Velvet Kiss

The Kir Royale is lovely, but let's be honest, it could use a little more romance for Valentine's Day. Enter the Velvet Kiss, which takes that classic blackcurrant-and-bubbles combination and gives it the full treatment with Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon, and a whisper of rose water. What you get is a drink that looks like crushed velvet in a glass, deep ruby-purple and gorgeous in the candlelight. The crème de cassis brings that jammy blackcurrant sweetness, while Lillet adds subtle orange blossom and quinine notes that keep things interesting. Lemon juice cuts through all that richness, and the rose water, just a single dash, makes the whole thing smell like the best Valentine's card you've ever received. The bubbles tie it all together without letting it get too heavy. Mix this one up when you want something celebratory but a bit more layered than your standard sparkling cocktail. It's made for Valentine's evening, obviously, but also works beautifully for anniversaries or any night that calls for something a little romantic.