Recipe for Romance

Want a sure-fire way to fan the flames of passion this Valentine’s Day? Jilt the pricey dinner in a crowded restaurant in favor of two-some time watching classic romantic movies, nibbling delectables, and toasting each other. We created a few perfectly paired suggestions below, but you may have some ideas of your own. Spec’s experts love to play matchmaker when it comes to cozy cocktails and gourmet treats so take heart! We’ll help you and your sweetie have plenty of stars in your eyes this Valentine’s Day.

An Affair To Remember – Pink Champagne
Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr’s portrayal of a love-at-first-sight couple whose happy ending is much delayed after a missed tryst atop the Empire State Building is a favorite. You only need one ingredient to recreate their shared beverage of choice—pink champagne!

Casablanca – Gin & Tonic
Humphrey Bogart uttered this famous line in the film, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine,” so of course it’s the main ingredient.

Gin & Tonic
2 oz gin
4 oz tonic water
1 tbsp lime juice
Lime wedge for garnish

In a tall ice-filled glass, pour gin, tonic, lime juice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Titanic – The Lifesaver

Shipboard romances are famously short-lived, but the one between Rose and Jack set a record for unhappy endings. At least she found some comfort to ease her heartbreak with the 171-carat blue diamond “Heart of the Ocean” necklace!

The Lifesaver
2 oz blended Scotch whisky
¾ oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes bitters

Combine whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and stir well. Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass. Enjoy!