Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well in a pinch. Thaw them slightly before muddling for the best extraction of flavor and color.

Can I make Cupid’s Cup non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative, use elderflower cordial instead of liqueur, and top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The flavors and romance remain intact.

What type of sparkling wine works best?

A dry sparkling wine like brut champagne or prosecco is ideal. Sweeter sparkling wines can be used but may require reducing the simple syrup to balance sweetness.

How far in advance can I prepare Cupid’s Cup?

You can muddle the strawberries and mix the base ingredients ahead of time. However, add the sparkling wine and garnish just before serving to preserve the fizz and presentation.

Cupid’s Cup

Name: Cupid’s Cup
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 1.5 oz Gin; 0.75 oz Elderflower liqueur; 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice; 0.5 oz Simple syrup; 2 oz Fresh strawberries; 2 oz Sparkling wine

Cupid’s Cup is a vibrant, romantic cocktail that blends fruity and floral notes for a refreshing, enchanting sip. With its blushing pink hue and delicate balance of gin, elderflower, and strawberry, this drink is designed to charm your senses and set the mood for celebration, whether it's Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or a special night in.

5 minutesMedium1 serving

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Ingredients

1 serving

Gin
45 ml (1.5 oz)
A floral or citrus-forward gin works best
Elderflower liqueur
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Such as St-Germain
Fresh lemon juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Freshly squeezed for brightness
Simple syrup
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Adjust to taste
Fresh strawberries
60 ml (2 oz)
About 2-3 medium berries, hulled and sliced
Sparkling wine
60 ml (2 oz)
Dry prosecco or brut champagne, to top

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Muddler
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer
Hawthorne strainer

Instructions

Add the sliced strawberries and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle thoroughly to release the juice and aroma.
Pour in the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or stemmed glass to remove the strawberry seeds and pulp.
Top gently with sparkling wine.
Garnish and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Its beautifully blushed color makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
The combination of gin, elderflower, and fresh strawberry is both unique and universally appealing.
It’s refreshing and light, perfect for sipping year-round.
Easy to customize with different berries or sparkling wines.
Ideal for romantic occasions or impressing someone special.

History & Origin

Cupid’s Cup was first crafted in the early 2010s by creative bartenders seeking to capture the essence of romance in a glass. It quickly gained popularity as a signature drink at wedding receptions and romantic events, thanks to its alluring color and crowd-pleasing flavors. Drawing inspiration from classic gin cocktails and the blossoming trend of floral liqueurs, Cupid’s Cup has become a modern favorite for those looking to toast to love.

Garnish

A heart-shaped strawberry slice or a single edible flower floated on top; both add visual romance and a subtle aroma.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 180 calories per serving. Contains moderate sugar from the syrup and strawberries. Alcohol content varies depending on the sparkling wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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