5 Date Night Drinks From The Beverage Architects

Our Beverage Architects at Flavorman are enthusiasts of finely crafted cocktails and romance! To fuse these passions, we've curated the ultimate cocktail menu tailor-made for your upcoming date night. Nowadays, cocktails and artisanal beverages have been the liaison for our most lovely nights out and in. They do a great job at breaking the ice amongst fine company and serve as the perfect toast for all of life’s big celebrations.

Join us as we unveil a selection of our Beverage Architects' cherished cocktails (including one delightful mocktail) guaranteed to captivate the night. Whether you prefer crafting these concoctions at home or savoring them at a bar, with the right ingredients, we've got you and your partner covered. Cheers to love and the art of mixology!

1. The Cherry Manhattan

Since Flavorman is based in Bourbon Country, we had to throw in a bourbon-based cocktail to start this menu off right. This sultry twist on one of the classics is a decadent choice for your next date night. With all the elements of a traditional Manhattan, we score it up by featuring muddled cherries as the star, yielding a rich forefront flavor. For those short on time or equipment, fear not – tart cherry juice makes for a perfect substitute. Whether crafted at home or enjoyed at a sophisticated cocktail bar, provided the bartender is up for the challenge, the Cherry Manhattan sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Check out this recipe!

• Ingredients
  • 6-8 sweet cherries, stemmed and rinsed (Or ½ ounce of tart cherry juice)
  • 2 ounces rye bourbon
  • ¾ ounce sweet red vermouth
  • 4 drops angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Orange peel
• In cocktail shaker, muddle cherries to juice pulp. Add bourbon, vermouth, and bitters. Stir well (do not shake), and strain into rocks glass over ice. Press firm on to the cherry pulp to extract as much liquid as possible. Garnish with orange twist and cherry

2. The Sakura

Keeping with the same indulgent theme, we present The Sakura. Crafted by Adam Mangen to evoke the essence of Japanese Cherry Blossom season, this unique cocktail features nigori saké as its alcoholic base, with hibiscus taking center stage in the flavor profile. The flavor range of this cocktail is sure to impress your date, especially if you’re using top-notch ingredients. As exceptional as this drink is, be mindful that some bars might not be able to replicate this masterpiece due to a lack of uncommon ingredients like nigori saké, egg whites, and hibiscus syrup. With this in mind, whip up The Sakura at your home bar and enjoy it as a prelude to a nice dinner, alongside a home cooked meal, or as a capstone to the evening. Here’s the recipe.

• Ingredients
  • 1 ½ oz nigori sake
  • 1 oz gin
  • ¾ oz hibiscus syrup
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • 1 whole egg white
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Fresh or dried hibiscus flower for garnish (optional)
• Shake all ingredients first without ice, and then again with ice. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with edible flower.

3. Rose Gin and Tonic

For our health-conscious or budget-savvy friends, we present the Rose Gin and Tonic – a simple yet delightful concoction. This cocktail is a blend of botanical essences from your preferred gin, complemented by the floral notes of rose syrup. Set the stage for a romantic evening without breaking the bank, or your diet!

• Ingredients
  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz rose simple syrup
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • 4 oz tonic water
• Throw gin, rose water syrup, and lime juice into cocktail shaker. Shake well, and strain over ice in glass of choice. Top with tonic water. Garnish with dried rose petal.

4. The French 75

Introducing a timeless bar classic that effortlessly transitions from your neighborhood dive to an upscale restaurant. A well-known libation, this cocktail exudes romance and charm, making it a perfect choice for any venue you select for your date night. Fear not if you’d prefer to whip up this delightful drink at home, as we’ve provided the recipe. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s the ideal companion for creating cherished moments, whether at you and your partner’s favorite spot or in the comfort of your own abode.

• Ingredients
  • 2 oz gin
  • ¼ oz simple syrup
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • Champagne
  • Thin lemon peel for garnish
• Shake gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into champagne flute, and top with champagne. Garnish with twisted lemon peel.

5. Mint Berry Smash Mocktail

For those opting for a sober evening or simply desiring a non-alcoholic option, we present the perfect ‘mocktail’ to elevate your date night. Crafted up by Crystal Hatch in one of our favorite food/beverage blogs, this Mint Berry Smash Mocktail is rich in antioxidants, delivering a burst of flavor that rivals its alcoholic counterparts and maintains the same romantic ambiance. Infuse it with love, or for a relaxing touch without the liquor, add a few drops of CBD oil! And if you find this recipe intriguing but crave a buzz, easily transform it into a cocktail by throwing in a shot of you and your lover’s favorite spirit.

• Ingredients
  • 1 handful raspberry
  • 1 handful blueberry
  • 1 sprig fresh mint leaf
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 splash soda/seltzer water
• In cocktail shaker or tall glass, muddle berries and mint. Add lime juice, simple syrup, ice, and shake until combined. Strain over ice and top with soda water. Press firmly on muddled berries to extract as much juice as possible. Garnish with berry or mint leaf

So there you have it, friends! We’ve gone through five date night drinks that we hope spark your curiosity and creativity for your next date night, regardless of your lifestyle. Shake up your routine and go the extra mile by purchasing the ingredients for one of these delicious ‘tails, and we’re sure that whatever experience you have with your partner will be even more magical. Cheers!

If you’ve got an idea for a great drink, the beverage development experts at Flavorman can help you bring it to life! Just fill out this web form or give us a call at (502) 273-5214 to get started.