Cocktails for two celebrate love
Conversation hearts are taking a yearlong leave of absence this year, after parent company Necco was sold in 2018.
Those in search of alternative ways to say “I love you” need not opt for overpriced flowers or oversized chocolate boxes.
Instead, they might visit a local cocktail bar, where red drinks flow and mood lighting comes at no extra cost.
Several even offer casual food options, although, on second thought, a box of chocolates for dessert isn’t such a bad idea.
THE CITIZENS TRUST 11 W. GAY ST.
With 30-foot ceilings and nearly 6,000 square feet, the former bank is unlikely to feel crowded, even on the popular date-night holiday.
“You can kind of have an intimate corner to yourself,” said head bartender Logan Demmy. “You’re not sitting close to anyone else and can have intimate, wonderful conversation with your date, partner or even a good friend.”
Patrons can choose from one of the bar’s 12 wintermenu cocktails, several of which fit perfectly with the season of love.
Those who want to heat things up can choose the warm Lovely Weather, a spiced mulled wine concoction, or the fiery-red Open Season 0.1 that features rancio sec (a fortified wine), Mezcal Vida and cranberry syrup.
And if either of those options — or the 10 others on the current menu — don’t conjure up heart eyes, don’t hesitate to ask for a customized drink to commemorate the special occasion.
“We want you to interact with your bartender,” Demmy said. “Talk to your bartender and tell him what you’re looking for.”
That way, you’ll fall in love with at least one cocktail.
Suggested drink: Open Season 0.1
THE BOTTLE SHOP 237 KING AVE.
If frilly, fussy dinner service sounds like the 10th The Mexican hot chocolate cocktail at the Bottle Shop
circle of Dante’s hell, the Bottle Shop will be a rescuing angel.
The cozy University District bar allows patrons to bring in their own food, including tacos from the truck out front and pizza from Yellow Brick next door.
“If you’re having the experience of going to a restaurant, going out before or after makes a special occasion even more special,” said owner Barbara Reynolds. “But if you’re not in the mood for that, the cocktail bar is there for you.”
For Valentine’s Day, the bar will waive corking The Trinidad Sour cocktail at Sacred Palm
fees on all wines, and customers can order off the recently released winter cocktail menu.
Reynolds recommends the blueberry spritz — amaro, prosecco, blueberries, rosemary and soda — for those who prefer a low alcohol content, and the Mexican hot chocolate — made with Ancho Reyes chile liqueur — for those looking to spice up the holiday.
“It’s like a warm blanket on a cold day,” she said. “I’ve been having one every day.”
Suggested drink: Mexican hot chocolate
SACRED PALM 457 N. HIGH ST.
Buried in the bowels of Mikey’s Late Night Slice in the Arena District is a brightly lit Valentine’s surprise.
Since June, the Sacred Palm cocktail bar has served tiki-inspired drinks in the basement below the pizza shop. (Ask any employee to show you the way.)
Assistant bar manager Christine Daugherty said Thursdays are the bar’s slowest days, which should make for a more leisurely night out. It’s open from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., and she recommends going right at opening or an hour before closing to beat the crowds.
Although the bar isn’t planning anything for the holiday aside from queuing up slower music, Daugherty suggested the Trinidad Sour — rye whiskey, a full ounce of bitters and almond syrup — for its deep red color.
For those in search of extra pizzazz, Mikey’s will serve heart-shaped pizzas upstairs.
Suggested drink: Trinidad Sour
DENMARK
463 N. HIGH ST.
Drinks for two, please. That’s exactly what owner and creative director Garry White had in mind when he created his Valentine’s Day cocktail menu, featuring 10 drinks.
Lovebirds will be able to sip on cocktails full of flavors — such as rose liqueur, strawberry syrup, chocolate or floral infusions — inspired by the holiday while they canoodle in an
atmosphere White describes as “smooth and mellow."
There will be options — all with fun themed names, such as My Heart’s Delight or Blushing Mule
— for those with a sweet tooth or cocktail lovers who prefer bolder, bitter flavors. The bar also will be running a pairing special, where couples can get a cheese plate, truffles and two cocktails.
Favorite “love potions,” as they’ll be called throughout the holiday and weekend, might include As You Wish (bourbon, concord grape-infused Dolin Blanc vermouth, strawberry cordial, lemon bitters) or the Night Cap (bourbon, cold brew coffee, averna, coffee liqueur, vanilla nutmeg syrup and amaretto whipped cream).
Suggested drink: As You Wish The As You Wish cocktail at Denmark
THE LIGHT OF SEVEN MATCHSTICKS 5601 N. HIGH ST.
Love isn't always sweet.
Whether nursing a broken heart or exploring love's darker side, those looking for an alternative to mushy red hearts might consider the cocktail menu at the Light of Seven Matchsticks.
Partnering with alcohol company Martini & Rossi, the speakeasy beneath Natalie's Coal-fired Pizza and Live Music will host a voodoo-themed evening for couples and singles alike, complete with a drink menu
titled "Bitters for My Sweetheart," a private "love doctor" and music by the Pocketbooks.
Cocktail director PJ Ford recommends the Bondye, made with two types of gin, lime, agave, rose water and Martini & Rossi bitters.
"The cocktail is light, refreshing and perfect for either enjoying your night out with that special someone or sharing it with that cutie eyeing you across the bar," he said.
Suggested drink: The Bondye