I’ve never had a strong interest in Valentine’s Day. While I’ve been fortunate to have many loved ones around me, my middle school experience left me less enthusiastic about the holiday.
At school, the yearbook staff—or maybe it was another group—ran a fundraiser selling carnations that students could send during the first period on Valentine’s Day. Each color had its own meaning: white conveyed something I’ve forgotten, pink signified friendship, and red indicated a romantic interest. Given that we were in middle school, there weren’t many red carnations exchanged. When one was given, everyone in class would react dramatically, which was quite embarrassing.
Receiving a red carnation threw me into a tizzy. While some girls might have felt complimented, I wanted to hide away. I remember how nervous I was in 7th grade when a boy came to my front door with a stuffed bear and a balloon. Just thinking about it makes me break out in a sweat.
Now that I’m married, my husband and I avoid the crowd by skipping the usual Valentine’s dinner reservations in town. Instead, we enjoy a lovely meal at home accompanied by candy. Of course, this involves a special drink, and I’ve crafted the ideal cocktail for this year. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for enjoying throughout the month for brunch with friends, during happy hours, and more.
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph
Two Magical Ingredients
All it takes is a quick trip to Trader Joe’s and $10 to $15 to put together six to eight cocktails. They’re ready in mere moments with just the pour of two ingredients. Garnishing is optional for extra flair.
The first key ingredient is a dry sparkling wine, with Prosecco being my choice. I prefer the Mionetto Prosecco, usually available at Trader Joe’s for $12.99. Known for its dryness and effervescence, it’s perfect for this cocktail. No matter the brand, choose a dry sparkling white wine (brut). Trader Joe’s own Prosecco is also excellent and costs just $9 a bottle.
The second ingredient is a personal favorite from TJ’s—their Villa Italia Blood Orange Soda, priced at $3.49. It comes in a glass bottle and is delicious on its own, though even better when paired with sparkling wine. The citrus and sweetness of the soda enhance the wine’s notes, while the wine’s dryness balances the soda. They combine perfectly.
The end result is a cocktail that’s pleasantly pink, with just the right amount of fruitiness, dryness, and bubbles. Its low alcohol content makes it suitable for a daytime event like brunch while still feeling festive enough for evening celebrations.
How To Make My 2-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail
The process is incredibly straightforward. For six generous or eight smaller cocktails, set up an appropriate number of flutes, wine glasses, or tumblers. Fill each glass a third full with chilled blood orange soda, then top with chilled Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine. For an extra touch, you can garnish with an orange peel twist.
Serve immediately and raise a glass to your loved ones.
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph
