Aphrodisiac cocktails can increase desire and sexual appetite through some of their chemical components; here are 7 recipes to try
Aphrodisiac cocktails can increase desire and sexual appetite through some of their chemical components, although in many cases their aphrodisiac power is not supported by any scientific basis, but rather by popular belief.
Sometimes they work by association (Plants, fruits or foods whose appearance and shape recall the genitals: open strawberries or apples, pears, asparagus, cucumbers or bananas; clams, oysters or mussels); through a direct action, producing disinhibition thanks to the characteristics of their composition (this category includes any type of hormones, drugs or other substances); and through popular belief (foods or elements to which aphrodisiac effects and increased sexual appetite are attributed as a result of unproven popular beliefs).
Examples of aphrodisiacs
—Chocolate: it is one of the foods considered aphrodisiac. Scientifically, these effects can be proven —in relative terms— thanks to the xanthines it contains, which act as stimulants.
—Red wine: contains polyphenols, which improve women’s sexual response. Its composition also includes flavonoids, substances that support arterial function and help vasodilation, therefore benefiting blood circulation throughout the body and sexual activity.
—Champagne: This drink enjoys a worldwide reputation as an exciting aphrodisiac. Like wine, it contains a certain amount of alcohol whose disinhibiting effect can encourage sexual closeness and lust. The bubbles stimulate the imagination. Suggested recipe: Mint Champagne.
—Vanilla: This plant, from the orchid family, is also well known among aphrodisiacs. In South America it has been used since time immemorial to treat erection problems, and it is also commonly used in cosmetics and perfumery. Suggested recipe: Carolina.
—Guarana: its use in the preparation of various drinks and cocktails means it falls within the drinks category. This herb is a stimulant of the central nervous system, sensitivity and receptiveness, and its composition includes substances capable of increasing the capacity for physical effort.
—Mamajuana: is a traditional alcoholic drink from the Dominican Republic to which aphrodisiac effects are attributed. This is due to its two varieties. One is made with seafood, to which aphrodisiac properties are attributed; the other, known as “de palos”, is made with different types of roots.
—Drinks with ginseng: Ginseng is a root with stimulating effects that can increase physical performance; it is also rich in saponins, elements that stimulate energy and sexual appetite. It especially increases libido when its absence is caused by factors such as stress, depression or anxiety.
—Alcoholic drinks in general: they encourage disinhibition, which can heighten sexual stimuli. If not consumed in moderation, alcoholic drinks can have the opposite effect, especially in men, even making them unable to have sexual intercourse.
There is no scientific proof that aphrodisiac cocktails truly exist; these properties are mostly rooted in popular beliefs. Even so, that does not mean they cannot be inspired by a pleasant setting, good music and the company of someone special.
Some aphrodisiacs are said to work by stimulating certain senses (sight, touch, smell and hearing).
In traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies such as ginseng root were used to support longevity and sexual vitality.
The Arabs, for their part, highlighted the value of perfumes, fragrances and cosmetics.
Modern science recognises only a small number of aphrodisiac substances, one of them being cantharidin ("Spanish fly"), made from the dried and crushed remains of blister beetles, but using it as a stimulant is extremely dangerous due to its high toxicity.
In the field of new mixology trends, the myth surrounding the existence of aphrodisiac cocktails has grown. The effect may come from the drink’s presentation, with colourful essences and fruits used as both a base and decoration.
There is a wide variety of drinks to accompany those special nights:
- Minted Champagne: This recipe calls for Champagne, mint liqueur and melon balls. Simply soak the melon balls for a few minutes in the green liqueur. Then place them at the bottom of a glass and top up with Champagne or cava; finish with a few mint or spearmint leaves.
- Port wine,
- Tarragona,
- Saumur,
- plum liqueur,
- Armagnac,
- Aniseed liqueurs and aromatic herbal liqueurs such as Pernod, Prunelle and Chartreuse, Arrack (a Middle Eastern liqueur made with fruit and aromatic herbs).
Aphrodisiac cocktail recipes
1. Orange Blossom
Ingredients: ⅔ Tequila, ⅓ orange juice, a dash of curaçao or curacao (optional), one orange slice.
Method: Prepare in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake, strain and serve in a medium glass with ice.
2. Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients: 2 measures of Tequila, 2 measures of orange juice, 1 splash of grenadine
Preparation: Use a highball glass to prepare this drink. Start by placing some ice at the bottom, add the orange juice, continue with the tequila, the triple sec and finally a splash of grenadine. You can garnish with a cherry or an orange wedge. Ideal for a passionate evening.
3. Minted Champagne
Ingredients: Champagne, mint liqueur, melon balls
Preparation: Prepare this drink by macerating the melon balls in the mint liqueur for a few minutes. Then place them in the glasses and top up with Champagne (or cava, or sparkling wine). Serve well chilled and garnish with a few mint leaves.
4. Barracuda
Ingredients: ½ white rum, ¼ pineapple juice, 1 splash of lemon juice, 1 splash of melon liqueur, Champagne and sugar.
Method: Prepare in a cocktail shaker with ice, except for the Champagne. Shake and serve in a wide glass, finishing with the Champagne, which should be chilled.
5. Tarzan
Ingredients: ½ white Tequila, 80 grams carrot, 50 grams celery, 50 grams lettuce, 2 tomatoes, basil, lemon, parsley, salt and pepper to taste
Method: Blend with a little crushed ice until smooth, adding water if necessary. Strain and serve in a balloon glass garnished with a sprig of parsley.
6. Sexual Potion
Ingredients: Gin, fresh coconut milk, freshly grated ginger, Pernod.
Method: Mix all the ingredients well in proportions to taste, and drink immediately.
7. Love Water
Ingredients: 1 litre of rose water, 15 grams of cinnamon, 20 grams of thyme, 5 grams of vanilla, 5 grams of coriander.
Method: In one litre of rose water, leave to macerate for two weeks: 15 grams of cinnamon, 20 grams of thyme, 5 grams of mace and 5 grams of coriander. After two weeks, strain it and mix with syrup.
You may also be interested in: