3 Valentine’s Day Love Potions Straight From Astari’s Shelf
(Two are safe for young spellcasters. One requires a potion license and ID.)
Astari doesn’t care much for candlelit dinners or chocolates in heart-shaped boxes. But potions? She’s all in. Especially the kind that shimmer, surprise, and taste like delicious secrets.
Astari, the fanciful Witch of Whimsy, is the quiet one in the VelvetEmerald Forest—the one who’s always scribbling in the margins of old spellbooks and collecting mushroom dust in vials.
Here are three of her favorite love potion concoctions. Two are mocktails for budding potion-makers. One is a cocktail strictly for grown-ups who dabble in enchantments and questionable decisions. All are pink and absolutely spellbinding.
1. Strawberry Moon Elixir (Fizz-free mocktail)
For giggles, daydreams, and tiny butterflies in your socks.
Ingredients
1/2 cup cold milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Strawberries (or strawberry syrup) to taste
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Optional:
Pinch of cinnamon
Fresh or frozen strawberry for garnish
Directions
Stir together the milk, strawberries, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour into a whimsical glass and garnish with a strawberry on the rim or floating within. Perfect for sipping under a blanket while pretending not to like anyone. (But maybe liking someone just a little.)
2. Heartbeam Fizz (Mocktail)
For unexpected bravery, wizard-level wobbles, and whispers from imaginary friends.
Ingredients
1/4 cup (2 oz) apple juice
1/4 cup (2 oz) cranberry juice (white cranberry for blush pink, regular for bolder red)
1/4 cup (2 oz) ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
Garnish: 1 thin slice of red apple, cut horizontally
Directions
Stir together the juices with. Pour over ice in a clear glass. Add a flourish of fizz.
Now for the magic: take a red apple and slice it horizontally, right through the middle—core and all. This reveals a lovely little star pattern in the center (Astari’s favorite shape). Cut the slice nice and thin so it floats. Place it gently on top of the drink like a tiny boat of secrets.
3. The Velvet Hex (Cocktail)
For drama, forbidden flirtations, and dangerously good ideas.
Ingredients
2 oz vodka (or clear spirit of choice)
1 oz Chambord (or raspberry liqueur)
1 oz pomegranate juice
Splash of lemon juice
Black cherry or frozen raspberries to garnish
Directions
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Stemware preferred. Garnish dramatically. Pairs well with bold eyeliner and emotionally intense playlists.
A Final Note from Astari
These potions don’t guarantee true love (those require at least one moonlit oath and a bit more paperwork), but they might make things weirder in a way you’re oddly okay with.
Feel free to experiment with the potions and substitute ingredients. Gummy bears are always a solid garnish. Just know your version could develop a slight hum, hover above your counter, and / or insist on being served in a teacup with a name.
Also—always stir counterclockwise. Obviously. Just in case.
