We asked 8 mixologists what they’re giving for Valentine’s Day — and their answers will surprise you

It’s the time of year when Cupid’s arrows fly with more abandon than a bar hand slinging vodka shots during the last call. The city’s drunk on love, and bartenders are not just pouring drinks — they’re pouring their hearts out.

We drop by some of the hottest bars to get the lowdown on how mixologists shake romance up on Valentine’s Day.

1. Kaustubh Singh Negi, bar manager, Sushisamba

A full English breakfast might not be most people’s first thought when it comes to romantic gifts, but for Kaus and his wife Vanessa, it’s the bee’s knees. Since Valentine’s Day falls on Friday this year, the 30-year-old will be behind the bar at Samba Room.

“But we have a big makeup celebration planned for Sunday. First thing in the morning, I’ll make a full English — sourdough, sausages, the works. And then it’s non-stop ordering in all day!”  

Staying in and dining on delivery became a cherished ritual for the couple when Vanessa, now a psychologist, was studying for her PhD. “We love spending time together at home, usually with Sonny’s Pizza and pasta from Bar Cicheti.”

While quality time has become a big part of the couple’s love language, the mischievous bartender isn’t shy of disrupting their tradition of domestic bliss. “In 2023, I came across a local company selling sex toys and had one delivered to her office,” he confesses with a cheeky grin. 

Come February 14, Kaus will serve two exclusive Valentine’s cocktails at Sushisamba, including the Timberlake-inspired Suit & Tie, alongside a chef-curated five-course menu. Toy not included.

2. David Kim, principal bartender, Live Twice

Newlyweds David Kim and Regina Jung, who tied the knot in Seoul last February, have never been ones for shiny material gifts. Instead, they’re more inclined towards the shared adventure of discovering new cities and experiences together.

“February is generally considered an off-season month in F&B, so we always took the opportunity to travel somewhere new,” Kim shares. “So this year, we’re excited to visit two cities — Manila and Tainan — for the first time.”

A memorable anniversary dinner at Burnt Ends in 2022 ignited the couple’s epicurean passions, so unsurprisingly, they’ve lined the itinerary with some of the finest bars and restaurants the cities offer. “I want to visit my friend’s bar, Swallow Tainan,” says the 35-year-old.

“The owners Mei Chiu and Dan Zhang, who used to work at Jigger & Pony and Live Twice, were here for our bar’s anniversary guest shifts. For Manila, definitely (cocktail bar) The Curator. We’ve known (founder) David (Ong) since working at The Ritz-Carlton in 2016. And many friends recommended Toyo, one of the top restaurants in The Philippines.”

And while there won’t be a Valentine’s Day-specific menu at Live Twice, the South Korean mixologist recommends lovers dive into the new hojicha tiramisu. “I’m always trying to get a piece for myself,” he admits with a grin.

3. Ezra Star, owner, Mostly Harmless, Hong Kong

Ezra Star and her wife, Beckaly Franks of Artifact Bar, are both at the helm of some of the coolest cocktail spots in Hong Kong, so it’s not uncommon to see them hard at work behind their respective bars, even on special occasions.

“We are often working on Valentine’s Day, so instead of taking a traditional day to celebrate, we focus on two anniversaries as our holidays — our first date and the day we were married,” shares Ezra.

And rather than exchanging presents, the bar veterans express their love through quality time. “Our most memorable gifts include making soup, watching movies, or running away together for a weekend in Macau.”

As for what she has planned this year, Ezra keeps it firmly under wraps because “I know she reads things I’m in. But I try to focus on gifts that can be worn and appreciated, give her an experience, or connect her with something from her past. Plus, I’m also crazy and tend to do more than one or two!”

Cocktail lovers are in for a unique Valentine’s Day treat at Ezra’s bar this year. “We decided to try something different this year at Mostly Harmless. Upstairs, we’ll offer a reservation-only cocktail-tasting menu featuring four drinks and a great time. Seating is available for parties of one, two, or three. Of course, singles and groups of three will enjoy something different and special. Downstairs, we’ll serve ‘Hunka Hunka Burning Love’, an Elvis-themed food menu, soundtrack, and cocktails. This area is open to everyone and anyone, designed to be a fun night out that takes people outside the norm while still offering a great experience for couples and friends.”

4. Franz Karl Lagajino, head bartender, The Pineapple Room

A long-distance relationship isn’t easy, but Franz keeps the flame alive with thoughtful gifts for his partner, Philippine-based pastry chef Glaiza. “Last Valentine’s Day, I had a bouquet, chocolates, and champagne delivered to her. As a bartender, I’ve always valued the art of creating the perfect mix, whether in a cocktail or a thoughtful gift. This was my way of mixing beauty, sweetness, and celebration. Even though we couldn’t be together in person, I wanted to bring a little taste of luxury and joy to her day, just like I do when I craft the perfect drink for someone behind the bar. It reminded me that even from afar, I could still create a special moment for us.”

For this Valentine’s Day, the 28-year-old bartender at Capella Singapore has something special up his sleeve: A romantic holiday that would reunite the couple after almost three years of love from afar.

