The Ultimate Sexy Cocktail

Created by mixologist David Grant, Spicy Aphrodite is a cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is seductive. It’s made with just two ingredients—sparkling wine and a spiced herbal syrup you can prepare in advance. Laced with aphrodisiac ingredients known to stimulate body and mind, it’s a supremely sexy cocktail for elevating date night or celebrating a special occasion.

Don’t feel like indulging in something alcoholic? No problem! Scroll to the notes at the bottom for tips on making a mocktail version of this aphrodisiac drink.

Ingredients

At the heart of this cocktail is the Fortified Herbal Simple Syrup, a heady blend of aphrodisiac herbs and spices including:

• Damiana – A traditional aphrodisiac known to increase sensitivity and arousal.
• Ginger – Improves circulation, enhancing blood flow where it matters most.
• Ginseng – Used for centuries to combat fatigue and enhance stamina.
• Horny goat weed – Known to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
• Cinnamon – Naturally warms the body and supports circulation.
• Vanilla – Its intoxicating aroma is believed to increase feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
• Nutmeg – An antioxidant-rich exotic spice, it was historically used as an aphrodisiac.

Because most home mixologists probably don’t have damiana leaves and both powdered ginseng and horny goat weed on hand, we’ve made these ingredients optional. If you’re going to buy just one to add to the sexy syrup, I would recommend purchasing damiana leaf. Leftover loose-leaf damiana can be used to make a relaxing herbal tea.

If you have any concerns about possible interaction with any medication you might be taking or a known health condition, check with a doctor before adding damiana, horny goat weed or ginseng to the herbal simple syrup.

Choosing a Champagne

You don’t need pricey Champagne for this cocktail—any Brut-style sparkling wine works. Just pick one you’d enjoy on its own.

I like using a Spanish Cava in the $10-$20 range. Cava is one of the best-value sparkling wines, so you’ll usually get good quality for the price.

Special Equipment

This recipe uses a few ingredients you might not have. For starters, you need to strain the cooled simple syrup with cheesecloth or a nut milk bag like this one.

For serving, David suggests tying a black lace Venetian mask around a red wine glass for a unique, sexy touch. If that’s too much effort, just garnish with an edible flower like an orchid.

If you are going to garnish each drink with a black lace mask, you will need to use red wine glasses, which have a larger bowl than a generic wine glass. I like using Pinot Noir glasses for this drink because the shape accentuates the mask. So sexy!

What Makes This the Ultimate Sexy Cocktail?

The Spicy Aphrodite isn’t just another champagne cocktail—it’s a carefully crafted elixir made from layers of aphrodisiac ingredients and flavors.

It is designed to awaken the senses. The sexy presentation promises something out of the ordinary. The aromas of vanilla and exotic spices send messages of intrigue. The effect of bubbles bursting on the tongue gives a giddy sensation. The unique, spicy flavor leaves the tongue longing to be kissed. That’s what makes this a sexy cocktail.

Serve it to celebrate Valentine’s Day or make it a part of any romantic occasion. Better yet, keep the herbal simple syrup and a bottle of sparkling wine in the fridge so you can turn any ordinary night into something memorable with these sexy cocktails.

Spicy Aphrodite

Print Recipe

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Course aperitif

Cuisine American

Dish Type Cocktail

Cooking Style Mixology

Seasonal Valentine's Day

Ingredient sparkling wine

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Assembly 5 minutes mins

Servings 2 cocktails

Author David Grant

Equipment

• unbleached cotton cheesecloth or a cotton "nut milk" bag
• Venetian mask optional
• 2 red wine glasses

Ingredients

• 2 oz Fortified Herbal Simple Syrup
• 12 oz Brut Champagne or sparkling wine

Fortified Herbal Simple Syrup:

• 3 cups water
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 allspice berries whole
• 1 star anise whole
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 3 tbsp damiana leaf
• 1 tsp horny goat weed optional
• 1 tsp ginseng optional
• 2 inch piece fresh ginger root sliced
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ground or grated
• 1 whole vanilla bean
• 1 cup white rum*

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Pour 1oz. Fortified Herbal Simple Syrup into a red wine glass
• Top with 6 oz. Brut Champagne or Sparkling Wine
• Tie a Venetian mask around the glass (see photo)
• Alternatively, garnish with an edible flower, such as an organic orchid or pea blossom

To make the Fortified Herbal Simple Syrup

• Add the water and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, (about 2 minutes).
• Remove from heat and add the spices and herbs including the allspice, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, damiana, horny goat weed, ginseng, ginger, nutmeg and vanilla. Allow the herbs and spices to steep until the syrup cools to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
• Stir in the rum.
• Strain the syrup through the cheesecloth or nut bag into a container with an airtight lid.
• Chill completely before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

To make a mocktail Spicy Aphrodite, omit the rum from the herbal syrup. Combine one oz of the non-alcoholic syrup with sparkling water and enjoy!