Valentine’s Day sucks. Everything is suddenly pink and red. Singles are scrambling for something to do so they don’t feel pathetic and couples are overcompensating with expensive dinners, cheesy greeting cards and marriage proposals. Not to say that I don’t like celebrating it. But my boyfriend definitely doesn’t want anything to do with it. However, I came up with a list of fun ways couples (ahem, me and bf) and singles can enjoy the day without having to spend too much money. BTW, if you’re looking for Valentine dinner specials (yawn), you won’t find them here.

Big Bar’s Valentine’s Day Prom — Free
I don’t care what you say, even though we’re all adults, prom is still fun. Especially when the theme is “Enchantment Under the Sea” and it involves spiked punch ($9) and a dance floor. But just make sure you don’t get wasted as there will be a prom photographer, too. And I’ll be there…going stag and judging the contenders for the Prom King and Queen of Los Feliz 2011! If you feel that should be you, enter the running by emailing sevilla.jc [at] gmail.com your fave prom song, whether you’re coming as a couple (include your date’s name) or stag, and why you should be King or Queen. Whoever wins will be sent off to enjoy their kingdom of Los Feliz in a horsedrawn carriage. So dress up in your best nautical-inspired prom wear!

Cocktail menu ($11 each):
Sleepless in Los Feliz Punch: Landy Cognac, Apple Brandy, Peach Brandy, Lemon, Soda
Officer and a Gentleman: Luksusowa Vodka, Ginger Liquer, Lemon, Honey, Angostura Bitters
Romantical 75: Luksusowa Vodka, Hibiscus Syrup, Lemon, Sparkling Wine
The Bitter Break Up: Villa Massa Limoncello, Campari, Sparkling Wine
Carrie’s Prom Bucket: Moonshine Clear Corn Whiskey, Genever, Lemon, Creme de Mure

• 6pm-12am. Free admission. Big Bar, 1927 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Feliz (map).

Scoops Westside’s Valentine Flavors — $7 a pint; $13 for two (V Day special)
Matt Kang, proprietor of the Scoops Westside outpost, came up with special Valentine’s Day flavors so you can celebrate with your sweetie or break out the pints for your anti-Valentine party. Here are the flavors:

Raspberry white chocolate
Chocolate port wine
Strawberry balsamic
Blueberry pomegranate
Brown bread with strawberries

• 3400 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 405-7055.

All You Can Eat at Mas Malo — $20
This would be a fun group date. Mas Malo’s “X+O Ladies+Bros” Valentine’s Day party features an all-you-can-eat special for just $20! Plus there will be a cash bar so you can indulge in the specialty cocktail menu and 260-tequila bar. Regarding where to grab a seat, upstairs in the mezzanine if you want to people watch the dining room below or in the basement bar if you want to actually hear each other speak.

• $20. Mas Malo, 515 W 7th Street, Downtown (map).

The Edison’s Queen of Hearts Ball — $25
Downtown’s basement bar, The Edison, is throwing a Queen of Hearts Valentine’s Ball complete with a Queen of Hearts Band and dancers as well as DJ Daisy O’Dell. Lovers and singletons can toast to themselves over the Queen’s Punch, made with Perrier Jouet, Beefeater’s Gin, strawberry and a secret ingredient (aphrodisiac?). Tickets are $25 and include a cup of punch.

• 7pm. $25. The Edison, 108 W. 2nd Street, Downtown (map).

Compartes Chocolatier’s Macallan Scotch and Chocolate Truffles — $30
OK, this isn’t an event but if I had a box of these, I’d make it one. Gah! I’ve never wanted a box of chocolates as much as I want this! Dark chocolate ganache truffle infused with Macallan 18 and covered with single-origin dark chocolate. So luxurious. This, I wouldn’t share with ANYone, not even bf. There are only 10 pieces after all. Sorry. (Not really.)

• 912 South Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (310) 826-3380.

