A romantic Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to include a night out on the town. Why not enjoy a cocktail from the comforts of your own home?
WINE
What’s the best Valentine’s Day wine? According to Dean Cesario, owner at Deerfield Fine Wines, something that will set the mood. Here are four options, priced at $12–15, that Cesario suggests:
- Amora: This crisp zinfandel is infused with hints of raspberry and blackberry, plus accents of black tea.
- Ménage à Trois: If you’re on a budget, this rich, silky red is a great everyday option. It pairs perfectly with sizzling meat or savory chicken dishes.
- Rosa Regale: In the mood for something light? Rosa Regale is sparkling and sweet.
- Luscious: This fruity wine is smooth and soft.
Deerfield Wines
205 Louviers Dr. (Paper Mill Rd.), Newark
266-8061
www.deerfieldwines.com
BEER
If you’re a beer lover, you’ll revel in the selections at Veritas Wine & Craft Beer. Couples can create their own six-pack, or try a beer-and-wine hybrid. Check out Dogfish Head’s Sixty-One (60 Minute IPA with Syrah grape must from California).
Owner Venu Gaddamidi recommends pairing wheat beers or dry ciders with seafood dinners, and coffee or chocolate stouts with heavier meat-based meals. Beer and food should be “good dancing partners,” Gaddamidi says.
Veritas Wine & Craft Beer
321 Justison St, Wilmington
215-880-9030
www.sipveritas.com
COCKTAILS
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Courtesy of V&M Bistro - Partner Content -
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Red Velvet Cake Martini
Here’s how to make one of V&M Bistro’s signature martinis.
Ingredients:
- Shaker tin
- 2.5 ounces amaretto liqueur
- 1.5 ounces crème de cacao (white)
- 0.5 ounces Stolichnaya Vanilla Vodka
- 0.5 ounces. Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
- Splash of Aperol
- Splash of grenadine
- Cream cheese frosting
- Red crystal sprinkles
Directions:
First, rim a martini glass with cream cheese frosting using a non-serrated knife. Next, shake sprinkles into a flat dish, then turn the martini glass upside-down and coat its rim. (You could also lightly shake the sprinkles all around the rim).
Fill a shaker tin with ice. Add the Amaretto liqueur, then the crème de cacao. (If you don’t mix a lot a cocktails, consider investing in a jigger—it will help you measure the alcohol.)
Hold the vanilla vodka in one hand and the whipped vodka in the other. Pour both into the shaker simultaneously. Then add Aperol and grenadine.
Secure the shaker lid, then shake well. Pour martini into your beautiful sprinkle-rimmed glass, and enjoy.
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Courtesy of V&M Bistro |
Iced Pear Cocktail
V&M Bistro shares an aromatic option.
Ingredients:
- A Collins glass
- 1.5 ounces pear vodka
- 1.5 ounces St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 ounces ice wine
- Pear slice, cut into a heart (use a heart-shaped cookie cutter)
Directions:
Fill your Collins glass with ice. Add pear vodka, then the liqueur. Top with ice wine. Garnish with a heart-shaped pear slice and straw, and enjoy.
Vincenza & Margherita Italian American Bistro
1717 Marsh Road, Wilmington
479-7999
www.vmbistro.com
