Sweetheart Dance 1980

I found this cutie at an antique mall for one dollar, so of course I had to take her home.  A few stalls over, I found a heart shaped swizzle stick and I knew the two would make a perfect pair.  When I got to work on this drink I wanted to make something that was on the sweeter side but also felt a little romantic.  The perfect drink to share with your crush who agreed to go to the dance with you.  I pulled out the cherry liqueur and scanned my other booze for something that would mix well but also be a bit unexpected.  We had some dark Jamaican rum that had a nice vanilla flavor which mixed really well with the cherry.  I added a few chocolate bitters and it felt like a true sweetheart drink.  But I also wanted to add that bit of romance so I popped open a bottle of champagne and added a little bit to the top.  It was perfect.  The bubbles and dryness cut the sweetness just enough to feel whimsical and taste delicious.   Sweet but a bit fluttery just like that feeling of new nervous love.  So next time you work up the courage to ask your crush to the dance and they say yes, pour them this sweet and romantic cocktail.  I think you’ll really hit it off!