Not Cheap, but Fun Options

Viceroy Santa Monica: Tour of the Senses — $95
Indulge in a four-course menu (lobster with risotto, mmm) while lounging in a poolside cabana at Viceroy in Santa Monica. Swank. There will be Scent Tents where you can sample aromatherapy oils and create your own body scrub which will be packaged for you to take home. And finish off the night by toasting each other with a champagne and sparkling wine tasting.

• 6-10pm, February 14. $95. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (map). (310) 260-7511.

Malibu Cafe’s Picnic Lunch Basket — $100
Sure, this picnic lunch basket sounds pricey for $100 but not only does it contain an appetizer, a couple of entrees and dessert but a champagne split, wine from Saddlerock Vineyards and a large blanket to sit on. Guests can take the basket to enjoy anywhere on Calamigos Ranch and return the basket and blanket before the end of the evening. So romantical!

• Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch, 327 South Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu (map). (818) 540-2400.

Cocktail lovers can enjoy the night’s featured cocktail for only “100 cents.” The Black Tea Collins is made of tea-infused gin, lemon, sugar and soda. Both specials are only one per person.

BTW, the special offer changes every week so be sure to sign up on their emailing list.

EVENT: THURSDAYS from 5 to 7pm

The Edison
108 W. 2nd Street #101
Los Angeles, California 90012 (map)
(213) 613-0000

Lambrusco Rosemary Gin Fizz photo by Claire Barrett

Ferget chocolates. I don’t know about you but nothing says “olive juice”(mouth it) like a custom-made cocktail. But out of curiosity, I asked some of L.A.’s top mixologists/bartenders what they consider to be the most romantic cocktail; specifically what would they serve their luh-vuh. I got some interesting answers, all seem to involve bubbly, and even a couple of recipes for you to try on your own special someone, be it for yourself or your SO.

For Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Liquid Muse and cocktail book author (Preggatinis), it’s all about her Lambrusco Rosemary Fizz, which is actually cited in her new cocktail book, The Bubbly Bride. “Originality is the key to a creative girl’s heart, so rather than the same old hum-drum champagne, surprise your sweetie with a red sparkling cocktail. I love Lambrusco, which is an Italian sparkling red wine – and I especially like it with the earthy rosemary nuances in this drink. Whether you’re getting married or having a simple romantic occasion, this is a drink to remember!”

Lambrusco Rosemary Fizz
by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Bubbly Bride

• 1 orange wheel
• 3-4 fresh rosemary leaves
• 3/4 ounce Grand Marnier
• 4 ounces sparkling Lambrusco
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Muddle orange wheel and rosemary leaves in the bottom of mixing glass. Add Grand Marnier and shake with ice. Strain into a champagne coupe. Top with Lambrusco. Garnish with the sprig of fresh rosemary.

Aidan Demarest, The Edison and First and Hope: “Champagne. Girls think it’s harmless because it’s all bubbly but then it hits them. It’s a real panty dropper.”

Steve Livigni, of new rum bar La Descarga, offered a short and sweet: “A giant glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose with my girlfriend in it.”

For Pablo Moix, also of La Descarga, his idea of a “romantic cocktail” also involves effervescence. “Bubbles and strawberries have been a romantic staple for years but, I think that if you make it delicious and with a twist, raise the ABV of your cocktail just a little, it will get the romance started a little sooner.”

• 1 ounce Cazadores Blanco Tequila
• 1/2 ounce Lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce Lillet rouge
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Top with Martini & Rossi Prosecco

Served in a flute and garnish with a strawberry.

Rhachel Shaw of Malo: “My barback made a Ramos Gin Fizz for his girlfriend once. Now she loves them so he makes them all the time despite the fact that they are a pain in the ass to make. I think it’s pretty romantic that he shakes his little arms off to make his lady happy.”

