Any big plans for Valentine’s this year? If you’re looking to add some spice to the usual chocolate-flowers-dinner combo, make sure to stock your home bar with aphrodisiac drinks that help bring the sexy back using more than just their alcohol content. They’ll help you get in the right mood and prolong your pleasure once you’re there.
What’s an aphrodisiac effect, you ask?
Well, science says that anything we eat or drink affects the chemicals in our bodies. When the things we treat ourselves to energize or improve sexual function (libido, potency, and pleasure), you have an aphrodisiac effect on your hands.
In other words: certain goodies increase the production of the fun hormones, including the all-favorite serotonin. You know, the happy molecules.
Here are six aphrodisiac drinks to spice up your night:
- Champagne
- Champagne co*cktail
- Port
- Chartreuse and Benedictine
- Damiana
- Absinthe
- Death in the Afternoon aka The Hemingway
Champagne
The burst of the bubbles when you pop the bottle, the ultimate symbol of luxury and success – no wonder Champagne is an aphrodisiac classic. The bubbles help the Alcohol in Champagne enter your bloodstream faster than with other Wines and do their job of relaxing you and putting you in a more casual mood.
Take a sip and enjoy the yeasty fragrance (supposedly shares some traits with the female pheromones), tingling of the bubbles, and coolness of the drink - instant boost for your sexy times!
Champagne co*cktail
Start your evening with a spark of the legendary French 75 co*cktail.
INGREDIENTS:
- 60 ml (2oz) Gin
- 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
- 15 ml (½ oz) lemon juice
- 150 ml (5 oz) dry Champagne
INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake all ingredients except the Champagne in a shaker with ice and strain over ice into a glass, and top with Champagne. More Champagne co*cktails that will lift your spirits available here.
Port
Fortified Wine that the Portuguese have been making and exporting since the 1600s, owes part of its long-lasting popularity to its aphrodisiac effect. The white version more so than red, and it works best when combined with strawberries or chocolate.
Chartreuse and Benedictine
Two herbal liquors, famous for their uplifting abilities, were both invented by the monks (go figure!). Chartreuse – the one that gave the name to the green-yellow hue, has been produced by the Carthusians since mid 18th century, using 130 different herbs and clocking in at 55% ABV.
Benedictine was first made in 1510, forgotten for a while, and re-discovered in 1863. It’s made with 27 plants and spices, (some dating back to biblical times), and the exact recipe is still known to only three people.
Damiana
Damiana is not a drink; it’s a plant native to Mexico, Central America, and some southern US states. Its aphrodisiac effects for both men and women are a sure bet when you have big plans for the night. It helps the gentlemen achieve the erection much easier and last longer, while it makes it easier for the ladies to get to the big bang!
So where can you find it? It's sold as an extract in capsules or dried to be used for the tea. If you fancy something sexier than tea for a date night, go for Tequila with Damiana or Crème de Damiana traditional Mexican liqueur.
Absinthe
Absinthe is the most mysterious drink in the world and the blue pill of la Belle Époque artists and intellectuals. Absinthe is said to increase the sensitivity of all senses, intensify your experience and make the sexy times unforgettable!
Death in the Afternoon aka The Hemingway
Not exactly the most romantic name for a co*cktail, but green fairy takes flight in this Absinthe co*cktail recipe.
This nearly effortless drink contains only two ingredients: absinthe and Champagne. For each serving, you'll need 30 ml (1oz) Absinthe and 120-150 ml (4-5oz) Champagne. Pour Absinthe into a flute glass and top with Champagne.
Pick the best fuel for your rocket, add the right atmosphere and some good food and you're ready for the magic to happen! If you’re wondering what food to pair with one of these, read and learn our food pairing articles.
