Date Night with Wisher
Author: Chris Cozzillio
A few years ago, my wife and I started a tradition for Valentine’s Day to quell the monotony of the obligatory “fancy dinner” every February 14. The first time we started this tradition, I wrote three separate “date ideas” on three pieces of paper and put them into separate envelopes. Inside each envelope was a unique date idea! Once my wife opened the first envelope, she had to either pick that date, or choose to open another envelope.
HOWEVER! Once one envelope was passed over, she was not able to return to it. Decisions, decisions! (We usually exchange the envelopes a few days beforehand, so if the option picked requires any shopping, the preparation becomes a fun date in and of itself!) And, if you’re spending this Valentine’s Day solo—pick one of these options!
For this year—we’ll give you some options that have one common theme—the use of vodka!
What You Need:
- 3 Envelopes
- 3 Pieces of Paper
- 1 Pen
- 1 Bottle Wisher Vodka (Eventually, but you’ll have to settle for lesser vodka substitute this time!) (You’ll see you’ll need some other items depending on the envelope you choose)
Date Number #1 – Vodka Strawberries
Vodka…strawberries? That’s right—there are a number of ways to infuse vodka into your sweet treats. But for Valentine’s Day—let’s focus on a classic—Chocolate covered strawberries! The recipe for this one is easy—just soak your strawberries into a bowl of vodka and place in the refrigerator for about an hour. Then take out, dry your strawberries with a paper towel, dip in any kind of liquid chocolate, and refrigerate another 30 minutes for the chocolate to set. And don’t throw out the leftover vodka—save it and make a drink—then pair it with the new Netflix show to binge!
Date Number #2—Past-dka
Okay, the mash-up name isn’t that great—but your vodka pasta dish is bound to be! Personally, I would use penne for this recipe—but that’s just me. For this, we’ll keep it easy. Take a jar of your favorite marinara sauce—and I’ll help you give it a vodka-y remix. Simply add 1/3 cup of vodka, 2/3 cup of heavy cream to the marinara sauce, let it simmer for 20 minutes, then pour over your penne! I’d break out the record player and accompany this dinner with a vinyl for the soundtrack to this romantic Italian dinner! If you don’t have a record player, Alexa’s best “Valentine’s Playlist” will do!
Date Number #3—Massages and Mules
Everyone deserves some pampering this year—and now that we finally feel more comfortable being back into the world, book a couple’s massage to decompress from a long two years! After the massage, you can head home and pour one of the best cocktails in the game—a Moscow Mule! However, since it’s Valentine’s Day—we have to add a Valentine’s Day twist, right? We’ll give this Moscow Mule a shot of strawberry soda straight out of Cupid’s quiver. Grab a copper mug if you have one, or a tumbler. Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka, 1.5 ounces of strawberry soda, 8 ounces of ginger beer, and ½ lime for garnish! Stir it up, serve cold, and enjoy! Choose wisely, drink responsibly, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Author: Chris Cozzillio