Chocolates, flowers and jewelry? I don't think so. Much like many other "Hallmark" holidays, Valentine's Day is really about the food and booze. The first big decision to make is where to dine (or what to cook), the second is what to drink and the third (for some) is what overpriced flowers and bling they'll be blowing their funds on.
Artisanal and handcrafted cocktails have been making a comeback in the food and drink world and would be a great addition to a Valentine's meal or anti-Valentine's Day soiree. And, since tequila happens to be my aqua vitae of choice, here are some fabulous cocktail recipes with tequila as the star ingredient to enhance your amorous efforts — or drown your singleton sorrows in.
This article appears in Feb 10-16, 2011.