The Love Potion No. 9 cocktail is a flirty, bright pink vodka drink made with raspberry liqueur, citrus, and a lightly sweet finish. It’s easy to shake up in minutes and is a perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail for date night, bachelorettes, or a party toast.
Quick note: this page is about the Love Potion No. 9 drink, not the song or film. Below you’ll find the classic cocktail build, bartender tips, and easy variations if you want it sweeter, tarter, or more bubbly.
Jump straight to ingredients, instructions, tips, nutrition, or FAQs.
Ingredients for a Love Potion No. 9 Cocktail
For the cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz raspberry liqueur (Chambord or similar)
- 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice (for color, optional)
- Ice
For the garnish
- Sugar (for rim, optional)
- Fresh raspberries (optional)
- Lemon twist or lemon wheel (optional)
How to Make Love Potion No. 9
- Prepare the glass. Chill a martini or coupe glass. If you want a sugar rim, run a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar.
- Build the cocktail. Add vodka, raspberry liqueur, triple sec, lemon juice, and cranberry juice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well. Shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until the shaker is very cold.
- Strain and garnish. Strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist and serve immediately.
Bartender Tips for the Best Love Potion No. 9 Cocktail
- Use fresh lemon juice. It makes the cocktail taste crisp instead of candy-sweet.
- Adjust the pink. Add cranberry juice only until you like the color and tartness.
- Shake hard. Dilution is what makes this drink smooth and “sippable.”
- Serve it ice-cold. Chill the glass and use plenty of ice in the shaker.
Love Potion No. 9 Variations
- Love Potion No. 9 with Prosecco: Strain the cocktail into a coupe and top with 1 to 2 oz chilled prosecco for a bubbly finish.
- Strawberry Love Potion: Swap raspberry liqueur for strawberry liqueur or add 2 muddled strawberries before shaking.
- Sweeter Love Potion: Add 1/4 oz simple syrup if your lemon is extra tart or you prefer a candy-style drink.
- Mocktail Love Potion: Shake lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and cranberry juice with ice, then top with sparkling water.
What Does Love Potion No. 9 Do?
In pop culture, “Love Potion No. 9” refers to a fictional potion that causes instant infatuation. In real life, this is simply a fun, romantic pink vodka cocktail to serve for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Love Potion No. 9 Nutrition (Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.
- Serving size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: ~220
- Carbohydrates: ~20 g
- Sugars: ~18 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: ~6 mg
Love Potion No. 9 FAQs
How do you make Love Potion No. 9?
Shake vodka, raspberry liqueur, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Add a small splash of cranberry juice if you want a brighter pink color. Garnish with raspberries or a lemon twist.
Is Love Potion No. 9 a real thing?
The “Love Potion No. 9” name comes from pop culture. This recipe is a real cocktail inspired by the theme, designed to be a fun Valentine’s Day drink.
Can I make Love Potion No. 9 in a big batch?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients and chill the mix in a pitcher. For best texture, shake each serving with ice before pouring, or stir well over ice if serving in rocks glasses.
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