February has always been designated as “the” month of romance.

Valentines Day has taken on many important ways for cozy couples to celebrate love. What a better way of doing that than in one of your favorite romantic dining establishments. Hint, most dining establishments are booked well in advanced, if you haven’t booked now you may be too late but not out of luck. An intimate dinner for two at home also works well. A little candlelight, soft lights and smooth jazzy music are fantastic ways to set the mood. Sweep your significant other off their feet with a special cocktail. Champagne has always been identified with intimacy and love. Some favorite cocktail creations combine the best of both. Everyone male or female has a favorite from straight martini’s to fun fruity or creamy concoctions. Here are a few fun cocktail recipes to try at home to kick off your evening; I myself will be serving these lovely libations at various parties at the Sheraton of Anchorage this week.

Stupid Cupid

1 oz. Southern Comfort
½ oz. Lime Sour
1 oz. Cranberry
1 oz . Champagne

Combine first 3 ingredients into a martini shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top off with champagne and garnish it with a lemon twist. (A good one for guys!) The Southern Comfort makes them feel their not having a girly drink).

Eve’s Temptation

1 oz. Raspberry Vodka
½ oz. Apple Schnapps
½ oz. Apple Juice
1 oz. Champagne

Combine first 3 ingredients into a martini shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Top off with champagne. (Unleash forbidden inhibitions with this delectable libation).

Ménage a trois

1 ½oz... Grey Goose Pear Vodka
1½ oz. Sweet and Sour
Splash of Cointreau and Amaretto

Combine all ingredients into a martini shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of Bosc pear if available. (Daring and provocative the name says it all).

Sophisticated Savage

1 oz. Mandarin Orange Vodka
½ oz. Cointreau
½ oz. Crème de Banana
Splash of orange and pineapple juices.

Combine all ingredients into a martini shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Only one of these, anymore and your inner savage won’t be so sophisticated.

Chocolate Caramel Martini for two (Dessert)

1 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
1oz. Baileys Irish Cream
2 oz. Kahlua
2 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain this rich nectar into two chilled martini glasses. Add chocolate sticks for stirring garnishes and cuddle up on a soft couch and sip away.

Godiva Chocolate Berry Diva

1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 oz. Chambord (Raspberry Liqueur)
4 oz. Club Soda

Combine all ingredients into a tall glass filled with ice and stir well.

Whatever your choices for this day of the ultimate expression of love, the most important is taking the time to appreciate each others qualities and what they mean to you. A little libation goes a long way to in setting the right mood.

Salut!