Rhachel also shared a V Day cocktail special they’re serving up at Malo: “Maybe it’s because I’m having a contrarian streak about Valentine’s Day but in addition to the other cocktail specials we’re having just for this weekend, I have one called the Lover’s Dare Margarita. It’s Ocho Tequila Reposado, Grand Marnier Centenaire, lime and agave. You also have the option of added salt which is Velvet De Guerande Sea Salt from France, which tastes like butter. It’s a $25 margarita. I don’t know if I’m looking to start couples a fightin’ [over its cost]. I might be. I like to think of it as the ‘Do these jeans make me look fat?’ of cocktails.”

Damian Windsor of Roger Room: “How about ‘the Pash,’ common slang in commonwealth countries  for French kissing? Not to be confused with an Australian kiss which is a French kiss down under…. [My wife] loves passionfruit, it’s very exotic, and just like love it is sweet and sour at the same time, a reminder that relationships are work.”

• 1 ounce passionfruit juice
• 1/2 ounce Aperol
• 3 ounces prosecco

Add ingredients to a mixing tin and stir before serving in a champagne flute.

Here’s my drink list for the last day of 2009. Wait, is this too much booze?

Pinky Vodka (Flickr Shot by handbook)

THE VODKA

So I’m doubly indebted to Pinky Vodka. Not only did they sponsor our blogger prom this year but they sent me a couple of huuuge bottles for my intimate New Year’s Eve shindig. So yes, I will gladly shill for them. But, I can also do that without fear of tarnishing my rep as an appreciator of fine cocktails. See, Pinky may be pink but it’s not going for any gimmicky, clubby angle. Their vodka is only pink because it’s blended with 12 botanicals, most notably strawberries, rose petals and violets. So it’s flavored naturally and not by sweeteners and such. PLUS, it’s hand-blended by master wine tasters.

They also hired one of my fave cocktail consultants, and friend, Natalie Bovis-Nelsen aka The Liquid Muse, to design cocktail recipes for their vodka so I know it’s class all the way. Her newest is a champagne cocktail that’s perfect for toasting the new year.

Sparkling Pear
Recipe by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen

• 1 part Pinky Vodka
• 1/2 part elderflower liqueur
• 1/2 part pear nectar
• 1/4 part fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Splash of sparkling wine

Shake all ingredients, except for sparkling wine, over ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

THE PUNCH

Mixology maestro Vincenzo Marianella of Copa d’Oro was good enough to provide me with a whisky punch recipe that’s sure to please the crowd. Incidentally, it also just debuted at the Santa Monica bar.

2010 Punch
Recipe by Vincenzo Marianella

• 24 oz Sazerac Rye (1 bottle)
• 6 oz St Germain
• 6 oz Sweet Sherry
• 9 oz fresh lemon juice
• 12 oz organic pear juice
• 5-6 dashes grapefruit bitter
• 5-6 dashes orange bitter
• 24 oz Prosecco (1 bottle)

Add first six ingredients with full scoop of ice in the punch bowl. Stir gently while adding Prosecco, add more ice. Garnish with sliced pear and citrus.

THE WINE

Funny thing is that I was able to get a second booze sponsor! And all without any begging. Sandeman had originally approached me about checking out their Tawny Port (which would have been perfect during my dessert exchange earlier this month) but when I said I was interested in making cocktails, they shipped the Founders Reserve over along with a couple of recipes.

The Sandeman’s Sparkly is basically a Lady MacBeth, a blood-red champagne cocktail that was once served at the Edison. And the Diavlo with it’s use of tequila and my fave ginger beer sounds intriguing.

Sandeman’s Sparkler

• 1 part Founders Reserve Porto
• 3 parts Sparkling wine

Sandeman Diavlo

• 1 part Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
• 1 ½ parts Blanco Tequila
• ½ part fresh lime juice
• ¼ part simple syrup
• Ginger beer

Champie in a Can (Photo by LA-Story)

FOR THE MIDNIGHT TOAST: CHAMPAGNE IN A CAN

But the piece de resistance for my chillaxing New Year’s Eve party will be our clinking cans instead of schmancy champagne glass flutes come midnight. Niebaum-Coppola Winery, owned by director Francis Ford Coppola, makes Sofia blanc de blancs sparkling white in cute little pink cans complete with tiny sippy straws. Apparently it’s most popular in clubs and swanky pools, where glass is most def not allowed.

