Happy Valentine’s Day!

Yesterday I was talking with my gal pal, Cristie.  She’s the Master Mixologist responsible for my favorite cocktail blog ThirstQuest.  She was sharing with me her ideas for her “Perfect Pair” Valentine’s drinks.  Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle… doesn’t that sound amazing?!?!

So I was telling her about this beautiful martini that I’ve been making since I first discovered Blood Oranges 6 years ago.  Blood Oranges are oranges with a deep crimson flesh, citrusy orange flavor with a little berry finish.  These crimson beauties are in season right now.  Blood Oranges are super high in antioxidants and dang it… they are pretty!

After a little prodding to post the recipe (thanks Lamb!), my gal pal Cristie and I are hitting you with everything you need to romantically and deliciously sweeten up your evening with your special Valentine.  My martini is sweet-tart and as red as a box of Valentine’s chocolates, while Cristie’s drinks are rich and sweet just like the chocolates in that big red heart shaped box.
Check out ThirstQuest’s Perfect Pair Valentine’s Cocktails
And here’s my cocktail recipe:

Bloody Valentine Martini

• 2 shots Absolute Mandarin Vodka
• Juice of 3 Blood Oranges (about 1 cup)
• Splash of Campari
• 2 Slices of Blood Orange, for garnish
• White Sugar, to rim the glass

Equipment:

• Martini Shaker
• Muddler
• Ice
• Strainer
• 2 Martini Glasses

You can start by wetting the rim of your martini glass and dipping it into sugar to get a sweet little sugar rim on the glass.  Set aside.

Fill your martini shaker with ice, vodka, Blood Orange juice and Campari.  Put one of squeezed out juiced orange halves into the mix.  Using a muddler drive the rind down into the ice, when it gets to the bottom you can stop, you just want a quick muddle.  Put the top on the martini shaker and give it a few shakes.

Using a strainer pour the contents of the martini shaker in to you glasses.  Put one Blood Orange Slice on each glass and serve it to your Valentine.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Full Disclosure:  I have received no compensation for any brand or business listed in this article.