By now, you probably know that we love leaning into a theme, which is why we’ve got MAJOR heart-eyes for this Love Potion Number 9 drink. What could be more perfect for Valentine’s Day?! Sure, you could pop a bottle of bubbly, but would you (and your partner) get your cheesy kicks in that way? No, you would not. That’s just a fact. You need this cocktail in your life this V-Day, trust us.
Why is it called Love Potion Number 9?
Excellent question! The Love Potion Number 9 recipe has a great back story, which is awesome if you need a conversation icebreaker during your hot V-Day date. That way you sound clever and interesting while looking amazing because you’ve just whipped up a really gorgeous drink. #WINNING
So, here’s the deal. There are actually a variety of Love Potion Number 9 alcoholic drink recipes that do the rounds. However, this is the one that we like best, and we’ve found that the reason it’s such a popular name for a Valentine’s Day drink is a bit of a pop-culture layer cake…
See, first there was the song, Love Potion #9, performed by an R&B band called The Clovers in 1959. It was then also recorded by The Searchers in 1964, and covered by a whole bunch of other bands after that. Suffice it to say, there has been quite a ruckus about who it actually ‘belongs’ to.
Then, in 1992, a movie by the same name came out, starring Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan. It tanked hard but left a lasting impression on the zeitgeist nonetheless, thanks, in no small part, to the catchy title. With all this free-floating ‘potion’ talk in the air, it quickly became an inspiration for amateur and professional mixologists alike.
Similar Drinks to Love Potion Number 9
Once you’ve learned how to make Love Potion Number 9 drink and find that you adore it, there are a few other cocktails you should definitely shake up. This includes:
- Cranberry Martini: Fruity Martinis are always fun and festive. Featuring vodka, Grand Marnier, 100% cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup as ingredients, the pretty Cranberry Martini is a photogenic showstopper drink that’s simple to shake up. Talk about a win-win!
- Virgin Strawberry Mojito: Keen to serve up something non-alcoholic this Valentine’s Day? Stay on theme with our lovely Virgin Strawberry Mojito mocktail. This sweet cocktail is easy to pour and beautifully refreshing.
- Adult Strawberry Ice Cream Party: Ice cream cocktails are a delicious indulgence, and the Adult Strawberry Ice Cream Party is a ton of fun. This deeply indulgent drink combines cake-infused vodka, strawberry vodka, strawberry ice cream, whipped cream, and all the sprinkles.
When to serve a Love Potion Number 9 drink
Well, by now you know we’ve got this drink pegged as one of our top Valentine Day’s Cocktails, but we also like to serve it on other loved-up occasions. This includes:
- Romantic picnics (you don’t always need a reason!)
- Wedding cocktail hour (in the name of love…)
- Global Love Day, celebrated on May 1st (created by The Love Foundation to encourage unity and celebrate humanity through unconditional love)
