These berry Valentine’s Day cocktails take me back to my childhood doll obsession: Strawberry Shortcake. I loved their berry scents and collected them all – from Apple Dumpling to Huckleberry Finn.
And I still love all things berries, now more grown up in my affinities – swapping fruity dolls for fruity cocktails. Made with The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, pureed fresh fruit, these berry Valentine’s Day cocktails are lovely in appearance and healthy to boot.
Not like I need motivation to drink a cocktail, but according to a recent new study from the Harvard School of Public Health in the U.K., women who consumed three or more servings of berries (blueberries and strawberries) had a 32 percent lower risk of heart attack. This, along with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and better brain function, makes berries an antioxidant powerhouse and the perfect concoction to say I love you to that special someone this Valentine’s Day!
Pair these cocktails with chocolate dipped strawberries for a double dose of berry sexiness. Double the “berry” pleasure equals double the fun!
Sensual Swizzle by Caterina Miltenberger
1.5 oz. Pyrat XO Reserve Rum
.5 oz. The Perfect Purée Blueberry Puree
1 oz. lime juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
dash of rhubarb bitters
club soda
Lime wedge for garnish
Combine ingredients except club soda into a mixing glass with ice. Shake with a Boston Shaker and strain into a glass over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.
Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
1 oz. Godiva Liqueur
1 oz. Perfect Purée Raspberry Puree, thawed
½ oz. vodka
½ oz. simple syrup
Place all ingredients into a glass filled with ice. Shake vigorously in a Boston Shaker for 10 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with fresh raspberries.
Cupid’s Caipiroska by Caterina Miltenberger
2 oz. Smirnoff Iced Cake Vodka
1 oz. The Perfect Purée Strawberry Puree
1 tbsp. cinnamon sugar
1 lemon wedge (quartered)
strawberry for garnish
Combine ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Shake with a Boston Shaker and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a strawberry.
Perfect Purée are all natural fruit puree in dozens of flavors. With nothing added, except the goodness of fresh fruit. They are especially handy during the winter months when fruits like berries and tropical fruit are not available. Perfect Puree is available for purchase online.