Pearl Ice Perfections: 4 Drinks for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! What’s that mean? Valentine’s Day creations to wow your sweetheart. If you have an Ice-O-Matic Pearl Ice ice machine (or let’s be honest — just enjoy a festive cocktail), this list is for you. From martinis to granitas, we’ve got you covered. If you don’t already have an Ice-O-Matic Pearl Ice machine, here are four reasons to get one at home!

Don’t forget to check out our other recipes that pair perfectly with pearl ice. Wintery cocktails, fall flavors that pack a punch, and summer sips are just a few of the other types of drinks we’ve provided recipes for. Seasonal drinks aside, there an Ice-O-Matic pearl ice machine also helps fuel a healthy lifestyle.

Now without further ado, let’s dive in!

1. Love Bug

Snacks & Sips

We like to keep things simple. This vivid cocktail is sure to make your sweetheart smile. With only four ingredients, who could complain?

Ingredients:

3 ounces white cranberry juice
2 ounces lemon lime soda
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce grenadine
Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

Fill your cup with pearl ice and then pour in the white cranberry juice, vodka, lemon lime soda, and grenadine.
Enjoy!

2. Love Potion Martini

The Cookie Rookie

The original recipe calls for dry ice, making this martini equally tempting for Halloween. However, we’ve found that pearl ice works just as well! Don’t forget to cut your strawberries into hearts for the full effect.

Ingredients:

1 cup pomegranate juice
3 ounces strawberry vodka
3 ounces Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
2 strawberries cut into hearts
Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the pomegranate juice, vodka, and Chambord. Shake to combine.
Place 1 chunk dry ice into the bottom of each glass.
Pour the martini over a very small piece of dry ice.
Garnish with skewered strawberry hearts if desired.
Enjoy!

3. Cherry Crush for Your Crush

Good Housekeeping

This cherry crush is perfect for your crush, and made to pair perfectly with pearl ice. The ice soaks in the cherry flavors, creating a cold, candy-like treat to chew on once you’ve finished the beverage. We love how the lit cinnamon stick takes this drink up a notch.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
5 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
1 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
4 cups tart cherry juice
Cinnamon sticks for serving
Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

In small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir in cloves, star anise, and ginger and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer (do not stir) until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Strain syrup into pitcher and stir in cherry juice. Pour into glasses and fill with crushed ice. If desired, light the end of a cinnamon stick until smoking and serve in drink.
Enjoy!

4. Champagne Granita

Sugar Spun Run

Did you know that a granita is basically a slushie? This semi-frozen treat requires very few ingredients and is the perfect beverage to share after a meal with your love. Once again, the peal ice soaks in the delicious flavors and makes a lasting drink for a memorable experience.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 bottle dry champagne
Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

Combine water and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan and place on stovetop over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in champagne. Stir until combined.
Pour mixture into a 9×13 pan (or other deep dish).
Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer.
Chill for two hours, then use a pair of forks to stir/flake the mixture. Re-cover and return to freezer for at least another 2-3 hours, periodically stirring/flaking the mixture again.
Once mixture is frozen through it should still have a flaky/almost snowball-like consistency. Break it up with a fork and serve.
Enjoy!