This year, you will not be able to share a cocktail with your Valentine in a trendy bar. However, if you live with your partner, a cocktail by click-and-collect or delivered to your door, possibly along with a meal, could save a lot of heartache. Some of the options below require booking, but if you hurry, it may not be too late.
In Cork the excellent Cask bar has various options for collection and delivery, but the Cask in a Box (€40 for two), which includes six tapas and cocktails for two (including Valentine's cocktails) sounds like a great choice to me. caskcork.com
Dublin distillery Stillgarden has put together a selection of three very attractive Valentine's gift boxes containing everything you need to make cocktails for two, but you will need to order before midday today to guarantee delivery. stillgardendistillery.com
Bar1661 has a tasty selection of cocktails (craftcocktails.ie) in small and large formats, and has added a cosmopolitan, a mai tai and an alcohol-free Not a Negroni to the range. You can collect, including tomorrow, and receive garnishes and ice, or get same-day delivery within a 3km radius of the bar.
Stationtostationwine.ie offers the 1661 Craft Cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic bellinis, Silk Tree non-alcoholic cocktails, Champagne and glass sets and Regal Rogue vermouth cocktails delivered on the day in Dublin. The Decent Drinks Company also features Craft Cocktails, as well as a decent range of beer and wine, and offers delivery within 5km radius of its base in Rialto.
If your tastes run to Mexican food and drink, 777 doesn't deliver on weekends but it is open today for click-and-collect food and cocktails, including their renowned Margarita. Members of the Blackwater Tasters Club will have received a small bottle of Love Potion No 5, an elixir designed for St Valentine's Day. See blackwaterdistillery.ie for details. Lastly, in addition to the non-alcoholic options above, thevirginmarybar.com has a selection of alcohol-free gift boxes and offers same-day delivery in Dublin.
