How to Make Matchbox Valentines (+ Free Printables!)

Sweet + spicy is a flavor combo that we will never fall out of love with, which makes us love this margarita recipefor V-Day. (via Brit + Co)

Grapefruit is so full of flavor, especially in the winter, which makes it a great pick for an anytime pink cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

This pink cocktail is equal parts sweet and tart, and will make any romantic night in way more fun. (via Brit + Co)

Channeling Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City is a major power move to make for V-Day, so of course, you gotta go with her signature cocktail – which also happens to be pink! (via Brit + Co)

Sip on some frozen goodness with this pink marg recipe! The berries technically make it healthy, right? (via Half Baked Harvest)

This pink batch cocktail recipe makes a sizable amount that you can share with all of your girls for Galentine's. (via Amanda Wilens)

The light citrus notes of grapefruit are perfectly complemented by bouts of chunky salt in this delicate pink cocktail that makes a play on the classic Paloma. (via Barley & Sage)

Peach, orange, and cranberry join forces to form a super fruity flavor in this sipper. (via Veggie Society)

You can always count on watermelon to leave you refreshed! Prep this spiked pink drink to cool down when you need it most! (via A Spicy Perspective)

This sip is as simple as shaking three ingredients together and enjoying it with your lover for Valentine's Day. (via Culinary Hill)

This delicate pink cocktail highlights the sweet floral notes from Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin. To make it, shake 2 oz of the gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, and 1 oz egg white over ice. Shake it again without ice. Then, strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with rose petals for a touch of pure romance! (via Empress Gin)

Strawberry and mint additions make this pink cocktail ultra-light! (via Cozy Cravings)

Raspberries turn your regular mojito into a totallyBarbiecore sipper. (via Amanda Wilens)

The combo of fruit and herbs that this cocktail highlights make it the most elevated pink cocktail for the holiday. Serve it some cool glassware for added enjoyment! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Bloomtown Gimlet

Take happy swigs of OJ and grapefruit juice in this healthy margarita! (via Rachel Mansfield)

The French 75 is just about as classy of a cocktail as they come. Traditionally made with lemon, champagne and gin, this one gets an unexpectedly sweet flavor (and hot pink color!) from juicy blood oranges. (via Cookie and Kate)

Anything from Lauren Conrad is *obviously* going to be an elegant show-stopping winner. Plus, a pink drink doesn’t get much simpler than pouring champagne over cotton candy — no cocktail shaker needed. (via Lauren Conrad)

With this pink cocktail, you can pretend like you’re on a island getaway. Add a beachy rom-com to your Netflix queue and chill without a care in the world! (via Supergolden Bakes)

This pink cocktail is for the lovers who wanna get lit this Valentine's. To make it, shake 1.5 oz Patrón Silver, 0.75 oz Patrón Citrónge, 0.75 oz cranberry juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass! Garnish with an orange twist for a classy finish. (via Patrón Tequila)

Pink lemonade just screams summertime – but you can sip it anytime! In this case, it gets spiked and garnished to power up the lively vibes. (via No Spoon Necessary)

If you’re a fan of mojitos, you’re definitely going to dig this pink cocktail. The fresh basil is such a refreshing flavor alongside the tart rhubarb. Don’t stress if you can’t find fresh rhubarb right now — frozen works just fine! (via Kitchn)

This pink cocktail uses homemade strawberry vodka to infuse the deliciously fresh flavor into every sip. (via Healthy Seasonal Recipes)

The elegant herbal touch of thyme in this pink cocktail is a perfect complement to the grapefruit. (via Freut Cake)

What is a good romantic drink?

While we'd consider anything shared with your partner to be a romantic drink, red wine is a great option since it's considered to be an aphrodisiac drink. If you're not into wine, pink cocktails will do!

What alcohol should I get for Valentine's Day?

If you're planning on making one of these pink cocktails, grab some fruit juice from the store or buy some fresh fruit as a mixer. Grapefruit juice, passion fruit juice, or blood orange juice are all great options. Here's the booze you can stock up on:

• Gin
• Vodka
• Wine
• Tequila
• Mezcal
• Champagne or sparkling wine

What is the most romantic cocktail?