“I’m planning a special trip to Cappadocia, Turkey, where we’ll ride a hot air balloon together. Just like I mix the perfect drink to bring people joy, I want to create a memorable adventure for us, combining beauty, excitement, and the magic of the moment.”

5. Yana Keller, beverage director, Atlas

It’s the meet-cute of the digital age. “I met my partner on Bumble,” says the effervescent bartender of fiancé Thomas Budin. “Interestingly, he missed the initial 24-hour window to reply, so our chat expired. But three days later, he made his move — and I later found out he had to upgrade to a premium account just to message me. That kind of effort really showed me he was serious, and it definitely left an impression!”

Because their anniversary falls two days shy of Valentine’s Day, the couple always celebrated both days together. “One of our favourite traditions is heading to our beloved French restaurant on Purvis Street, where we savour a delicious meal and share a nice bottle of wine. Afterwards, we head home to relax and catch up on our favourite TV series. It’s simple, cosy, and perfectly us!”

It has also become customary to play a round of “Magic: The Gathering” every February. “My partner is a huge fan, so in our early dating days, I surprised him with the newly released Lord of the Rings card deck as a belated Valentine’s gift. I even bought a deck for myself. Funny enough, while he was hoping for a rare card, I ended up opening it! That night, I played my first game — and somehow beat him!”

Atlas’ beverage director is tight-lipped on the upcoming Valentine’s celebrations details but reveals they’re planning on a short island getaway. No gifts? “It might seem a little cheesy, but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve got everything I could ever need — just my partner by my side.

6. Christina Rasmussen, co-owner, FURA

For Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa, running an F&B business means the grind rarely lets up, leaving fewer opportunities to experience life on the other side of the bar counter.

“We rarely eat out,” reveals Christina. “On our days off, we often cook for each other at home.” So, on special occasions like Valentine’s Day, the couple looks forward to a romantic dinner together. “We like to check out a new spot on our list for a while and simply enjoy each other’s company. Last year, we went to Kotuwa to eat Sri Lankan food, and it was delicious. This year, we’re heading to AIR CCCC.”

And, of course, there are flowers. “We aren’t so sentimental on dates, but usually she gets me a giant bouquet of various roses. I return that with a giant bouquet of sunflowers because that’s our favourite.”

There’s also the occasional extravagance. “Last year, I received a Cartier ring from Sasha, which was incredibly generous,” she shares. “We usually agree not to spend that much, but she always gets me gifts that exceed our budget. I’m not complaining, though.”

Early reservations are recommended if you consider spending your Valentine’s at FURA. “Valentine’s Day falls on Friday this year, and last year it was so busy that we had a queue out the door, so we expect the same this time.” By then, Volume 2 of their menu is expected to have launched, bringing an exciting new set of sustainability-minded cocktails.

7. Andrew Pang, founder, Bar Spectre

For Valentine’s Day, the bar owner and Beam Suntory brand ambassador is gifting his wife, Christine (and the rest of his bar) a sweet serenade. “I’m planning to do a surprise song/set list for my wife at Spectre,” smiles the 39-year-old. “(But) seeing that Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, I may need to stand by for work.”

It’s an unconventional choice, but that’s because “gifting isn’t one of my love languages,” he admits. “I also don’t put pressure on my wife to buy me anything, and the best gift is if we can spend time together, watch a movie, or plan the next holiday. We like to spend time not working, haha!”

Naturally, the founder of Singapore’s first mental wellness bar also makes room for the partnerless. “We also take this chance to spend time with our single friends in case anyone feels alone.”

In fact, the bar is carving out a space for those looking for love. “Spectre is planning two Singles Nights: one on February 5 for those looking for a date on Valentine’s Day, and one on the 14th itself for those who don’t have dates. Singles Night will include a specially designed menu of Single Malts and a pseudo-speed dating networking session with guided questions. Our Valentine’s Day drink is called Liquid Courage — Roku Sakura Bloom (since it’s spring), apple juice, citrus, orange liqueur, and an absinthe wash (Corpse Reviver structure). Guests will be served this before they start mingling, and hopefully, we’ll get good conversations.”

8. Holly Graham, founder, Tokyo Confidential, Tokyo

Tokyo Confidential’s Holly Graham and Tom Egerton are coming up on six years of happy marriage, but they’re not spending Valentine’s Day together this year. “We’ll be apart as I’ll be running Tokyo Confidential while Tom is in Hokkaido running Niseko Confidential. It’ll be a gift if we remember to text each other and wish one another a happy Valentine’s!” laughs Holly.

Despite establishing their wedding date two days after February 14, Holly is refreshingly blasé about it. “We’re neither anti nor big on Valentine’s Day,” explains the Japanese bar owner.

“It was a casual registry affair when we got married in 2019. We picked the Saturday closest to Valentine’s that year, purely for fun, and the date sits nicely between our birthdays.” 

For Tokyo’s lovestruck barflies, Tokyo Confidential will run a special with Telmont Rosé Champagne and bring back their popular strawberries and cream sando.