This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Leeds chapter.

February 14th. The day that for many is symbolic of love, relationships and romance. Unless you’re single of course, then it’s more just a gentle reminder that you’re alone and haven’t got that ‘special’ someone to lavish you with attention, love and maybe a gift… or two. Some people believe it’s amazing that any singleton can even find a reason to smile on such a lovey- dovey day. Well rest assured I have found the perfect solution. This has come after many years of spending Valentine’s Day dateless and I’ve decided it’s not a reason to dwell. In fact why shouldn’t I be celebrating? After all being a single girl definitely has its perks!

Just think you don’t have the issue of getting the ‘perfect’ present for your loved one. No bother with finding and writing an emotive and heart felt message in a card. Plus you can have complete freedom of how you spend Valentine’s Day. So this year I’ve decided to make a night of Valentine’s Day. And I encourage all you other single girls out there to do the same. How am I going to do this I hear you ask? By celebrating in true single girl style and throwing a cocktail party!

I couldn’t think of anything better than inviting a few of my fellow single friends round (although those in relationships are welcome too) to enjoy a night of having fun, gossiping and knocking back a few Valentine’s themed beverages. I mean, why not? We owe it to ourselves to celebrate being us! Plus why let couples steal a day from us?

I feel a party at home is more appropriate than going out. Purely for the fact that every restaurant/bar/club/anywhere with some sort of social aspect will be full of couples. So, to avoid the heart ache and general ‘Oh bless, they’re on their own’ scenario, I feel a night in is more appropriate. Plus it will probably work out cheaper in the long run too!

You might have the issue of not knowing what cocktails to make, especially if you rely on the cocktail list at the bar to inspire you. Well worry no more as I have supplied a list of some tried and tested cocktail recipes to give you some ideas of what to indulge in (and yes they really are luxurious) this February 14th.

The Romance

This will be all you need to fall in love. Who needs a partner when you can have this little taste of heaven instead? This cocktail is very rich and sweet and the chocolate, coffee and cream mix make this the perfect combination of a drink and dessert all in one.

Ingredients:

3/4 ounce Kahlua
3/4 ounce Bailey’s
3/4 ounce brown Creme de Cacao
1 ounce heavy cream
Cocoa powder/chocolate sprinkles
Marshmallows

Method:

Simply mix all the liquid ingredients together with ice before straining into a glass. Martini ones are my best recommendation. Then top with your choice of chocolaty treat. I personally like the marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles but feel free to adapt to your preference.

White Strawberry Sangria

Sangria for me is the reminder of hot summer days and being happy. So why not brighten up a dull and dreary February evening by adding a bit of that warming summer sparkle? This adaption will leave you refreshed and definitely in your happy little place.

Ingredients:

125ml of white wine
30ml strawberry Schnapps
1 tablespoon sugar
2 strawberries
Ice

Method:

Combine the wine, Schnapps and sugar, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Then slice up the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Pour your beverage into a glass filled with ice and top with the sliced strawberries.

Raspberry and Chocolate Martini

Another chocolaty one, after all it’s only fair that us single girls get the benefits of chocolate on Valentine’s Day too! The mixture of chocolate and raspberries means this is another sweet one and it is luxurious to say the very least. But who cares, we deserve it.

Ingredients:

50ml vodka
25ml chocolate syrup
4 raspberries
1 teaspoon chocolate/cocoa powder
Ice

Method:

Fill a shaker with all the ingredients except the chocolate powder. Shake thoroughly before straining into a martini glass. Use the chocolate powder to top as a garnish. You may wish to also add extra raspberries.

If you’re a non-drinker you don’t have to be left out either. So here is an equally indulgent mocktail to treat yourself too.

Virgin on the Beach

A non-alcoholic twist on the classic Sex on the Beach. Still equally as refreshing and fruity but without all the headache in the morning.

Ingredients:

30ml grapefruit juice
30ml cranberry juice
1 teaspoon coconut milk
180ml water
Ice
Choice of fruit (berries or grapes work well)

Method:

Combine all liquid ingredients plus ice and blend together until completely smooth. Pour into a glass and top with your own choice of fruit as a garnish.

Spicy Raspberry Lemon Cooler

This is for those of you who want the sophistication of a fruity cocktail but are still reminising over the days when Valentine’s Day was just a distant memory. Remember when parties were all about the party bags and lemonade! So here is the perfect mix to give you the best of both worlds.

Ingredients:

3 raspberries
30ml honey
30ml lemon juice
30ml water
200ml ginger beer
Lemon slice

Method:

Put the raspberries, honey, lemon juice and water into a pan and boil. Then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes until the fruit has completely broken down. After this remove from the heat and let cool before straining into an ice filled glass of choice. Then fill the rest of the glass with ginger beer and serve with a lemon slice on the side.

Emily Willson

Image Source:

Leeds Valentines Day

Single Girls and Cocktails

We wanna slide into your DMs