Any cocktail with champagne in it is a great, romantic choice for a Valentine's Day drink.

What are the 5 most popular cocktails?

You can never go wrong with classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds, margaritas, martinis, Bloody Marys, and Palomas. Check out our Cocktails 101 guide for more sippable inspiration!

Delicious Pink Cocktails To Make This Valentine's Day

Citrus Mezcal Cocktail

Mezcal is a sister liquor to tequila, with a slightly smokier and more complex palette. There's nothing to not love about these refreshing and delicious Valentine's cocktails made with mezcal, grapefruit soda, rose, lime juice, and thyme! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas

It's getting hot in here! Spice things up this V-Day with these delish pink margs that also pack the heat. (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Rhubarb Bellinis

For an elegant option, make sure that both of your primary ingredients are pink. This pink cocktail is sweet, bubbly, and exactly what we need this Valentine's. (via Brit + Co)

Rachel Green-Inspired Rose Gulab

To create this pretty pink drink, shake 1.5 oz Ketel One vodka, 0.75 oz pomegranate syrup, and 0.75 oz lemon juice, then strain into a glass. Top it with rose petals and some lemon zest to make it an extra fun drink. Once summer rolls around, swap the ice for ice cream for a sweet treat! (via Brit + Co/ Byblos Miami)

You don't have to wait for warm weather to whip this margarita up, and V-Day is the perfect excuse. With honey, basil, and strawberries, this is one pink cocktail that will surely dance across your tastebuds. (via Brit + Co)

Watermelon Jelly Margarita

This watermelon and lime tequila cocktail is the perfect combination of boozy fun and simple sweetness. It's an enticing hot pink shade for the holiday! (via Brit + Co)

Rose Gin + Tonic

This pink drink earns its colorful qualities from a splash of Glendalough Rose Gin. To make it, add 2 oz of the gin to a wine glass with ice. Finish the cocktail off with tonic water, a lime slice, and a sprig of mint for one of the best (and easiest) Valentine's cocktails out there! (via Glendalough Distillery)

Rosa Raspberry Chocatini

Any drink that has anything to do with chocolate is a hit in our books. To make this dessert-y drink, mix equal parts chilled Rosa Regale red wine and Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka in a wine glass. Garnish with raspberries and shaved dark chocolate! (via Rosa Regale)

I've Got A Slush on You

This satisfyingly slushy pink cocktail is perfect for sharing over a V-Day pregame. Blend 2 oz Cutwater Hibiscus Vodka, 1oz Aperol, 2 oz strawberry syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and a few drops of rosewater with ice and pour it up! (via Cutwater)

Blushing Kiss Martini

The hint of elderflower liqueur in this gin martini adds a floral element that can’t be beaten. Rim the glass with a slice of grapefruit and stir with a thyme stem for a subtle herbiness. (via Bakers Royale)

The Love Potion Cocktail

Sweeten up this pink Champagne cocktail with a blackberry simple syrup that adds a ton of flavor and turns it all a light shade of pink. (via Lark & Linen)

The French Blonde just so happens to be one of Taylor Swift's favorite cocktails, and even if you're not celebrating February 14 with a partner, this sip is one of the best Valentine's cocktails to enjoy with your gals for Galentine's!

To make it, shake 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 1 oz dry gin, 2 oz Lillet Blanc, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and a few dashes of lemon bitters over ice and strain. Sip away! (via Lillet)

Haru’s Cherry Blossom Cocktail

Think outside the bar cart and combine some sake and cherry-flavored vodka in a shaker with peach puree and cranberry juice. It's like your new vodka cranberry! (viaPolka Dot Wedding)

Curl up on the couch with your love and this subtly pink drink, and you're in for some major cuddles. There's no shaker required, so refills are a cinch. (via Craft & Cocktails)

This pink cocktail blends botanicals and the bright kick of lemon for a sweet V-Day sip. To make it, mix 1 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz Chambord over ice, garnishing the drink with a lemon wedge. If you wanna get fancy, top this cocktail (or any of our Valentine's cocktails) off with a heart-shaped lollipop! (via Chambord Liqueur)

La Fleurette Cocktail

Serve this tasty pink cocktail in an elegant coupe class for that romantic old-Hollywood feel. (via Lulus)

This triple-berry martini is easy to make, easy on the eyes and really easy to drink. Give it a sultry feel with a few cubes of dry ice... your cocktail will be smokin’. (viaThe Cookie Rookie)

Tequila, grapefruit soda, and rosé Prosecco form this fun twist on the classic French 75. Make this pink Valentine's Day cocktail even more romantic by garnishing with berries! 

