Flowers are far from the most thrilling Valentine’s Day presents. Instead, why not select something memorable and indulgent…perhaps a bottle of their favourite sensationally sippable gin?
If you’ve been fretting about just what to treat your sweetheart to this season, we’ve compiled a list of 10 rather smashing ideas, culled from our own favourites. From epicurean treats to experiential adventures, these Valentine’s Day presents should perfectly suit the Sipsmithian in your life.
1. Richard Brendon Glassware
Does your Valentine have a taste for all things hand crafted, beautiful and refined – as well as a thirst for delectable drinks? The team at Sipsmith love the delicate array of glassware from Richard Brendon – like this crystal cut mixing glass, or highballs fit for your finest cocktails. Meanwhile, we’ll pine for the decadent Ice bucket which we love to complete our drinks carts.
2. Set the mood with a carefully crafted Candle
Based in the Cornish countryside, St Eval offers unique nature-inspired scents bringing a touch of the countryside to even the most urban of homes. We love their Sandlewood and Cedar candle, recently used to warm our Hot Martini Terrace at The Ham Yard Hotel
3. Indulge with some sensationally moreish chocolates from Charbonnel et Walker
Chocolates may not be the most surprising of Valentine’s Day presents, though the unmistakeable elegance of Charbonnel et Walker is a timeless and welcome gift. The Luxury Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles are iconic, but for a junipery twist, why not gift some Sipsmith infused chocolate truffles?
4. Herb Lester London Address Book
Whether you’re a local or merely plan to visit, London is big enough to challenge the internal compasses of even the finest navigators. You can find anything you want in London if you know where to look and the team at Herb Lester have compiled an extensive list of 280 tried at tested places to eat, drink, shop and see – all compiled into their ultimate London Address Book.
5. A Freddie’s Flowers Subscription
For a gift that keeps on giving, our neighbours Freddie’s Flowers carefully craft beautiful bouquets on a monthly basis and deliver straight to your loved ones door. They’re also a fellow B-Corp, so you can gift both sensationally and sustainably this Valentines’ Day.
6. Craft together (SIP 100)
Some say there is no greater gift than the gift of time spent together – especially when you can craft up a cocktail or two in the process. Our very own cocktail book SIP takes delicious cocktails back to basics with 100 gin cocktails, each using only 3 ingredients – one of which is always our uncompromisingly handcrafted London Dry Gin.
7. Sip and step into infinite space at Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms
On to the cultural forays. If you’re looking to impress, there’s nothing quite like a trip to the Tate Modern – and the global phenomenon Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms make a triumphant return to London. Why not Kasuma and cocktail with a Sipsmith Martini at the Tate’s newly opened Corner Bar?
8. Royal Opera House Tickets
And of course, one mustn’t forget the ballet. This Valentine’s Day coincides with Kenneth MacMillan‘s adaption of Manon at The Royal Opera House. Torn between her desire of a life of splendour and riches and her devotion to her true love Des Grieux, the feckless and capricious Manon pays the ultimate price. Why not kick off the evening with a Sipsmith and Tonic at one of their bars?
9. Royal Academy Tickets
How about a spot of art? Rubens is currently being celebrated in a banner exhibition at the Royal Academy, and his brilliant colours, colossal canvases and many nudes might be just the right romantic gesture (especially when followed up with a drink in the Keeper’s House).
10. Sipsmith Tasting Experience
And of course we’d be remiss not to add a gin gift to our list – so why not join us at the birthplace of the modern ginaissence? You’ll be greeted with a ginny tipple in hand, be taken through the chequered history of gin and learn how Sipsmith came to be. There’s nothing more romantic than a well-mixed G&T, we’ve always said. Book now through our website.
