Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14th every year. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring an early Christian martyr named Saint Valentine and over time has become a cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love. Food and drink often play a central role in Valentine’s Day traditions and celebrations. Here is an overview of some of the foods and beverages that are traditionally eaten and drank on Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most popular and traditional Valentine’s Day treats. According to legend, the Aztec ruler Montezuma believed that chocolate had aphrodisiac qualities. While that has not been scientifically proven, chocolate does contain chemicals like phenylethylamine that can have mood-boosting effects. Chocolate is a common Valentine’s Day gift, included in heart-shaped boxes, roses, or other novelty items. Popular types of chocolate gifted on Valentine’s Day include:
- Boxed chocolates – These come in heart shaped boxes and often include a variety of chocolate pieces, truffles, or bonbons with different fillings and toppings.
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries – Fresh strawberries dipped in melted chocolate make for a decadent Valentine’s Day dessert.
- Chocolate bars – Bars of gourmet chocolate in flavors like salted caramel or raspberry are a great gift.
- Chocolate-covered Oreos or pretzels – For a fun twist, Oreos or pretzels dipped in chocolate can make a tasty gift.
Chocolate is not just gifted – it is also commonly used as an ingredient in Valentine’s Day meals and desserts. Molten chocolate lava cakes are a luxurious dessert option. Heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are fun to bake for your valentine. Chocolate fondues or chocolate-covered strawberry fondues are also popular date night ideas.
Romantic Dinners
A romantic dinner for two is one of the most popular ways couples celebrate Valentine’s Day. Fine dining restaurants often create special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menus. Popular romantic dinner options include:
- Steak – A premium cut of steak with side dishes like baked potato makes for a classic romantic dinner.
- Italian – Dishes like chicken marsala, chicken piccata, or pasta with seafood are elegant Italian options.
- Fondue – Cheese and chocolate fondues allow couples to dip and share food in an intimate setting.
- Sushi – Sushi and sashimi can make for a light, flavorful Valentine’s meal.
- Dessert – Ending the evening with a decadent dessert like molten chocolate lava cake or creme brulee is the perfect sweet finish.
Cooking a romantic dinner at home is also a popular option for Valentine’s Day. Cooking a meal together can be an intimate experience too. Simple recipes like steak with chimichurri sauce, lemon shrimp pasta, or chicken cordon bleu make for impressive homemade Valentine’s dinners.
Oysters
Oysters have a reputation as an aphrodisiac, so they are a common food found on Valentine’s Day menus at restaurants or cooked at home for romantic dinners. Oysters can be served raw on the half shell, baked, broiled, or roasted. Some popular ways to enjoy oysters on Valentine’s Day include:
- Raw oysters – Served chilled on crushed ice with lemon and cocktail sauce.
- Oysters Rockefeller – Topped with spinach, Parmesan, and Pernod liqueur then baked.
- Bacon-wrapped oysters – Wrapped in bacon and broiled or grilled until the bacon is crispy.
- Fried oysters – Breaded and fried for a more casual preparation.
The luxurious taste and texture of oysters make them a natural aphrodisiac ingredient for romantic Valentine’s Day meals. They also contain zinc, which helps support immune system function in addition to possibly supporting reproductive health.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and other bubbly wines are popular on Valentine’s Day. The celebratory nature of sparkling wines matches the romantic spirit of the holiday. Some sparkling wine options to enjoy with your Valentine include:
- Champagne – True Champagne only comes from France’s Champagne region. It is made using the traditional methode champenoise.
- Cava – This affordable Spanish sparkling wine provides bubbles on a budget.
- Prosecco – The light, crisp, and refreshing Italian sparkling wine pairs well with seafood and lighter fare.
- Sparkling Rosé – Pink sparkling wines are festive and flirty.
- Mimosa – Mixing sparkling wine with orange juice makes for a refreshing Valentine’s Day brunch cocktail.
High quality domestic sparkling wines from regions like California are also excellent options. Setup a sparkling wine tasting at home by buying a few different bottles to sample and compare.
Strawberries
The red hue and heart shape make strawberries one of the most iconic Valentine’s Day foods. They symbolize the romantic holiday in edible form. Strawberries are harvested in early spring, making them a seasonal treat this time of year. Some ways strawberries are incorporated into Valentine’s Day include:
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries – The classic treat where whole strawberries are dipped in melted chocolate.
- Strawberry tarts – Petite tarts filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh strawberry slices.
- Strawberries and cream – Macerated strawberries served over whipped cream makes a simple, elegant dessert.
- Strawberry salad – Spinach salad with sliced strawberries, feta, and a balsamic dressing.
- Strawberry smoothie – Blend strawberries with yogurt and a little honey for a pink sweet treat.
