February in most parts of the US is cold snowy and very un-tropical like. Yet we have Valentine’s Day right in the middle of the month. A day of Love and warmth towards each other. A day to get close and share time with that special someone….just likeyou do on vacation. Maybe you’re even planning a romantic getaway for Valentines weekend to some white sand beach on a tropical island. If not, go to the local landscaping store and get a couple of bags of sand to put on the garage floor, a space heater, a sun lamp and some lawn chairs. Bring out the palm trees from the living room (if you don’t have them now is a good excuse to get them) and put the Jimmy Buffett on in the background.

Setting the vibe

Now that you have set the scene it’s time to enjoy these Valentine’s day themed tropical drinks with that special someone. Oh and don’t forget the Valentine’s day gift or all this will be a waste.
Let’s start with the Planters Punch. It is a favorite on Spring Break because it tastes like that kids punch drink with and island name. Here’s what you will need;

Planters Punch
1 1/4 oz. Dark Rum
2 oz’s. Orange Juice
2 oz’s. Pineapple Juice
Dash of Angostura Bitters
1/6 oz. Grenadine
1 Cherry and/or Slice of Orange

Just throw it all together and shake.

If that isn’t your style we have The Bahama Breeze. If you’ve been to the Bahama’s or any tropical bar for that matter sooner or later you may have broken down and ordered one of these. Here is what you will need;

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze

1 oz Dark Rum
1/2 oz Banana Liqueur
1/2 oz Apricot Liqueur
1/2 oz Coconut Rum
1/4 oz Grenadine
1/4 oz Honey
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Pineapple juice
Blend well, serve with garnish and ice cubes in a tall glass.

By now the warmth of the beach or space heater is starting to work and you can actually feel those cool tropical breezes and smell the salt water air. You’re special someone may be starting to enjoy the scenery and be feeling a bit romantic. So it’s time to switch gears and add a little love to the vacation with a drink that requires a little preparation, The Love Boat. Here is what you will need (it’s worth it);
Love Boat

Pineapple shell
1 sliced pear
1 sliced peach
1/2 cups red grapes
2 slices canned pineapple
6 oz canned pineapple syrup
1 cup vanilla sorbet
1 cup shaved ice
1 0z white rum

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth and serve in pineapple shell.

Hopefully that special someone will appreciate all the effort and be feeling even more romantic now which leads us to the classic of all tropical drinks sex on the beach. Here is what you will need to cap off the evening;

Sex On The Beach time

(recipe serves 1 so it is best to double all ingredients)
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce peach schnapps
2 ounces orange juice
2 ounces cranberry juice

Pour all of the ingredients into a highball glass almost filled with ice cubes. Stir well

Now you have reached your tropical destination and are ready to enjoy the rest of your romantic getaway. for two this Valentine’s Day. It is to be hoped that the tropics and love will be in the air.