To make it, combine 1 oz tequila, 0.75 oz pomegranate juice, and 2 oz grapefruit soda in a chilled glass. Next, top the glass off with Josh Cellars Rose Prosecco. Enjoy! (via Josh Cellars)

Kir Royale

This fruity pink drink features champagne and creme de cassis, and if you want an extra pink look, swap the blackberries for raspberries. (via Culinary Hill)

Tequila is the way to just about anyone’s heart. Mix a couple of these sweet and sour Pink Señoritas to pair with your chips and guac this V-Day. (via Superman Cooks)

Rhubarb Bramble

This eye-catching pink cocktail is as fun to make as it is to sip on! To make it, shake 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz simple syrup over ice until cold. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Finish it off with a drizzle of crème de cassis and a orange twist for garnish. (via Edinburgh Gin)

Pink Strawberry Sangria

If playing mixologist isn’t really your thing, a simple sangria will be the perfect pink cocktail for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. This one only requires strawberry vodka, pink Moscato, lemon-lime soda, and fresh strawberries. We're in love with fruity Valentine's cocktails like these! (viaSimply Whisked)

Strawberry Champagne Margarita

Pair these sweet and sparkling margs with your date’sfavorite tacos and they’ll never forget the sweet gesture. Don't have champagne? Swap it for sparkling wine instead. (via Pizzazzerie)

Pomegranate Rose Gin Fizz

Earthy gin pairs beautifully with the fruity pomegranate and rose water included in this Valentine's cocktail recipe for a truly botanical experience that anyone will be pleased with! (via Ahu Eats)

Raspberry Pink Champagne Floats

This desserty drink is the ultimate way to end the evening on V-Day. All it takes is a scoop of raspberry sorbet and a splash of pink Champagne! Easy Valentine's Day drinks for the win. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Berry Gin + Tonic

Strawberry Cream Mimosa

The morning after Valentine's Day should be just as special as the night before. If your previous sentiments didn't solidify your love, breakfast in bed and this strawberry cream mimosa on Feb 15 totally will. (via Swanky Recipes)

Rosé, Gin and Pink Peppercorn Cocktail

If you’ve ever turned your nose up to boxed wine, prepare to change your opinion. All you have to do to make these Valentine's Day cocktails is add a few choice ingredients to boxed rosé, and it’s transformed into the pink cocktail of every foodie’s dream. (viaKitchn)

Rose Lemon Spritzer

Why give a bouquet of roses when you can make a rose cocktail? This spritzer is a refreshing, elegant and simple way to say, “I love you.” (via Half Baked Harvest)

1. Talking About Money Can Expose Hidden Feelings

It's impossible to know how someone feels every second of the day, but we probably all think we have a good understanding of the people we're close to. But people are capable of hiding how they feel about something or burying their discomfort until certain situations 'expose' them. Why does it seem like money has a way of doing this?

Both Irwin and Dunlap agree that "money is taboo," leading people to avoid conversations about it. "Data tells us that we are more likely to talk about any other taboo topic—sex, politics, religion, even death—before we’ll talk about money," says Dunlap. West agrees and says, "Money is like that one friend who’s incredibly helpful but totally untrustworthy—everyone likes what they bring to the table, but no one wants to talk about them directly." Did you think of someone specific? It's okay because I did too!

The problem is that money can make "hidden insecurities come out, old sibling rivalries rear their heads," and more, according to West. "Even something like 'who paid for what' can suddenly become a life-or death conversation," she says. It's strange because Irwin says a Wells Fargo study shows that "many Americans across all ages are worried about money," proving we're all thinking about it, despite our avoidance issues.

