10 pink drinks for a rosy Valentine’s Day

Updated February 9, 2024 at 3:48 p.m. EST|Published February 14, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. EST
(Scott Suchman for The Washington Post/food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)

Whether you love or loathe Valentine’s Day, we can all agree that a pink drink is a delicious and cheerful antidote to the high-octane feelings surrounding the holiday, as well as the pretty bleak couple of years we have collectively had.

Below, you’ll find pink drinks of all kinds, including nonalcoholic options, from blush to sunset-orangey pink to deep magenta. And if you hate pink drinks, why are you reading this? Read about chartreuse instead.

1

Cosmopolitan

(Pictured above) Can we really talk about pink drinks without talking about the Cosmo? No, we can’t. First, it’s good. Second, it’s strong. Third, it’ll help you get through the “Sex and the City” reboot without screaming at the TV. (Maybe. No guarantees on No. 3. We’re still really confused about Miranda’s arc.) But most important, you’ll be drinking one of Ina Garten’s favorite drinks.

Ina Garten’s 2022 pandemic advice: Drink more cosmos. Do what you can.


2

Pomegranate Fizz

It’s a party for two with this ultra small-batch punch recipe! A touch of citrus and tart pomegranate juice paired with gin, curaçao and sparkling wine make a festive drink, indeed.


3

Classic Paloma

The Paloma is perhaps an underrated, and very simple, cocktail. Mix tequila with grapefruit soda for a fizzy, pink and refreshing beverage.


4

Becky’s Back at It

Make a berry syrup using frozen berries, then use it to make this lovely pink cocktail with a fluffy egg-white top. You can use the rest of that berry syrup to top ice cream, or pancakes and more!

Making simple syrup really is easy. Here’s how to jazz it up with infused flavors.


5

Strawberry-Jalapeno Non-a-Rita (or Margarita)

Make a spicy-sweet syrup with strawberry preserves and jalapenos, then use it to make this excellent margarita, tequila optional. Don’t shy away from preserves or jam in cocktails! You can use raspberry jam to make this Jammartini, a fruity play off a martini.


6

The Amarose

Rosehip-hibiscus tea plus rose water plus rose lemonade gives this sparkling pink cocktail floral tones, which are counterbalanced with botanical gin and bittersweet Aperol.


7

Gin around the Rosé

This twist on a martini is a rose-gold hue thanks to Cocchi Rosa, a mildly bittersweet aromatized wine. If you can’t find that, use Lillet Rosé, and cut the pinch of salt from the recipe. Want another drink based on rosé? Try Rose on Rose, which pairs dry sparkling rosé with an Italian liqueur with notes of bergamot called Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto. You could swap that liqueur if you can’t find it with a peach or ginger liqueur as you like.


8

Hedge Your Bets

There are pretty wonderful nonalcoholic “spirits” out there, and this grapefruit-forward cocktail features one of them called Seedlip. Fruit preserves boost the pink into ruddier territory.

Good zero-proof drinks aren’t just for Dry January. Here are some products we’ve tried — and liked.


9

Cherry Vamp

I’ll admit it. This one is red. However, it is perfect for Valentine’s Day because you’re mixing tart cherry juice with chocolate bitters! It’s begging to be on your Valentine’s spread! And it’s a great option for a low-proof drink — all the alcohol is from the half teaspoon of bitters. As for actually pink cherry drinks, you can make Cherry and the Cane or the Tidal Basin Picnic Special.


10

Strawberry Almond Milk

Nobody said you have to have a cocktail. If you want a strawberry milkshake but don’t really feel like drinking straight up ice cream, drink this instead. If you’re not into almonds, drink regular Strawberry Milk.

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