Date night is a special occasion that requires a special drink. It's a time when two people come together to celebrate their love and enjoy each other's company.
Whether it's a first date or a 50th anniversary, the right drink can set the tone for a memorable evening.
As a bartender, I've seen my fair share of date nights. I've watched couples come in nervous and leave with a smile on their face.
I've seen first dates turn into long-lasting relationships and I've seen long-time couples reignite their passion with a well-crafted drink.
But what makes a good date night drink? It's not just about the ingredients, it's about the experience.
A good date night drink should be easy to drink, visually appealing, and have a special touch that sets it apart from your average cocktail.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite date night drink recipes. From classic cocktails to modern twists, these drinks are sure to impress your date and make your night unforgettable.
So, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking to spice up your date night routine, grab a shaker and get ready to mix things up.
1. Lemon Elderflower Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail for your next date night? Look no further than the Lemon Elderflower Cocktail! This delightful drink features Empress Gin, Trader Joe’s Lemon Elderflower Soda, Elderflower cordial (non-alcoholic), a touch of lemon juice, and garnished with lemon slices.
The combination of the floral elderflower and the tart lemon creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the bubbly soda adds a fun and festive touch. Plus, with Empress Gin's unique indigo color, it's sure to impress your date. Give the Lemon Elderflower Cocktail a try and elevate your date night experience!
2. Strawberry Sidecar
The Strawberry Sidecar is a classic cocktail with a twist, perfect for a romantic date night or Valentine's Day celebration. Made with fresh muddled strawberries, Cointreau, and cognac, this cocktail has a citrus-forward taste with a touch of sweetness.
The fine sugar rim and strawberry rose garnish add an elegant touch to the drink. While the recipe is easy to make, it's the perfect way to impress your significant other with a luxurious and boozy sip. If you're looking for a special cocktail to make for your date, the Strawberry Sidecar is a must-try.
3. St. Germain Cocktail
The St. Germain Cocktail is a refreshing and effervescent drink made with elderflower liqueur, gin or vodka, lemon, and sparkling wine. Its floral flavor and bubbly texture make it a standout among other cocktails. Despite its light taste, the contents are definitely fit for a celebration.
The cocktail is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for hosting happy hour or dinner parties. It's a great choice for brunch or bridal showers as well. If you're looking for a fun and classy signature drink, the St. Germain Cocktail is a superb selection for a romantic date night.
4. Cupid's Kiss Champagne Cocktail
Looking for a perfect cocktail to impress your date on a romantic evening? Look no further than the Cupid's Kiss Champagne Cocktail. This beautiful blush pink cocktail is made with a homemade balsamic fruit syrup, thawed frozen strawberries and raspberries, and a dry style of Champagne.
The combination of aphrodisiac ingredients and the potential health benefits of Champagne make this drink a perfect choice for a romantic night. Whether it's Valentine's Day or any other occasion, the Cupid's Kiss Champagne Cocktail is sure to set the mood for a night of romance.
5. The Sake Lychee Martini
"The Sake Lychee Martini" is a refreshing and elegant cocktail perfect for a romantic date night or any party. With just two ingredients, sake and canned lychees in juice, this cocktail is simple to make yet impressive. The sweetness of the lychee juice perfectly complements the sake, making it a fast favorite for any occasion.
The addition of a pretty lychee garnish and cherry blossom flowers adds a touch of sophistication to this already impressive cocktail. For more cocktail inspiration, follow the bartender on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. "The Sake Lychee Martini" is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet impressive cocktail to impress their date or guests.
6. Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a classic gin sour topped with champagne or prosecco, making it a light and bubbly drink. It's garnished with a flowered strawberry and crushed rose petals, making it visually stunning and perfect for Valentine's Day.
The egg white makes it airy and the lemon adds a refreshing balance of sourness. If you're a fan of Gin Sours or Tom Collins, you'll love this cocktail.
7. Blackberry Basil Mojitos
Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-customize cocktail for your next date night? Look no further than the Blackberry Basil Mojito. This cocktail is a twist on the classic mojito, with homemade blackberry simple syrup sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of regular sugar.
The addition of fresh basil adds a unique and delicious flavor to this already refreshing cocktail. What's even better is that this recipe is refined sugar-free, making it a lower calorie and lower sugar option. Whether you're sipping it on your summer patio or enjoying it at a cozy bar, the Blackberry Basil Mojito is sure to be a hit.
8. Rose Water and Gin Cocktail
The Rose Water and Gin Cocktail is a perfect drink for a romantic date night. This unique cocktail recipe features a refreshing, floral flavor that is sure to impress your significant other. Made with a botanical gin and a homemade rose water simple syrup, this cocktail is light and refreshing with a subtle sweetness.
The addition of fresh squeezed lemon juice and sparkling water adds a tangy and bubbly twist to the drink. Garnish the cocktail with lemon zest, rose petals, or pink ice cubes to create a beautiful presentation. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, a bridal shower, or simply enjoying a night in with your loved one, the Rose Water and Gin Cocktail is a must-try.
9. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that has been a staple in the world of mixology for decades. This drink is perfect for a date night, as it has a beautiful pink color that adds a touch of romance to any occasion. The Cosmo is made with vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice cocktail, which gives it a sweet and tart flavor that is sure to please any palate.
This cocktail has a fascinating history, dating back to the 1980s when it was first created by a bartender in Manhattan. With its refreshing taste and beautiful appearance, the Cosmopolitan is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their date with a classic cocktail.
10. Fifty Shades of Shirley Cocktail
Looking for a cocktail that's perfect for a romantic movie night at home? Look no further than the Fifty Shades of Shirley Cocktail. This cocktail is inspired by the Fifty Shades trilogy and is the perfect accompaniment to a night in with your significant other. The cocktail is colored red to remind you of Christian's Red Room and is Fifty Shades of deliciously sexy.
While we won't give away the recipe, we can tell you that it's easy to make and will definitely add some excitement to your date night. So, grab a copy of the final DVD in the Fifty Shades trilogy and make yourself a Fifty Shades of Shirley Cocktail for the ultimate date night experience.
11. Love Potion #9 Triple Berry Pomegranate Martini
Love Potion #9 Triple Berry Pomegranate Martini is a perfect Valentine's Day cocktail that is sure to impress your loved one. The cocktail is a mix of Chambord black raspberry liqueur, strawberry vodka, and pomegranate juice, which gives it a delicious fruity taste. The real showstopper, however, is the dry ice trick that creates a stunning visual effect.
The dry ice should be handled with care, but once it dissolves, the drink is safe to consume. This cocktail is easy to make and looks absolutely stunning, making it a perfect addition to your date night. If you're looking for a fun and festive Valentine's Day drink, Love Potion #9 Triple Berry Pomegranate Martini is definitely worth a try.
12. Love Potion Cocktail
The Love Potion Cocktail is a perfect drink for a romantic evening with your significant other. This pink cocktail has a sweet and aromatic taste that will set the mood for a perfect date night. The foam on top of the cocktail adds a beautiful touch to the drink, and the option to garnish with edible rose petals gives it a romantic finish.
The cocktail uses only four simple ingredients, including white rum, pineapple juice, egg white, and simple syrup. The egg white is optional, but it adds a thicker consistency to the drink and gives it a beautiful foam. This cocktail is perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any date night. If you're looking for a romantic and delicious cocktail, the Love Potion Cocktail is a must-try.
13. Classic Champagne Cocktail
The Classic Champagne Cocktail is an elegant drink perfect for a romantic date night. It's a sparkling wine version of an old fashioned cocktail with a touch of sweetness, spiced bitters, and fragrant lemon zest.
You don't need to use Champagne to make it, any traditional method sparkling wine works. It's simple to make, yet adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.
14. Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation Cocktail is a classic drink that has been around since 1916. It is a smooth, flowery, assertive, yet sweet cocktail that is sure to impress your date. The key ingredient is Luxardo, maraschino liqueur, which adds a subtle boozy, cherry finish.
The drink has a slight violet hue and is nothing short of amazing. It is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to give you wings. The cocktail is perfect for a date night and is one of the best cocktails out there. If you are looking for a unique and delicious drink to impress your date, the Aviation Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
15. Rose Water Gin & Tonic Cocktail
The Rose Water Gin & Tonic Cocktail is a simple yet romantic twist on the classic gin and tonic. The addition of rose water infuses the drink with a delicate floral note, making it perfect for springtime or any romantic occasion. The gin used in the cocktail has a botanical flavor with notes of pine and aromatics, which pairs well with the tonic water.
The cocktail is well-balanced, with a touch of lime to balance out the flavors. The Rose Water Gin & Tonic Cocktail is a perfect choice for those who want to impress their date with a unique and romantic drink that is easy to make and requires no special tools.
16. Grapefruit Margarita
The Grapefruit Margarita is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that is perfect for a date night. Made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and just a few other simple ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and sure to impress.
The tajín rim and dried grapefruit slices add a fancy touch to the drink, making it look as good as it tastes. For those who enjoy bubbly drinks, adding a little club soda to the mix is a great option. Overall, the Grapefruit Margarita is a fun and refreshing twist on the classic margarita and is sure to be a hit on any date night.
17. Creamy Baileys Drink
Looking for a perfect date night cocktail that is creamy and delicious? Look no further than the Creamy Baileys Drink! This dessert-like cocktail is perfect for starting your evening or as a sweet end to the night.
The almond flavor adds a unique twist to the classic Baileys drink, making it a must-try for any cocktail lover. Whether you prefer coconut whipped cream or regular, this cocktail is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this exceptional cocktail with your special someone.
