Sip ‘n’ Swoon: V-Day movie and cocktail pairings

With temperatures plunging to record-breaking lows and chocolate candies filling every shelf, The Scene has put together some deliciously festive movie and cocktail pairings to make the most out of the day of love. Whether you’re single, taken or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone!

Please remember to drink responsibly and only if you are 21+.

“Dirty Dancing” (1987) and a Dirty Tango Cocktail

Though not explicitly a Valentine’s Day movie, this romantic classic offers the ideal combination of sensual and sweet to make for a perfect holiday flick. “Nobody puts Baby in the corner,” and nobody will be putting this cocktail in the corner either. Just like the on-screen couple, this cocktail has complex notes of sweet and spicy. The slice jalapeño won’t be the only thing making your temperature rise!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces silver tequila
• ½ ounce Grand Marnier
• ¼ ounce cherry liqueur
• 1 slice of jalapeño
• 3 maraschino cherries (optional)

Directions:

1. Add ice, tequila, Gran Marnier, cherry liqueur and peach juice into a cocktail shaker
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds and pour into glass
3. Place jalapeño slice into glass and crush with spoon
4. Garnish with cherries on a skewer

“Blue Valentine” (2010) and a Heartbreak Cocktail

For those of you who love a good cry on Valentine’s Day, this movie fits the bill to a T. Guaranteed to make you sob uncontrollably, you can find comfort in this delicious beverage. As blue as your tears, this Heartbreaker Cocktail is the perfect compliment for a very emotional night.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin
• ¾ ounce lemon juice
• ¼ ounce honey
• 2 drops blue food coloring
• 3 blueberries (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine lemon and juice and honey into cocktail shaker and stir until mixed
2. Add gin and shake vigorously for 10-15 second and strain into glass
3. Garnish with blueberries

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011) and a Rasmopolitan

This movie is the perfect flick for a truly exciting Galentine’s Day. I mean, Ryan Gosling shirtless, am I right? Pair with a twist on a traditional Cosmo and get ready to celebrate the day of love with your besties!

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce lemon-flavored vodka
• 1 ounce raspberry-flavored vodka
• ½ ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• Raspberries (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds and strain into glass
3. Garnish with raspberries

“Misery” (1990) and a Wine Don’t You Love Me Cocktail

While this may seem like the furthest thing from a romantic flick, what’s Valentine’s Day without a little misery? Perfect for those who hate the Hallmark holiday, this Stephen King adaptation follows the story of an obsessed fan and an injured author. Sip on this red wine cocktail as you watch Paul, the protagonist, try every tactic he can to escape a crazed fans’ clutches.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 2 ounces fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon honey
• Red wine

Directions:

• Mix honey and lemon juice in glass until fully combined
• Add orange juice into mixture
• Top off with red wine and stir well

“Blue is the Warmest Colour” (2013) and a Between the Sheets Cocktail

Hands-down the most racy film on my list, this movie has one of the most talked about sex scenes of all time (do not watch this unless you are 17+). Follow the love story of two women trying to make their way through life while you sip on a Between the Sheets Cocktail. Strong and intense, this beverage is a perfect start to a sexy night.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce light rum
• 1 ounce Cognac
• 1 ounce triple sec
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• Whiskey stones (optional)
• Lemon spiral (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine rum, Cognac, triple sec and lemon juice into glass
2. Add ice or whiskey stones (recommended)
3. Garnish with lemon spiral

“Lady and the Tramp” (1955) and an Italian Hot Chocolate

While pretty much anybody who hasn’t lived under a rock has seen this movie before, you probably haven’t watched it for Valentine’s Day. Even though it follows the love story of two dogs, this is one of the most romantic movies I can think of. Hello, that spaghetti scene? Sip on this non-alcoholic Italian Hot Chocolate to enhance those warm and fuzzy memories from this childhood favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 ounce dark chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• Mini marshmallows (optional)

Directions:

1. Mix ¼ cup half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth and blended
2. Combine remaining half-and-half and sugar into saucepan on medium-low heat
3. When bubbles begin to form, add cornstarch mixture and whisk until blended
4. Remove from heat and add chocolates and vanilla
5. Whisk until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is blended
6. Garnish with mini marshmallows

smorgan@theeagleonline.com