The Perfect Pair: Cocktails and Wine & Food Pairing for Valentine's Month

Love is in the air and it's time to set the mood for a romantic evening with your special someone.

What better way to celebrate Valentine's month than by indulging in delicious cocktails, wine, and food pairings? With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect combination. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Let's explore some of the perfect pairings that will make your Valentine's celebration truly unforgettable.

Cocktails

Making cocktails on your own shouldn't be complicated. You can easily make some delicious mixes that would surely wow your date! Here are some recommendations we have for you that you can easily try and source ingredients and materials for!

The Drink: Sweetheart Ginger Collins

To make a serving, you'd need:

• 1.5oz or a shot glass full of Ballantine's Finest Scotch Whisky
• 0.75oz of fresh lemon juice
• 0.5oz simple syrup (mix of 50:50, white sugar:water)
• 3oz or about half of your 200ml Fentimans Ginger Beer
• A lemon wedge for garnish
• A cocktail shaker or a water tumbler with a good seal
• Something you can strain your drink with - maybe a thick knife or a strainer with tiny holes
• A Collins glass or any tall glass you have at home
• A mixing spoon or just a regular or long spoon if you have it
• Tons of ice

How to make your Sweetheart Ginger Collins:

1. Fill your shaker with ice.
2. In your shaker, mix Ballantine's Finest Scotch Whisky, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
3. Shake well for about 10 seconds.
4. Grab your glass and fill with ice.
5. Strain the mixture into your glass and top with Fentimans Ginger Beer.
6. Stir gently with your spoon to combine.
7. Garnish with a lemon wedge, and enjoy!

The Drink: Love Letter Lemonade Highball

 

 

To make one serving, you'd need:

• 1.5oz or a shot glass full of Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whisky
• 0.5oz fresh lemon juice
• 3oz or about half of your 200ml Fentimans Rose Lemonade
• A lemon wedge for garnish
• A Highball glass or any tall glass you have at home
• A mixing spoon or just a regular or long spoon if you have it
• Tons of ice

How to make your Love Letter Lemonade Highball:

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. In your glass, mix in the Johnnie Walker Red Label, lemon juice, and Fentimans Rose Lemonade.
3. Stir gently with your spoon to combine.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy!

The Drink: Cupid's Quench

To make one serving, you'd need:

• 2oz or a shot glass full of the Chivas 12YO Blended Scotch Whisky
• 4 oz or about half of your 200ml Fentimans Connoisseur Tonic Water
• A Highball glass or any tall glass you have at home
• A mixing spoon or just a regular or long spoon, if you have it
• A lime wedge or calamansi wedge, if you can't find some lime
• Tons of ice

How to make your Cupid's Quench:

1. Fill your glass with lots of ice.
2. Pour in your Chivas and top up with a serving of Fentimans Connoisseurs Tonic Water
3. Stir gently with your spoon.
4. Garnish with your lime or calamansi wedge and enjoy!

The Drink: Cherry Goose

 

 

To make one serving, you'd need:

• 1.5oz or a shot glass full of Grey Goose Original Vodka
• 4oz or about half of your 275ml Fentimans Cherry Cola
• A Highball glass or any tall glass you have at home
• A mixing spoon or just a regular or long spoon, if you have it
• Cherry for garnish (Optional)
• Tons of ice

How to make your Cherry Goose:

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Pour your serving of Grey Goose vodka and top up with Fentimans Cherry Cola.
3. Stir gently with a spoon.
4. Garnish with a cherry if you have it. Enjoy!

 

Wine & Food Pairing

Wine & food pairing is such a classic date night staple. Being able to know which bottle goes well with what food can instantly give you some 💚 green flag 💚 energy. Whether you're cooking for your special someone or simply ordering out, here are some extra special wine & food pairing ideas you can try.

Sauvignon Blanc & Oysters

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine that is known for its high acidity and citrus flavours. These characteristics make it an excellent pairing for oysters, which are a popular seafood delicacy known for their briny, saline flavour. The bright acidity in the wine helps to balance out the richness and saltiness of the oysters, while the citrus notes complement the natural flavours of the seafood.

Additionally, the crisp and clean finish of Sauvignon Blanc helps to refresh the palate and cleanse the taste buds between bites of oysters. This pairing creates a harmonious and delightful combination of flavours that highlights the best qualities of both the wine and the oysters.

 

Try the Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand! A ripe, textural, and scrumptious light white.

Chardonnay & Lobster

Chablis is a crisp and minerally white wine with a high acidity that balances out the richness of the lobster. The wine's citrus and green apple notes can also enhance the sweetness of the lobster meat, making for a delicious and harmonious combination.

The light body of Chablis also means it won't overpower the delicate flavour of the lobster, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion.

Try the Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis from Burgundy, France! A creamy, powerful, and woody full white wine.

Sparkling Shiraz & Dark Chocolate

Sparkling Shiraz has fruity and spicy notes, with a slight sweetness and effervescence, which can balance out the bitterness of the dark chocolate. The sparkling wine's bubbles can also help to cleanse the palate, making it easier to enjoy the rich and intense flavour of the dark chocolate. The two together can create a harmonious and satisfying taste experience.

Instead of going for the classic champagnes and sparkling wines, impress with this unique Penley Estate Georgina Sparkling Shiraz from Coonawarra, Australia. A luscious modern style of sparkling Shiraz!

Pinot Noir & Beef Tenderloin

Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine with bright fruit flavours and a medium to low tannin profile. Its delicate flavour profile complements the richness of the beef tenderloin, and the wine's acidity helps to cut through the fat and make the flavours of the meat more vibrant.

Additionally, the earthy and herbal notes in Pinot Noir can enhance the flavours of the beef, making for a well-balanced and satisfying taste experience. Overall, Pinot Noir and beef tenderloin can make a classic and sophisticated pairing.

Try the De Beaurepaire Perceval Pinot Noir from Rylstone, Australia. A superb, soft, and delicate medium red.

We hope you've found inspiration for your Valentine's Month celebration. Whether you prefer a classic red wine with a juicy steak or a fruity cocktail with a light dessert, there is a perfect combination waiting for you and your special someone!