Guide to a Relaxing Valentine’s Day Craft Beer Style

Whether you have only been dating a few weeks or married a decade, Valentine’s Day brings a little pressure to every relationship. Here are a few thoughts to reduce stress and make for a relaxing Valentine.

#1 Happy Hour

Hit the pub with your sweetie after work. A short social session with that special someone helps to set a comfortable and relaxing mood plus gives you a chance to connect. Have a few session-style craft beers, we suggest Sundown Wheat spiced with orange peel and coriander. If the mood strikes, a lighter style craft beer would easily pair with an appetizer or salad.

#2 Take Dinner Home

Now that you are relaxed, time to discuss the evening meal. If you have booked a reservation at a fine dining restaurant, happily enjoy. Many of us are more spontaneous (use this word guys, it draws attention from the fact you planned nothing) in our Valentine plans. Choose something exotic that you both enjoy. Perhaps Thai food. Spicy foods can get the heart racing. If you have the opportunity to plan grab a bold craft beer to pair with dinner to complete the relaxed atmosphere. Atlas IPA is a excellent pair with spicy food such as Indian and Thai.

#3 Don’t forget the Chocolate

Long thought to be an aphrodisiac, and who are we to argue, chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Chocolate is also an excellent and easy pair with beer. Try beers that are rich and complex and have the flavors of coffee, cocoa, or chocolate. Big Jamoke Porter would do the trick, but there are many others that fit the bill. Looking for something with a bit more flair, try a beer float or shake.

Big Jamoke Porter Float 

6 oz. of Big Jamoke Porter

1 scoop of Vanilla Bean or Cappuccino ice cream

To create a shake add ingredients to blender with 2 tbs. of your favorite chocolate sauce. Top with whipped cream, a shake of cocoa powder, and garnish with a strawberry or cherry. 

Finally, while be does reduce inhibitions, please drink responsibly.