staples are perfect for whipping up a quick yet utterly satisfying supper. Try this light, heart healthy Chicken Thigh Ragu, made with Pappardelle Nest Pasta, Diced Tomatoes, and Organic Balsamic Vinegar for a romantic meal that’s heavenly and on the table in no time.
Riseau CBD Seltzer
Although it comes in a can, don’t mistake Riseau for any ol’ drink. The CBD beverage is available in flavors like Blood Orange (a sweet drink with notes of raspberry, grapefruit, and strawberries), Hibiscus Berry (made with real hibiscus petals!), and Lime & Ginger (a little spicy and sour that’s perfect for cocktails). Each can contains 20mg of CBD and is sans artificial sweeteners.
Coppa Cocktails Margarita
When it comes to cocktails, you can’t come close to a Margarita. And the one from Coppa Cocktails is fantastic in its simplicity, since it uses the best, most natural ingredients like tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and other natural flavors. So instead of all the stirring you’d have to do if you were making a Margarita from scratch, all you have to do is take the bottle out of the fridge, pour over some crushed ice, and enjoy your drink — and each other.
This Valentine’s Day, savor the experience with your sweetie by serving these drinks, treats, and meal ideas that are big on flavor, fun, and romance, too.