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Romance shouldn’t be reserved for just holidays or anniversaries. Why not surprise that special someone tonight with a delicious dinner for two? Here is our guide to hosting the perfect romantic dinner.

A TOAST TO ROMANCE

Let’s start the evening off right. A champagne / sparkling wine toast sets the tone and indicates that this isn’t just any dinner. Here are some of our favorites in every price range.

  • Value – Korbel California

  • Choice – Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut

  • Choice Plus – Gloria Ferrer

  • Splurge – Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose

  • Wild Card – Dom Perignon


Delicious Devotion

Click here for a menu, complete with recipes, that is sure to please that special someone no matter the occasion. Also, you can stop by Colonial for food and wine ideas. We have two Chefs on staff ready to help.

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DON’T FORGET THE FLOWERS

Roses are traditional and expected. There is nothing wrong with going this route. But if you want to do something very personal and special, have a look at what’s blooming right now. Cut a dozen of any one, or a combination. Then arrange them loosely in a vase. If you have herbs in your garden, add a few fresh sprigs of rosemary and chive stems for greenery.  

DIY Flower Wine Bottle

For this simple centerpiece, simply tie flowers, ribbons or greenery around the neck of a bottle of champagne or wine. Secure with floral wire if necessary.

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Click to see a video tutorial.

Click to see a video tutorial.


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Romeo & Juliet

  • 1 1/2 oz. Patron Silver tequila

  • 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier

  • 1/4 oz. Chambord

  • 2 oz. chilled peach juice

  • 3 maraschino cherries, garnish

  • orange spiral, garnish

In a shaker with ice, add Patron, Grand Marnier, Chambord and peach juice. Shake vigorously - about 10 seconds. Pour into a chilled flute or large martini glass. Spear the cherries and add to drink. Place orange spiral on the lip of the glass so it drapes down the side.

  


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Valentine's Delight

  • 1 1/2 oz. Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

  • 1 oz. Graham’s Ruby port, the sweeter the better

  • 1 oz. Kahlua

  • 1 1/2 oz. heavy cream

  • ground nutmeg

In a shaker filled with ice, add first four ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a large chilled martini glass. Gently sprinkle nutmeg on top.


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Love At First Sight

  • 1 bottle chilled La Gioiosa Prosecco

  • 1/2 oz. Pallini Limoncello

  • 1/2 oz. Grey Goose Vodka

  • 1/2 oz. Cointreau

  • dash of grenadine, for color

  • Maraschino cherry

In a shaker of ice, pour Limoncello, vodka and Cointreau. Shake for an extended period – at least 20 seconds. Pour this medley into a tall fluted glass. Fill the rest of the glass with Prosecco. Add a touch of grenadine and stir gently, and drop a maraschino cherry into the glass.


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Romance

  • 3/4 oz Tia Maria

  • 3/4 oz Carolan’s Irish Cream

  • 3/4 oz Dekuyper Dark creme de Cacao

  • 1 oz heavy cream

  • 2 Marischino cherries

Add first four ingredients to a shaker half full of ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Spear the two cherries on a long pick and balance from rim to rim on top of the glass.


Find many more Romantic Cocktails here on our Mixology page!