It’s almost February, and those of you who haven’t made plans for the 14th may be in for a bit of a scramble. Here’s an alternate idea put forward by a friend or two: have a party.
But what makes for an elegant evening of Valentine cocktails? There are really just four essential ingredients to ensure an evening to remember.
1) A Dress Code. Ask that people come in cocktail attire. And by that I mean a blue blazer and grey flannels, at the very least, for the men (although a dark suit wouldn’t be out of place!) and a cocktail length dress for the women.
2) Champagne. Or another suitable sparkler. Pink is very dry and a fine choice as it pairs nicely with:
3) Chocolate. Platters of dark and milk chocolate treats or a chocolate fondue complete with strawberries and sweet biscuits.
4) Candlelight. Lots of candles scattered about create the ambience that we all hope for and rarely find in a crowded restaurant.
And for those of you who would like to do a bit more to add to the evening’s festivities, send a vintage Valentine’s Day card as an invitation, have plenty of carnations and roses on hand and serve something more than chocolate and champagne.
Something like:
The Fresa Cocktail as Mixed at San Francisco’s Clock Bar (recipe via “Town and Country” magazine February 2009)
White Tequila
Fresh Lime Juice
Agave Nectar
Fresh Strawberry Purée
Wet the rim of the glass and coat it with a mixture of cinnamon, cayenne and sugar.
Tequila conjure up an image of a repeat of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre? Try a classic Kir Royale or a Negroni.
A simple appetizer of smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh dill (and a dash of roe?) on a cracker would be an elegant accompaniment. And don’t forget the bowls of nuts… because you’ve got to be a little crazy about the whole idea.
I love this idea! Especially since I much prefer to stay at home on V-Day than go through the forced shmoopiness and outrageous prices at a restaurant. Hmmm, now to convince the fiance…
I love Negronis and the idea of serving that sweet looking pink cocktail on such a gushy holiday — and then you take a sip and get that astringent kick!
Linda, sort of like first love, eh?
TBD, sell the elegant side of the equation. A new frock wouldn’t hurt either.
Thank you so much, Elegantologist. You just gave me an idea of what to do on St. Valentine’s Day. I think cocktails party is such a great idea.
Would you care to recommend or show us what would be an appropriate outfit for a guy to wear to an evening cocktails party? It would be extremely helpful. Great blog, by the way! (did I tell you this before?) Many thanks. G-M Jones
This cocktail sounds delicious!!! I might have to try this one out myself…
One needs good samba music!
The writer fails to explain how crucial a good guest list can be. It makes all the difference – He mixes people like his cocktails: “The woman looked sexy, the men had spunk. We drank all his whiskey, then went home drunk.”