Distilleries have been working hard to create a vast array of unique spirits using new ingredients, resulting in a delightful experience for drinkers. Floral, fruity, and creamy flavors are prevalent during Valentine's Day, with citrusy flower-infused drinks being all the rage. Cocktails with vibrant colors are sure to add a touch of excitement to any celebration. 

Data from last year's Valentine's Day sales indicates a 12 percent increase nationwide in comparison to the previous four Mondays, with traditional favorites such as bourbon and tequila being the most popular among consumers. 

According to Liz Paquette, Drizly's Head of Consumer Insights, most markets experienced consistent sales growth during the holiday. This indicates that retailers in top Drizly markets can anticipate increased sales on holidays like Valentine's Day.

In this article, we will present a curated list of the finest alcoholic beverages to enjoy on Valentine's Day with your significant other. We aim to assist you in selecting the perfect beverage that caters to your palate and preferences. This collection of 14 Valentine's Day spirits, as judged by the Bartender Spirits Awards, is sure to add vibrancy and merriment to your special day.

1. Mystique Spirits Can

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“You won’t believe your taste buds with this bright and shiny rum cocktail. Your daily serving of fruit in a can features the tropical flavors of guava and lychee finishing delicately alongside our jasmine tea-infused rum. It won’t be a mystery any longer.” - Kokomo

Mystique's bright notes of citrus with the influence of guava and grapefruit flavors with a subtle bitterness take away the palate on a soulful journey. It tastes like a well-balanced cocktail ready to serve. This distinct flavor profile of Mystique made it earn a Gold medal with an impressive score of 92 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2023. 

2. 504 King Cake Handcrafted rum

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A delightful rum infused with real, whole ingredients like hibiscus petals, lime (cut and dehydrated by hand), cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean. 

"504King Cake is one of our most versatile infusions, and it's so much fun. On those early parade mornings, we pour hundreds of coffees spiked with 504King Cake to waiting parade-goers for something festive and warm. It's been fun to see it pop up in carnival-themed baked goods and even king cake fillings every season, too. Most of all, I love to throw it in a simple daiquiri with lemon juice instead of lime. Talk about the spirit of Mardi Gras!" - Mark Taliancich, Co-Founder, CEO, & Head Distiller

Handcrafted with love, this Gold award-winning drink received 91 points from the Bartender Spirits Awards 2023. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

3. Gindome Ambrosia 

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In mythology, Ambrosia was a nymph who transformed herself into a grapevine to escape from Lycurgus, the king of Thrace. Lycurgus prohibited the worship of Dionysus and banished his followers. However, the name Ambrosia later became a term for any "delightful liquid". This liquid brings a delightful taste, a sense of juniper, and a popular dry gin finish. It leaves the bartender or you with many options to experiment with without losing the traditional taste. As rose petal influences the taste of juniper, it pairs well with any cocktail. 

In the Bartender Spirits Awards 2023, Ambrosia achieved an impressive score of 91 points and won a gold medal for their true handcrafted bottles.

4. Citadelle Jardin d'ete

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Inspired by the charming garden at the Château de Bonbonnet, which is a small nature preserve where flowers, fruits, and herbs thrive, Citadelle Jardin d'Été is a unique twist on our signature gin that offers an enjoyable sensory experience. It features hints of Charentais melon, whole lemons, and yuzu, and orange zest, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing gin and tonic.

Citadelle Jardin d'Été is a refreshing and delicate gin with a fresh aroma. It begins with bright notes of lemon, yuzu, and orange, which are softened by the roundness of Charentais melon. The finish is superbly long and remains invigorating and fruity, making it a perfect choice for your Valentine's celebration.

Citadelle Jardin d'Été was awarded 90 points and a gold medal from Bartender Spirits Awards 2023, which is a testament to the passion and dedication of our judges.

5. Birdie Brown Straight Wheat Whiskey

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Birdie Whiskey is a premium-quality spirit that offers a smooth blend and a rich flavor profile. It has a distinctive taste that combines notes of caramel with a subtle hint of oak, making it a delightful sipping experience. Whether you prefer it neat or in a cocktail, Birdie Whiskey stands out as a testament to craftsmanship and excellence.

In 2023, Birdie Whiskey won a gold medal with an outstanding score of 93 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards. Our judges praised the whiskey's strong cinnamon and baking spices, as well as its flavors of vanilla, almonds, and butterscotch.

6. Juliet Gin

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Juliet gin by Paradigm is a delightful combination of tradition and innovation. The expertly crafted botanical blends are a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence, using only the finest ingredients and employing distillation processes that pay homage to the classic gin essence while adding a modern flair.

At the Bartender Spirits Awards 2023, Juliet Gin was awarded an impressive score of 89 points and a coveted silver medal. The gin is distinguished by its harmonious balance of flavors, with piney juniper notes blending seamlessly with refreshing citrus, floral accents, and subtle spices. The result is a versatile and enjoyable spirit that elevates the gin experience. As the name suggests, Juliet gin is the ideal match for any Romeo, making it the perfect gift for Valentine.

7. Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon

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If you're looking for a top-quality bourbon, the award-winning Four Roses Small Batch Select is a great option. This 104-proof, non-chill-filtered bourbon is crafted to perfection and offers a rich depth of flavors that provide a closer-to-the-barrel experience. It won a gold medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards 2023 with a score of 93 points. The judges were impressed with its tasting notes, which included hints of vanilla, almonds, and fruits on the nose, and a rich and deep flavor with a nice body and good mouthfeel.

Check out how America’s Renowned Four Roses bourbon producer, has incorporated AI technology. 

8. Pravda Pump Raspberry Ready To Drink All Natural

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Pravda Raspberry is a delicious and aromatic vodka that offers a unique sensory experience. Its vibrant red color and delightful aroma are just the beginning. Each sip reveals the natural sweetness of ripe raspberries, balanced with a subtle hint of tartness. The vodka is flavored with natural raspberry flavors and has been distilled in the Carpathian Mountains since 1743.

Pravda Raspberry has gained recognition for its exceptional quality and is unlike any other raspberry vodka on the market. It was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards, solidifying its position as a top choice among vodka enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a creative and distinct gift for your valentine, consider Pravda Pump Raspberry RTD. 

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9. East Indies Bali Pomelo dry gin

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The East Indies Bali Pomelo Pink Gin is a unique gin made with Indonesian botanicals, distilled in small batches in a handmade 550-liter copper still. It features the love of Bali pomelo, which is a large, fleshy, and uniquely Balinese version of the more common pomelo, along with fresh Bedugul strawberries and other typical botanicals like juniper, coriander, and Angelica root. 

The gin has a mouthwatering aroma of freshly cut pomelo and grapefruit and a dry but round berry character on the palate. The natural infusion of Rosella gives the gin its distinctive salmon-pink hue. It can be enjoyed in a bramble or just over ice with a splash of tonic, making it a refreshing and versatile gin. 

The East Indies Bali Pomelo Pink Gin won a Double Gold and an exceptional 96 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards, making it the perfect choice for a nice Valentine's Day.

10. Bitter Feminist Cachaca

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Bitter Feminist Brazilian cachaça is a unique type of liquor made from pressed sugar cane. It offers a distinct, enjoyable, and flavorful spirit that is perfect for any celebration, particularly one that commemorates an accomplishment.

Cachaça can be sipped alone or used to make a delicious cocktail. It can be used in place of or as a complement to a variety of other more conventional alcohol options. Many cocktails that typically use rum, vodka, tequila, or bourbon can also be made using cachaça. For instance, a "Tequila Sunrise" can be turned into a "Brazilian Sunrise" using cachaça. Vodka and lemonade can be transformed into a refreshing "Cachaça Cooler."

Bitter Feminist's cachaça won a gold medal and received 95 points at the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards, attesting to their passion for their creation.

11. Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur

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"There's no espresso martini without Tia Maria." Tia Maria is a distinctive and passionate Cold Brew coffee liqueur with a complex aroma and strong character. It is made using 100% Arabica coffee beans, which are roasted using a patented method and extracted through the cold brew process. These methods create a perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness, ensuring the unique taste of Tia Maria. Spirits-Coffee lovers can indulge in this award-winning liqueur, which won 86 points and a Silver Medal at the Bartender Spirits Awards in 2023.

12. Lexical Amaro

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Lexical is a type of amaro liqueur that is made by blending various bitter roots and citrus fruits. The liqueur is made by infusing fresh grapefruit peel, gentian root, tulsi flower, and cinchona bark into a mixture of NYS apple brandy and grain spirit. It is a gold medal winner and has received a rating of 94 points at the Bartender Spirits Awards. 

When you taste this liqueur, you'll experience a burst of grapefruit aromas, followed by a sweet orange blossom honey flavor on the tip of your tongue. Finally, the drink finishes with a refreshing bitter taste that will invigorate your senses.

13. Floh Pink Grapefruit & Dragonfruit Vodka

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Floh is a brand of vodka that comes in an elegant and luxurious bottle, designed to look like a champagne bottle with some added features. The bottle is shaped like a woman in a pink dress, and many customers choose to keep it as a souvenir of their FLŌH Experience. 

Floh's Pink Grapefruit and Dragonfruit Vodka has won multiple accolades, including a Gold Medal and 94 points at the globally recognized Bartender Spirits Awards in 2023. This vodka boasts a tropical aroma, leading to a palate of pineapple, orgeat, peach, and orange notes. It's not overly sweet and offers a pleasantly complex flavor profile.

14. Bakesale Chocolate Chip Cookie Liqueur

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Bakesale is a delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Liqueur that is as powerful as vodka or tequila but with a unique twist. Unlike other liqueurs, Bakesale is made with REAL chocolate chip cookies, giving it a distinct and scrumptious flavor that is hard to resist. 

What sets Bakesale apart from the rest is its unparalleled quality. It has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal and an impressive score of 94 points for its exceptional taste and texture. 

Bakesale is best enjoyed in small shots or can be sipped slowly and gracefully, thanks to its gluten-free properties. Whether you are a fan of sweet and creamy liqueurs or looking to try something new and exciting, Bakesale is a must-try beverage that is sure to tantalize your taste buds even during Valentine's. 

Explore more Award-winning spirits from Bartender Spirits Awards, a must-add to your collection for every occasion.