In addition to desserts, strawberries make beautiful garnishes for Valentine’s Day cocktails like Champagne and can be used to infuse water for a refreshing beverage.
Aphrodisiac Foods
In addition to oysters and chocolate, there are many other foods considered aphrodisiacs that are ideal to incorporate into romantic Valentine’s Day meals. These sensual foods include:
- Asparagus – With its phallic shape, asparagus is considered an aphrodisiac.
- Avocado – Ancient Aztecs called avocados “ahuacatl” or testicle because of their shape.
- Bananas – Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme said to boost male libido.
- Almonds – The aroma of almonds supposedly arouses passion.
- Honey – Honey’s sweetness provides natural energy.
- Figs – Figs symbolize sexuality in some cultures and contain antioxidants.
- Chili peppers – Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which stimulates nerve endings and raises heart rate.
- Vanilla – Vanilla helps release feel-good endorphins.
Dishes that highlight these foods like grilled asparagus, chili-spiced almonds, and fresh figs drizzled with honey make both tasty and sensual additions to Valentine’s Day meals for two.
Breakfast in Bed
One romantic Valentine’s Day tradition is breakfast in bed. Waking up your sweetheart with their favorite breakfast foods served on a tray is a thoughtful gesture. Some ideas for what to include in a Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed include:
- French toast with raspberries and chocolate sauce
- Heart-shaped pancakes topped with whipped cream and strawberries
- Breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, and cheese on a croissant
- Parfait with yogurt, granola, and mixed berries
- Fruit salad with strawberries, melon, pineapple, grapes, and citrus
- Green juice or fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Coffee or tea – hot or iced
- Rose, sunflower, or other flower as a decorative element
Make sure to include their favorite fruits, breads, flavors, and toppings when planning a romantic breakfast in bed menu. The thoughtful gesture is sure to make them feel loved and appreciated.
Valentine’s Day Sweets
In addition to chocolate covered strawberries and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, there are many other sweet treats that are popular to make and enjoy on Valentine’s Day. Classic Valentine’s desserts include:
- Cupid’s arrow – Puff pastry dessert stuffed with cream cheese and raspberries
- Conversation heart cookies – Sugar cookies decorated with conversation heart candies and icing
- Red velvet cake or cupcakes – The iconic red cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
- Heart-shaped macarons – Macarons sandwiches filled with buttercream or ganache
- Cherry pie – Sweet cherry filling in a flakey pie crust
- Chocolate mousse – Light yet luxurious chocolate mousse
- Lava cakes – Individual molten chocolate cakes
Bake an assortment of Valentine’s Day themed sweets for your family, classmates, coworkers, or sweetheart to make sure February 14th is full of decadent desserts.
Romantic Picnics
Picnics are a romantic and budget-friendly way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Pack a basket with little sandwiches, cheeses, fruit, sweets, and a bottle of something sparkling to enjoy an intimate meal in a scenic nature spot or park. Some recommended picnic fare includes:
- Sandwiches – Chicken salad, cucumber tea sandwiches, prosciutto and mozzarella
- Cheese – Brie, cheddar, goat cheese with crackers and fruit
- Antipasto skewers – Olives, artichoke hearts, deli meats, and cheeses
- Fresh fruit – Strawberries, grapes, melon, pineapple
- Chocolate-dipped fruit – Strawberries, bananas, or pretzel rods dipped in chocolate
- Sparkling wine or cider
Pack blankets, cushions, and wear cozy layers for comfort. Set the mood with music, candles, and flowers for a romantic al fresco dining experience.
Romantic Cocktails
Sipping cocktails is a great way for couples to relax, unwind, and connect on Valentine’s Day. There are many festive cocktails perfect for the occasion to mix up and enjoy. Popular romantic cocktail recipes include:
- Champagne cocktails – Combine Champagne with Cognac, Grand Marnier, or Chambord.
- French 75 – Gin, lemon, simple syrup, and Champagne.
- Kir Royale – Creme de cassis topped with sparkling wine.
- Rose spritzer – Rose wine, vodka, soda, and rose petals.
- Pomegranate martini – Pomegranate juice, vodka, and Chambord.
- Negroni – Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth.
Set up a cocktail bar at home with different spirits, mixers, garnishes and let your partner create their own concoction. Learn how to make a proper cocktail together in a fun mixology class.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day cuisine ranges from elegant fine dining options like oysters and premium steak to casual homemade sweets, breakfasts, and picnics. Champagne, chocolate, strawberries, and aphrodisiacs are menu must-haves for the romantic holiday. With endless options for romantic meals, cocktails, desserts, and date ideas, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate love and affection through food and drink.