6 Libations for a Seductive Valentine's Day

Some love it and others loathe it. February 14 is around the corner and whether or not you have someone to smooch on Valentine's Day, you'll probably want a cocktail to get through the hoards of flower arrangements showing up at the office and the deluge of proclamations that will clog your social media feeds.

Get creative and clever with your V-Day libations this year. EDGE has compiled a colorific selection that spans all the major liquor groups to help you open your heart and loosen your lips. Let's take a look through our rose-colored cocktail glasses!

Champagne
M�et & Chandon Imperial Ros� NV
Mini $20 and traditional 750ml size $55

It may seem still a little chilly outside to be thinking about ros� bubbly, which usually is in favor during warmer months, but this Champagne is one of the most food-friendly and lovely things you can imbibe any day of the year. The bubbles help stimulate your palate so it is the perfect way to celebrate your Valentine before (or after) dinner. Try the classic Mo�t & Chandon's iconic Imp�rial Ros� NV with lovely bright, red berry fruit that finishes crisp and clean.

Liqueur
Heering Cherry Liqueur
750 ml $26.99

Danish liquor manufacturer Peter Heering created this cherry brandy in 1818 and was enjoyed by Danish Royalty until it became popular around the world. The liqueur is a natural mix of Danish-grown cherries and Elderberry extract with a rich yet smooth sweetness that can be savored in classic cocktails such as the Singapore Sling or simply poured over ice (or ice cream!) as a luscious end to the evening.

Vodka
44 North Rainier Cherry Vodka
750 ml $25

We've all had flavored vodkas that taste like nothing natural of this world or worse: cough syrup. Enter the company 44 North to get some good natural flavor into your vodka. This vodka begins with Idaho potatoes then infuses seamlessly with the distinct and delicious tartness of Rainier Cherries. It gives a genuine fruit boost to a Cosmo or try one of 44 North's recipes on their website such as the Rainier Cherry Cola.

Gin
Dillon's Rose Gin
750ml $45

So you have an elegant date that you want to impress with something out of the ordinary and refined? With this gin, you won't even need to get flowers... the roses are in the drink! Dillon's makes several small batch spirits including this tasty gin that starts with Ontario Rye as a base then infuses it with rose hips and rose petals. They also have a cherry and strawberry gin if you'd prefer a more fruit forward experience. Their website has many recipes including a Valentine's Day special called Arabian Nights.

Whiskey
Traverse City Co American Cherry Edition
750ml $35

Here we go into some brown spirits to warm up on a cold February night -- whether you're with company or flying solo. If you can, get your hands on a bottle of this (almost too easy going down) whiskey from Northern Michigan. Flavoring this whiskey with the famous cherries of the Traverse City region results in some of the most palatable, pleasant and delightful whiskeys in the country. FYI, they just opened their distillery and tasting room last year in Traverse City, check it out.

Moonshine
Ole Smoky Cherries Moonshine
750ml $18

Now we're getting into the sweetest tasting part of the celebration. Nothing fancy, just simple and pleasing maraschino cherries soaked in moonshine. Add them to your Valentines Day dessert! You can cover them in chocolate, add them to a sundae, or simply feed them to your Valentine. The leftover moonshine liquor is great mixed with ginger ale. Think of it as an adult Shirley Temple!