Toast Valentine's Day with Casa Noble Crystal

Valentine’s Day.

Two evocative words. You love it, you hate it, you think Hallmark invented it, but it’s unlikely you’re indifferent to it. One point I think we can all agree on, though: cocktails.

Whether you want to snuggle up, eat your feelings or draft a detailed Facebook status diatribe against the commercialization of love… you’re going to need a cocktail to really get to the bottom of whichever emotional well you’ve chosen. It may as well be the correct cocktail.

“The El Beso de Luz” Margarita

(the kiss of light – Named by Santana)

2 oz Casa Noble Crystal

½ oz Licor 43

1 oz lime juice

¼ orange; squeeze & drop

This is the most versatile Valentine’s Day drink.

Into it? Not only is tequila an aphrodisiac, but Santana (yes, the Santana of Woodstock and Black Magic Woman) likened his first warm taste of El Beso de Luz to the first time one falls in love. In fact, he was so moved by it that he gave the cocktail its name, a tribute to his wife Cindy.

Feeling bitter? We think the citrus and vanilla notes, complimented by the knowledge that you’re about to indulge in one of Mexico’s finest exports will make that sour mood hard to maintain.

Angry about the perversion of St. Valentine? Unlike other forms of alcohol, tequila – though not technically a stimulant – has been reported to give imbibers more of a boost than its counterparts. So that Facebook post you’re already thinking about? This will help you to bang it out eloquently and steel yourself for comments from coupled up friends.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received complimentary teeny tiny samples so I could try this cocktail. No compensation was provided. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Cocktails for National Vodka Day

I didn't realize there was a National Vodka Day but far be it for me to ignore such an auspicious occasion! Especially when it was brought to my attention by the purveyors of Crystal Head and Cupcake Vodkas. I've long stared covetously at the ominous skull decanter at the liquor store. And, obviously, anything named after baked goods is worth a try. 

So, in honor of National Vodka Day, why not make it a Vodka Weekend with Crystal Head or Cupcake Vodka? Skøl!

The Red Head

1 1/2 oz. of Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 oz of Pama Liqueur

Pomegranate slice

Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add Crystal Head Vodka and Pama. Shake well and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a slice of pomegranate.

 The Skulled Cider

1 1/2 oz. Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 oz. vanilla liqueur

1 oz. apple cider

dash of angostura bitters

Ginger Ale

Add all ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice in the

order given. Give a quick stir and add the garnish.

Garnish: an apple slice on the rim or inside of the glass

Pretty in Pink

1.5 oz Cupcake Deliciously Unflavored (Original) Vodka

3 oz Pink Grapefruit Juice

0.5 oz Lemon/Lime Soda

Grapefruit Slice

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in ingredients. Stir and add grapefruit slice as garnish.

Cheetah Print

1 oz Cupcake Frosting Vodka

1 Splash of Citrus Liqueur

1 oz Lemon/Lime Soda

1 oz Orange Soda

1 Splash Orange Juice

Combine ingredients and pour over ice into a highball glass. 

Follow Crystal Head on Twitter and Facebook. (They're affiliated with supernatural powers AND Dan Akroyd. For reals!)

Follow Cupcake Vodka on Twitter and Facebook.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received samples of these products to facilitate this post. No compensation has been provided. As usual, all opinions are my own.