This year, we’re spotlighting Love Affair; a beautifully balanced cocktail that feels festive without being overdone. Light, refreshing, and subtly sophisticated, it’s the kind of drink that makes any Valentine’s celebration feel intentional.
A Cocktail with Chemistry
Love Affair brings together crisp citrus, gentle sweetness, and herbal notes for a drink that’s refreshing yet layered. White cranberry juice adds brightness, fresh lemon juice provides a clean finish, and mint simple syrup lends a soft, aromatic sweetness. Finished with club soda and a few dashes of rhubarb bitters, the result is elegant and effortless — a cocktail that feels just as appropriate for a candlelit dinner as it does for a Galentine’s toast.
At its heart is Ketel One vodka, chosen for its smooth profile that allows the other flavors to shine. It’s a reminder that when quality ingredients come together, the result is something truly special.
The Love Affair Recipe
Ingredients
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1.5 oz Ketel One Vodka
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2 oz white cranberry juice
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1 oz mint simple syrup
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5 oz fresh lemon juice
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Club soda
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3 dashes rhubarb bitters
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Candied rhubarb, for garnish
Directions
Combine the vodka, white cranberry juice, mint simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a snifter filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda, add rhubarb bitters, and garnish with candied rhubarb.
Tip from our team: Mint simple syrup is easy to make at home — simmer sugar and water with fresh mint, let it cool, and strain. The result adds a fresh, homemade touch that elevates the cocktail.
Pair It with the Moment
Love Affair pairs beautifully with Valentine’s classics like chocolate-covered strawberries, creamy cheeses, or a thoughtfully arranged charcuterie board.
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