The best Valentine’s Day drinks: romantic wines, fizz and cocktails

A night in on Valentine’s Day can be just as special as a night out, and choosing the right drinks is half the fun. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, sharing a box of chocolates or just curling up together, here are our favourite Valentine’s drinks.

Pink fizz: the ultimate Valentine’s drink

Nothing says romance quite like a glass of pink bubbles. Rosé Champagne has delicate red-berry flavours and looks beautiful in the glass.

Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial is glamorous and fruity, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is one of the most celebrated rosé Champagnes, and Bollinger Rosé is rich and elegant. For a special gift, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé with two glasses is hard to beat.

Pink fizz for less

You don’t need to spend a fortune. English sparkling rosé is beautiful and often better value than Champagne: try Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé or Nyetimber Rosé. For something lighter and fruitier, Prosecco Rosé such as Bottega Prosecco Rosé is lovely, and Vilarnau Brut Rosé Cava is crisp and great value.

Wine for a romantic dinner

Steak night

A silky, elegant red is perfect. Try Moillard Burgundy Pinot Noir for fillet steak, or Terrazas de los Andes Malbec for ribeye. See our steak and wine guide.

Seafood

Oysters and Champagne are a famously romantic pairing. For lobster or scallops, a rich white like Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé is perfect.

Italian

A plate of pasta and a bottle of Chianti is a classic romantic combo. Try Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico.

Wines for chocolate

Chocolate and wine can be tricky, but these work beautifully:

• Tre Secoli Brachetto d’Acqui is a light, sweet sparkling red from Piedmont, gorgeous with chocolate-dipped strawberries.
• Quady Elysium Black Muscat has aromas of rose and lychee, perfect with dark chocolate truffles.
• Rubis Chocolate Wine is a fun, indulgent pairing with chocolate desserts.
• A ruby or LBV port, such as Graham’s LBV, is a classic with rich chocolate.

Romantic cocktails

Kir Royale

Add a splash of crème de cassis to a glass of Champagne or Crémant for a deep pink, fruity cocktail. Use Giffard Crème de Cassis, or Chambord for a raspberry twist.

Espresso Martini

Shake 50ml vodka, 25ml coffee liqueur and a shot of fresh espresso with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. Tia Maria and Smirnoff No. 21 are all you need.

Pink gin and tonic

Pour Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin over ice, top up with tonic and add a few fresh strawberries.

See our sparkling cocktail guide for more recipes.

Gifts for wine lovers

• A gift-boxed bottle of rosé Champagne.
• Thornton & France Prosecco & Chocolates makes a lovely ready-made gift.
• A bottle of their favourite wine, with a handwritten note.

FAQs

What’s the most romantic wine?

Rosé Champagne is the classic romantic choice, but any wine shared with the right person counts.

What wine goes with chocolate?

Sweet red wines, ruby port, Brachetto d’Acqui and Black Muscat all work beautifully.

Please enjoy responsibly. For more fizz ideas, read our guide to the best Champagne.