But I first encountered the champie in a can at some trailer-park themed barestaurant in New York and was surprised by how tasty it actually was. Made from Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat, it tastes of apple, melon and tangerine “with notes of bright lemon and honey evident on the refreshing, mouth-tingling finish.” (Winemaker’s notes)

You can get a four-pack (187ml a can) at the Wine House in West LA for $12.99 and $11.99 at BevMo. These are also really handy for picnics and celebrations on the go when you don’t want to deal with lugging glassware.

FOR THOSE BRAVING THE CROWDS

If you feel you really must get out to celebrate the new decade, you crazy bastards, here are some links of NYE event roundups, including dinners, bar events and clubs, for your consideration.

e*starLA: NYE Dinner-Party Roundup

LA Times: Ring in 2010: Los Angeles New Year’s Eve Parties

Los Angeles Magazine: Roundup: New Year’s Eve Planner

NBCLA: LA’s New Year’s Eve 2010 Hot List

Thirsty in LA: Cocktail NYE Celebrations

Photo by Bert Stern

The Imbiber’s Ultimate Playmate Fantasy Wine Tour at Pourtal
Playboy‘s bad boy boozing columnist and author of the must-read adventures-in-drinking memoir Nobody Likes a Quitter, Dan Dunn is kicking off what is most definitely the sexiest wine tasting tour in the history of the world. Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar in Santa Monica will feature wines inspired by some of the magazine’s most famous centerfolds, from Marilyn Monroe to Anna Nicole Smith.

Dunn, who selected each of the Playmates and their respective wines, says:

This wine tour is a celebration of beauty and timelessness, a chance to raise our glasses to the women who have captured our hearts and our senses.

For the month of October, the wine bar’s Enomatic machines will offer one-ounce pours of the voluptuous vino which range in price from $2.30 to $8.80 per taste. But it’s the launch party on October 6 that will have actual Playmates in attendance, like Lisa Semler (nee Welch), Miss September 1980 and now of Semler Wines, and Andrea Lowell, host of Playboy Morning Show on XM/Sirius Radio. Join Dan and the girls for sips and mingling. And you’ll also be able to buy signed copies of his Quitter book ($15). I haven’t read it yet, but my bf highly recommends it.

Featured Wines:

• Marilyn Monroe: Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
• Bettie Page: Paraduxx 2006
• Jayne Mansfield: Luciano Sandrone Dolcetto d’Alba 2007
• Lisa Semler: Semler Cabernet 2001
• Pamela Anderson: Rocca Family Vineyards “Bad Boy Red” 2006
• Jenny McCarthy: Four Vines “The Maverick” 2006
• Anna Nicole Smith: Tenuta di Ghizzano Il Ghizzano 2007
• Kelly Monaco: Big Basin Mandala Syrah 2006

Tuesday, October 6 from 6:30-8:30pm. Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar, 104 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica (map). (310) 393-7693.

The Bubbly Girl’s Champagne Cocktails and Book Party at the Edison

Consider this book party a happy hour with a lotta class. We’re talking Moet & Chandon champagne cocktails at the Edison downtown after all. It’s to celebrate author Maria Hunt’s book, The Bubbly Bar: Champagne and Sparkling Wine Cocktails for Every Occasion. For $20 guests will not only get delicious cocktails but appetizers and a copy of the book signed by the author herself! (Or the price is $10 if you just want to taste the bubbly.) The shindig will be in the bar’s intimate Tesla Lounge so RSVP/prepay on The Bubbly Girl site by tomorrow, October 3 to get a spot as no tickets will be sold at the door. And you can stick around til 8pm to catch the Edison’s sexy cabaret show, Incandescence.

Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30-7:30pm. The Edison, 108 W. 2nd Street, Downtown (map). (213) 613-0000.