Pink Lady from the Kitchn

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! In the cocktail world, it is also known as "Day of the Really Gross Sugar Bomb Cocktails," or DotRGSBC. (OK, so I made that up. But the sentiment is true.) There's nothing wrong with a sweet cocktail if that's your thing. But on Valentine's Day it's hard to find anything that isn't oozing with chocolate and whipped cream. So I've done a little legwork (such a sacrifice, right?) to find tasty Valentine's cocktails to please a wide variety of tastes.

Here are some cocktails to please your sweetie (and you).

Pink Lady ~ Don't let the name fool you! This isn't some frilly number for dames who don't like booze. It's gin, applejack, lemon, and a little grenadine plus egg whites and bitters for a nice foamy top ... a classic.

French 125 ~ This Champagne cocktail by 12 Bottle Bar is a variation on the French 75 using brandy instead of gin, which is a great substitution for a cozy evening in. (Psst ... I also recommend a French 75.)

Midnight Ride ~ Blood oranges are in season (as well as being a romantic shade of red). The White on Rice Couple came up with a tasty variation on the classic Sidecar that uses blood orange juice, along with of course the traditional Cognac.

Averna Buena ~ This is a dry and sophisticated cocktail from Serious Eats "balances a few drops of Godiva chocolate liqueur with the amaro Averna and a hit of reposado tequila." The result is a hint of delicious chocolate in a smooth and not-at-all-sugary cocktail.

Brandy Alexander ~ If you do want a dessert cocktail, go for this one. It's creamy and chocolatey but doesn't venture into the too-much-chocolate overkill zone.