2. And Money Can Also Create Unease In Conversations

"When we don’t have open conversations about money, we’re left to navigate it on our own, which can keep us feeling underpaid, overworked, or unsure about our financial situation," Dunlap points out. She feels "discussing money requires a huge amount of vulnerability" which "isn't easy for everyone." You may have seen how other topics are swept under the rug by family members or friends based on reasons they're not ready to talk about.

Though Irwin believes saying something like saying, "'Here's what's keeping me up at night' or 'here's what my goals are' could strengthen connections," Dunlap knows that "shame, comparison, or fear of judgement" can cause people to remain tight-lipped about their finances.

If you've experienced a weird moment because of money or had to be the unfortunate witness of an awkward conversation, my apologies. It's not fun no matter who's involved because, unfortunately, "money carries layers of emotions, like pride and insecurity, that turn simple conversations into potential minefields," says West.

Dunlap says there's a silver lining if people are willing to be open, however. "The key is respecting each person’s comfort level, and encouraging openness if they're willing to meet you there. It’s not going to be perfect at first, but by starting to share more about your own financial experiences, you can start to break the cycle of shame and fear around money. You might be surprised at how quickly others are willing to open up too."

3. Making Assumptions About Other’s Money Status And Financial Situation Can Lead To Disrespecting Boundaries

No one's saying you should never lend friends money, but being mindful about the decision is worth noting. West feels "it's complicated" while Dunlap believes the issue "can be tricky." There's a chance a low-key loan becomes an expectation that you should dish out money every time someone needs help, even if you're trying to maintain your own bills. "Lending money to a friend is like sharing your Netflix password—simple in theory, but one wrong move, and things get weird," West forewarns.

Dunlap also says, "When you lend money to someone close to you, there's always the chance that you won’t get it back. You want to be mentally prepared for that! Otherwise, it can strain your finances and your relationship. The emotional toll can be just as heavy, as unpaid loans can lead to resentment or awkwardness." It's not unusual to hear about certain friends being unreliable in more ways than one after you've let them borrow something. Unfortunately, Irwin indicates this happens because some people "don't expect to give something back that they've borrowed."

Because of this, Dunlap thinks "it's best to avoid loans if possible." Should you decide to move forward with helping out a friend who's in a bind, make sure you're both in agreement about repayment and what to expect moving forward. West says "having clear terms" or "gifting a small amount if you can afford it" is like "buying their friendship insurance." The latter is something Dunlap agrees with because it "helps prevent resentment if they can't pay you back as planned." Plus, she feels it also "keeps the loan within an amount you're okay with potentially losing."

4. Lending Money Is A Slippery Slope That Can Lead To Distrust And Resentment

It's amazing how money can lead to a friendship breakup if boundaries aren't created or respected. "Money is a sneaky little devil who can push everyone’s buttons. It can cause resentment if one person feels taken advantage of or someone’s 'casual loan' becomes an epic saga of unpaid IOUs," West says. Not only that, but Dunlap knows "money can strain relationships between friends and family by highlighting differences in how we value it, expect to use it, or feel about sharing it."

Friends and family members shouldn't take each other's kindness for granted, but human nature is fickle at times. That's not an indicator that someone you love is a "bad" person, but they may feel like you owe them your time and money. However, Irwin says this isn't "de facto that that person is entitled." Still, Dunlap is more than aware how this can play out. "For example, it can lead to resentment if one person is always the one picking up the tab, while another might feel uncomfortable or indebted because they’ve been helped financially," she says.

On the other hand, it can show up a little differently in families. She adds, "Issues like unequal inheritance or constant requests for financial help can lead to deep emotional tension. Money can also become a tool for power imbalances, where one person feels in control and the other feels dependent, and that can mess with trust and respect."

When certain negative patterns show up in relationships, it can make people decide to take a step back from being available. "And once distrust settles in, it’s hard to shake; nobody wants to be 'that friend' who’s forever dodging a Venmo request or getting side-eye from relatives at every family BBQ," West points out. How many times have you built up a wall with the people you love because of repeated unreliability or the expectation that you're supposed to help them whenever they ask? If you didn't hesitate to think of a moment, you're living proof that distrust can affect even the closest relationships.

Dunlap says, "When money becomes a main factor in a relationship, it can overshadow the connection, making it difficult to maintain genuine trust and understanding. You can avoid this by having open conversations with friends and family about your financial situation. Clear communication can help keep the focus on the relationship, not the money."

