On Monday, most couples will get dolled up and hit the town for the proverbial Valentine's Day dinner. My suggestion: After you get that out of the way, belly up to the bar at one of the Twin Cities' great cocktail havens. I've found five romantic, lip-smacking drinks that will heat up your night. Each is made by one of the scene's top bartenders, men and women who pride themselves on matching their customers with the right drink.
Juliet and Romeo
Birk Stefan Grudem of Bradstreet
- Made by: Birk Stefan Grudem at Bradstreet Craftshouse. Originated by New York bartender Toby Maloney.
- Ingredients: Plymouth gin, mint, cucumber, rose water, Angostura bitters, lime juice and simple syrup.
- Taste: Floral in aroma and refreshing to the palate. But the bitters and lime give it a bite. Grudem calls it "herbvacious."
- Back story: "It's a cocktail that was created by Toby when he was trying to court his lady," Grudem said.
- Cost: $12.
The Imperial
Brad Smith of Prairie Ale House
- Made by: Brad Smith at Prairie Ale House, in Eden Prairie.
- Ingredients: George Dickle whiskey, blueberries, sage, honey, Cherry Heering, Bittercube Bolivar bitters, Chartreuse-rinsed glass. Garnished with sage leaves.
- Taste: Sweet and fresh, with the sage tickling your nose.
- Back story: "I've been experimenting with the idea of farm-to-glass," Smith said. "We're going to be growing our own herb garden at the restaurant. The cocktail makes me think of the end of winter and the coming of spring. So this is my robin -- my harbinger of spring."
- Cost: $8.
Ski Jumping at Kissing Bridge
Johhny Michaels of La Belle Vie
- Made by: Johnny Michaels at La Belle Vie.
- Ingredients: Gin, lemon, apple, hint of salty spice. Garnished with a floating blood orange wheel and topped with a flower.
- Taste: Smooth and crisp at first, with an additional kick thanks to the citrus and spice.
- Back story: "I'm from Buffalo, New York, and the ski resort there is called Kissing Bridge," Michaels said. "The drink is a nod to the early stages of romance. You're hoping for the triumphant landing, but there's a risk of crashing and breaking something, aka your heart."
- Cost: $12.
A Ladies Lady
Margot Gorden of Honey
- Made by: Margot Gorden at Honey.
- Ingredients: Canton ginger liqueur, Cointreau, pomegranate juice, topped with Prosecco.
- Taste: A more sophisticated Cosmo.
- Back story: "We just wanted a newer Cosmo, but something that had more character," Gorden said. "Something with the characteristics of sweet, spicy and bubbly -- a lady's lady."
- Cost: $5 on Valentine's Day (or $8 regular).
The Cardinal's Kiss
Peter Schweigert of Heartland
- Made by: Peder Schweigert at Heartland Restaurant.
- Ingredients: Buffalo Trace bourbon, Creme de Cacao, housemade walnut liqueur, Bittercube Blackstrap bitters, garnished with preserved tart cherries (they resemble bloody hearts).
- Taste: Think of it as a really distinguished chocolate --robust but not too sweet.
- Back story: Said Schweigert, "I was looking for an avenue to use my black walnut liqueur, which looks like a special effect from 'The Lord of the Rings.' I call it 'black death.' It's like handling something toxic. That's probably not selling it the right way -- but I like it."
- Cost: $10.
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