18. Blueberry Lavender Mojitos
Looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to impress your date? Look no further than the Blueberry Lavender Mojito. This cocktail combines the classic flavors of a mojito with the sweetness of blueberries and the floral notes of lavender. The result is a perfectly balanced and delicious drink that is sure to impress.
Whether you use a pre-made blueberry lavender simple syrup or make your own, this cocktail is easy to put together and will be a hit at any summer gathering. So why not mix up a batch of Blueberry Lavender Mojitos for your next date night and enjoy the taste of summer in a glass?
19. Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier Cocktail is a perfect addition to any date night. Its robust and woodsy taste, with hints of cherry, herbs, and Campari, makes it a complex and delicious whiskey cocktail that is sure to impress. The cocktail's rebellious heritage and its association with the Prohibition era give it a unique backstory that adds to its allure.
Whether served straight up in a Coupe or on ice in a low ball, the Boulevardier Cocktail is an easy-to-make drink that packs a big punch. If you're a fan of Manhattans or Negronis, this cocktail is definitely worth a try.
20. Blood Orange Vesper Martini
Looking for a cocktail that's perfect for a romantic date night? Look no further than the Blood Orange Vesper Martini. Inspired by James Bond's love story, this dramatic cocktail features gin, vodka, Gran Marnier, and blood orange juice.
The result is a bittersweet flavor that's perfect for Valentine's Day or any other occasion. Whether you're a fan of 007 or just looking for a unique and delicious cocktail, the Blood Orange Vesper Martini is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
21. Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail is a simple yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for a romantic date night. Made with just four ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. The key to a perfect Cosmo is using freshly squeezed lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur. Cointreau is the preferred choice for many bartenders, but feel free to experiment with other orange liqueurs to find your perfect match.
This cocktail is like a cranberry margarita, but with a vodka twist, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a less sweet and more tart flavor profile. If you're looking for a classic, elegant, and easy-to-make cocktail to impress your date, the Classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
22. Keto Lemon Drop Martini
Looking for a refreshing and simple cocktail to enjoy on your next date night? Look no further than the Keto Lemon Drop Martini.
This cocktail is perfect for those following a keto or paleo diet, as it only requires four simple ingredients and is made with a cleaner choice of alcohol: vodka.
The bright and tangy flavor of lemon is the star of this cocktail, making it a perfect choice for a warm summer evening.
And with its minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you can spend less time mixing drinks and more time enjoying your evening with your special someone.
So why not give the Keto Lemon Drop Martini a try on your next date night?
It's sure to impress with its refreshing taste and simple elegance.
23. The Ginger Rogers
"The Ginger Rogers" is a refreshing and light cocktail that is perfect for a summer date night. Made with gin and ginger ale, this cocktail also features ginger syrup, lemon, and mint, creating a well-balanced combination of flavors.
The use of ginger ale instead of ginger beer allows the ginger flavor to complement the other ingredients without overpowering them. This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for those who prefer fizzy cocktails. If you're looking for a new gin cocktail to try, "The Ginger Rogers" is definitely worth a sip.
24. Pomegranate Breeze Martini
The Pomegranate Breeze Martini is a perfect cocktail for a romantic date night. Its gorgeous red color and fruity flavor make it a great choice for Valentine's Day or Christmas parties. This delicious martini is easy to make and can be served in a martini glass.
It is garnished with a lime and a cherry, adding a touch of elegance to the drink. The Pomegranate Breeze Martini is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is sure to impress your date. So, if you want to try something new and exciting for your next date night, give this cocktail a try and enjoy the taste of pomegranate in a martini.
25. Chocolate Martini
The Chocolate Martini is the ultimate dessert or after-dinner cocktail that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This cocktail is a perfect blend of vanilla vodka, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, Crème de cacao, and cream, resulting in a slightly creamy and perfectly balanced cocktail.
The addition of a chocolate swirl on the glass adds to the presentation and makes it look extra fancy. This cocktail is a must-try for all chocolate lovers out there. So, if you're looking for a perfect Date Night Cocktail recipe, the Chocolate Martini should definitely be on your list.
26. Rose Water Ramos Gin Fizz
The Rose Water Ramos Gin Fizz is a unique twist on the classic cocktail that uses rose water instead of orange blossom water. The drink is creamy, fizzy, and frothy, thanks to the addition of egg white, making it perfect for a date night at home.
It is made using locally made, small batch gin, which adds a citrusy flavor profile to the cocktail. The Rose Water Ramos Gin Fizz is a beautiful and elegant drink that resembles a marshmallow in its white fluffy, airiness. It is garnished with edible rose petals, adding to its romantic appeal.
27. Winter Aperol Spritz
The Winter Aperol Spritz is a seasonal twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. It's a light and refreshing cocktail infused with festive flavors of spiced orange and cranberry.
Served in a wine glass or highball glass, it's perfect for a cozy night in or a holiday party. With its bright orange hue and refreshing taste, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious drink.