5. You Can Worry You're Not A Good Friend Or Family Member For Setting Money Boundaries

Worrying about how other people feel can keep us from setting boundaries. There's a difference between being an empath and a people pleaser, but it's easy to blur the lines. You can absolutely empathize with someone's hardship while knowing you're not in the position to lend the amount they may be looking for. I'm a huge fan of saying that two things can be true at once — because they can.

Irwin says you need to "address the conversation head on" if a friend does ask you for a loan. Your response may depend on if their ask was "emotionally-charged or "in an uncomfortable environment," but Irwin doesn't recommend ignoring it. If you're not in the space to respond, here's what she suggests saying in a "timely" fashion:

1. "Hey, I need time to think about this. Let me get back to you."
2. "We can help you, but here are our boundaries."
3. "We see and understand you, but we're unable to help because we're trying to pay off debt or save for _______."

Yes, Financial Boundaries Are Essential

Don't think you need to create financial boundaries for yourself and your friends? Think again. West says, "Establishing some ground rules is a lifesaver—think of it adding airbags to the friendship. Setting boundaries early on, like when you’re still in the happy, non-monetary part of the relationship, can protect both sides if things get sticky."

Here's how she advises you proceed with creating boundaries:

1. Keep it light and be honest; you’re not making a prenuptial agreement here, just letting them know you’d like to avoid “financial fireworks” later.
2. Say, “I’m your friend, not your ATM.” It’s funny but helps set the tone that your wallet isn’t a free-for-all.
3. Set a gift cap, such as, "I'm happy to chip in for brunch or a birthday, but let’s not get into home-loan territory.”
4. If you do lend, draw up a repayment plan. Think of it as adulting with a side of accountability to avoid “accidentally” becoming their financial fairy godmother.
5. Limit talk of big financial choices unless you’re genuinely invested together. After all, nobody needs to know how much their friend spends on avocado toast or scented candles, let alone home renos.
6. A little humor and some boundaries go a long way. You’ll save yourself a lot of awkwardness and keep the friendships intact, one “non-loaned” dollar at a time!

Tori says, "It's so important to have transparent conversations about money, set clear boundaries, and ensure that relationships are prioritized in any money exchange." Here are a few things you can try:

1. Communicate about your budget with a “gratitude sandwich.” Say you’re invited to an outing—a dinner, or a sports game—that isn’t within your budget right now. You can respond with the “gratitude sandwich.” The “pieces of bread” are positive, and the “meat” is the money thing you’re scared to say. Thank that person for the invite, let them know it’s not within budget right now, and then offer a cheaper alternative, reassuring them that you’d really love to see them. Offering an alternative reminds that person that declining their invitation isn’t about them, and you still care about them. In doing so, you prioritize your budget AND your relationship in the process.When in doubt, remember that no is a complete sentence. You don’t need to overcomplicate things, and sometimes a simple “no” is all you need.
2. Set expectations early. When planning trips with friends, discuss the budget and how costs will be split upfront. Having these conversations ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps avoid any misunderstandings. It creates a supportive, stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy the experience together without any added worries!

The Final Verdict:

Once you've weighed your options and considered what you need, you can decide to loan your friend money. However, Irwin wants you to consider being formal about it. "You can absolutely draft a promissory note or loan agreement so that your friend knows how serious you are about your boundaries. If you want, you can also put an interest rate on it," she says.

It's not to hurt your friend's feelings, but it is a boundary you can put in place so they think to themselves, "This is truly a loan because I'm borrowing money with the intent to pay it back," Irwin says. It could change the dynamics of your friendship, but it's more about being "purposeful about the language being used" so you and your friend can both move in the "right direction," according to Irwin.

If the idea of creating a 'loan agreement' sounds icky to you, Dunlap wants you to seriously consider it as "an extra bit of protection." She says all you need to do, again, is "try setting up a simple contract to outline repayment terms" because it "can help both of you stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings down the road."

Her ultimate piece of advice? "Only lend what you're comfortable giving and potentially losing, and keep open communication to maintain trust and respect in the relationship."