Happy Valentine’s Day weekend! And more importantly, perhaps, happy President’s Day weekend! Despite the fact that Valentine’s Day is the much more discussed of the holidays, it’s thanks to President’s Day that I have an entire glorious day off from work. Thanks for nothing, Cupid. Do you think flower companies lose out on some major business when Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday? And maybe restaurants do, too, when it’s negative eleventy billion degrees out and you wouldn’t leave your house for anything in the world no matter how in love you are. I’m not saying it’s negative eleventy billion degrees here in Boston, but it’s pretty freaking cold.
Instead of going out this weekend, you should probably just cuddle up on your couch with your loved one and a cocktail. I must be a horrible person for making a cold drink filled with tons of crushed ice, right? But I hope you’ll forgive me given the fact that I incorporated a pink peppercorn simple syrup into the drink. That will warm you right up. Along with the vodka. And 14 fur blankets, the heat turned up to 70, and a fire going strong in the fireplace. I’ve lived through this before.
This drink only contains a few ingredients: strawberries, vodka, pink peppercorn simple syrup, and soda water… But it’s a good one.
Isn’t is completely unfair that Valentine’s Day doesn’t coincide with strawberry season? Who planned that one?
I’m thankful that pink peppercorns are an all-year-round sort of thing. I really do think they’re one of my favorite food things ever.
I love that they’re spicy as any good peppercorn should be, but also have a touch of sweetness to them. And obviously the fact that they’re pink.
This sipper is called just that because it’s perfect for some easy sipping. Sitting and sipping, if you will. And this weekend, I hope you’re sitting with your loved one(s) and as far away from the cold as you can get.
A little bit sweet and a little bit spicy; isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? And um, President’s Day, too, right? Please, just go with it. I’m sure George Washington would totally be on board.
I hope you’re having a sweet weekend… And that it’s a long one for you, too!
What’s your Valentine’s Day drink of choice?
- 10 strawberries hulled
- Crushed ice
- 3 oz. vodka
- 2 oz. pink peppercorn simple syrup
- Soda water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp pink peppercorns
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Muddle strawberries in the bottom of two glasses.
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Fill each glass with crushed ice.
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Add vodka and simple syrup to glasses.
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Top off with soda water.
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Combine sugar, water, and pink peppercorns in a medium-sized saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil.
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Lower heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until syrup thickens.
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Remove syrup to jar or bowl and let cool to room temperature. Keep pink peppercorns in syrup until ready to use.
I agree with you…I think that florists lost out a little bit yesterday and restaurants, too…considering it was snowing and SO cold in Chicago! But I’d much rather sip on this gorgeous drink. Love the pretty color and flavor!
We totally didn’t leave the house for Valentine’s Day… we stayed in our jammies, the comfort of our house and cooked instead. LOVE this cocktail, my dear! This is perfect for 5 o’clock on any given day! Shoot, I’d take 2 right now, except its 8:45 am and that might be frowned upon. 😉 Cheers, my dear!
Totally love the pink peppercorns and I would not have ventured outside on Sunday either if the weather here had been as cold as what yours was ?
This is the prettiest “sipper!” I’ve seen! Hope you had a good V-Day!
You know how I love a good simple syrup! This one sounds right up my alley, as I am a huge pepper lover. I’ll have to try this! It’s 55+ in Portland, so I don’t mind an icy cocktail these days!
that pink peppercorn simple syrup sounds wonderful!
I’d drink a cold pink cocktail any time of year! This looks fabulous.