St Valentine’s Day - traditionally a day of clichéd verse written in disguised childlike script on mawkishly sentimental cards and single red roses furtively placed on an empty office chair. Sorry, nowadays it’s a simple text message from a Blackberry or two dozen hybrid roses flown in directly from the Netherlands to the office reception! 

It’s time to say “No!” Let’s forget all the commercialised nonsense – the tacky cards, the overpriced flowers and the ridiculous chocolates in the heart shaped box. Let’s instead really focus on awakening the senses of taste, smell, sight and touch and see where it goes. Create a menu of food and drink just for your loved one and there’s no better way of ensuring a successful Valentine’s Day.

The food I’ll leave to others but the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail is relatively straightforward. First, and most importantly, make sure you know what your partner likes. Sweet or dry? Long or short? Gin, rum, whisky, vodka or no spirits? Bubbles or no bubbles? Secondly, do a bit of research – read, surf, concoct and try (that’s the fun bit). Finally, make sure you have everything you need to make it on the day. Shaking a drink in a jam jar really only works if you’re trying to disguise the taste of moonshine!

And for those that can’t be bothered, try the below. You’ll still get some kudos! (M Earl)

Cherub’s Cup

5 strawberries

2 measures of Hendricks Gin

1 measure of St Germain elderflower liqueur

¾ measure of fresh lemon juice

¼ measure of gomme

Sparkling Rosé Wine

Muddle four of the strawberries in the bottom of a shaker. Add the gin, the St Germain, lemon juice and the gomme. Shake over ice and strain over fresh ice in a Collins glass. Top up with rosé wine and garnish with the strawberry.