When indulging in a cocktail to start off a romantic evening, these aphrodisiacs are a safe bet. Pair these cocktails with oysters or some strawberries to up the ante.
Hidden Dragon
In Miami, Komodo’s Hidden Dragon is made with Absolut Elyx vodka, sake, lychee, peach, yuzu and pomegranate. Pomegranate juice is a potent natural aphrodisiac due to its ability to increase testosterone levels.
Safe Word
Did you know “pineapple” is a popular safe word? Chocolate is a well-known aphrodisiac; nuts that are rich in amino acids, including hazelnuts, boosts the production of sex hormones. All are found in this cocktail at Sparrow + Wolf in Las Vegas.
Montreal Mule
Ginger is used as an aphrodisiac by many cultures around the world, and at Bleu Bohème, San Diego’s award-winning French restaurant, both ginger beer and freshly grated ginger are mixed into the refreshing Montreal Mule to make it a potentially-seductive spirit. The Montreal Mule is made with Canadian whisky, ginger beer, lime, grated ginger and mint.
The Firecracker
At Primavera Ristorante, an award-winning Italian eatery in Coronado, California, the Firecracker cocktail combines the watermelon flavors in its watermelon vodka, thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac, along with lime juice, cucumber and soda water for a spirit that may produce potential sparks later in the evening.
Pistols & Petticoats
At Rustic Root in San Diego, this cocktail is prepared with Buffalo Trace, fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, fresh ginger and Prosecco. Ginger is one of the world’s most notable aphrodisiacs, known for its ability to increase blood flow and stamina.“Pistols & Petticoats is a one part leather and two parts lace. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is complemented by fresh ginger and lemon for that warm yet snappy taste and combined with calming and floral lavender syrup for balance. Because bubbly makes everything more playful, we top the cocktail off with a touch of Prosecco,” says Tami Hughes, beverage director at Rustic Root.
Artisan Godfather
The Artisan Godfather at Artisan Beach House in the The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour in Miami consists of scotch, Amaretto, egg whites and cream, garnished with a cinnamon stick. As egg whites and cinnamon are some of the most known aphrodisiacs, this cocktail is the ideal drink for couples to set the mood.“The Artisan Godfather is our version on this classic cocktail. The creaminess of the egg whites mixed with the spicy cinnamon soften the taste of the scotch, while crafting the perfect drink for lovers to sip on,” says Boris Pauletig, food and beverage manager.
Sage Advice
Sea-Guini at Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater Beach makes Sage Advice, a cocktail featuring egg whites. Egg whites have been known as an aphrodisiac since the ancient times since they contain significant amounts of protein and cholesterol known to boost testosterone and energy. The Sage Advice blends Stoli, simple syrup, fresh lemon, an egg white, sage leaves and a tablespoon of fig preserve and is garnished with sage and a spray of rhubarb bitters. “Since we start off making this cocktail with the egg whites and lemon juice and then adding the remaining ingredients, it gives the Sage Advice a rich silky texture and a velvety foam since it’s so well blended and adequately whipped,” says Julia Melucci, bartender at Sea-Guini at Opal Sands Resort.
Lychee Blossom
At Quinto la Huella located inside EAST in Miami, this cocktail is beautiful, delicate and exotic, featuring lychee, vodka, Junami sake and fresh lychee juice. “Considered to be the fruit of love in many Eastern countries, the lychee plays a starring role in this delicious libation served at our signature restaurant, Quinto la Huella. Staying true to our Asian roots, this exotic fruit also has amazing health benefits (in addition to getting you in the mood), including serving as an antioxidant, a good source of vitamin C, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and much more,” says bartender Carlos Grotewold.
Blood Wolf Moon
“I named this drink in honor of the first astrological phenomenon of the new year, the blood wolf moon, which will take place on January 21. GEM&BOLT is an espadin mezcal infused with the flower Damiana, known for its aphrodisiac properties as well as healing powers. I felt the passionfruit helped magnify the flowers essence, as for the habanero, what a better way to start off the year then with a double aphrodisiac!” says China Morbosa, bartender at Eveleigh in West Hollywood.
Drop the Beet
Planta South Beach’s Drop the Beet cocktail is made using two aphrodisiac ingredients — ginger and chili. Ginger is known to increase blood flow in sexual organs and warms the blood, while chili’s capsaicin (what makes chilis hot) can tripper the release of endorphins that give you a natural high and pumps your libido. The Drop the Beet is made with Mezcal Union, lemon, raspberries, beets, Fresno chili and ginger.
