By Dina Novar–
There’s magic in the dance of pollination, nature’s original love story. It is played out in countless gardens, orchards, forests, and meadows across the world. And while we humans might think we invented romance with our heart-shaped chocolates and carefully crafted bouquets, the truth is, we’re just following a script that bees and butterflies have been perfecting for millions of years.
Speaking of romantic encounters, Nicole Nathan’s “Love Letter” cocktail is more than just another timely pink drink for Valentine’s Day. It’s an ode to the delicate dance between species that keeps our world blooming, and perhaps, a gentle reminder that true love requires both perfect timing and a dash of chaos.
At its heart, Nicole’s Love Letter is a Negroni variant cocktail that quite literally buzzes with purpose. The cocktail’s Barr Hill Gin is the kind of spirit that makes you feel a little less guilty about your drinking habits. Every bottle sold helps plant 20 square feet of pollinator sanctuary, which is probably the most romantic thing a liquor company has done; letting pollinators find more places to date and have sex.
The Sakura Cordial captures the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms, those fleeting pink petals of spring that are blooming earlier each year, thanks to our planet’s increasingly confused thermostat. It’s a bittersweet reminder that even nature’s most reliable love stories are being forced to adapt to our changing world. And, finally, the sencha-infused Martini & Rossi Bianco adds depth and complexity, like the best relationships do, while Select Aperitivo brings a touch of bitterness—because what’s love without a little edge?
But here’s where the story gets interesting, like a first date that unexpectedly turns into breakfast. Climate change is playing matchmaker with our ecosystems, and not in a good way. As temperatures rise, cherry blossoms are hitting the dating scene earlier and earlier, sometimes missing their traditional rendezvous with their pollinator partners. It’s like showing up to a blind date three weeks early and wondering why you’re drinking alone. These botanical blind dates gone wrong, or phenology mismatch—nature’s equivalent of standing up your Tinder date—threaten not just the romantic lives of bees and butterflies, but also the things we eat and drink.
Nicole’s Love Letter isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a liquid reminder of what’s at stake. Each sip tells a story of interconnection, from the bees that make Barr Hill Gin possible to the cherry blossoms that inspired its creation. The grapefruit sakura flower garnish floating atop the king cube isn’t just for Instagram; it’s a tiny work of art that reminds us of nature’s own fleeting masterpieces.
So, this Valentine’s Day, raise a glass to love in all its forms—the romantic kind, sure, but also the kind that exist between a bee and a flower, between humans and the natural world, and between a bartender and their craft. After all, in a world where even cherry blossoms can’t keep their traditional dates, maybe what we need most is a drink that reminds us to stop and smell the flowers—or in this case, sip them.
And if you’re feeling particularly romantic toward our planet, consider showing some love to organizations working to protect our pollinators and their habitats. Because while this cocktail might help you forget your ex, it should also help you remember that the greatest love story of all is the one between every living thing on this rock we call home.
Love Letter by Nicole Nathan
1/4 oz. Sakura Cordial
3/4 oz. Select Aperitivo
1 oz. Sencha-infused Martini & Rossi Bianco Vermouth
1 1/4 oz. Barr Hill Gin
Garnish: expressed grapefruit sakura flower cut-out
Stir all ingredients save for garnish in a mixing glass, then strain into a double old-fashioned glass over a king cube. Express small grapefruit coin, then use sakura punch out. Place sakura flower punch garnish on top of cube
Sencha-Infused Vermouth Blanc or Bianco
17 ounces vermouth blanc or bianco
1 tbsp sencha green tea
Steep vermouth blanc or bianco with sencha tea for 45 minutes. Strain out tea after 45 minutes.
Sakura Cordial
2 tbsp scoops of sakura blossoms
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
2 cups water
Simmer blossoms, sugar, and water in a pot. Take off heat and let cool. Strain out blossoms when flavor is fully imparted. Add to drinks, such as Love Letter, for a pop of color and a taste of spring.
Nicole Nathan brings nearly a decade of expertise in the San Francisco bar scene, having honed her craft at establishments from Tartine Manufactory to True Laurel. When not creating seasonal, sustainable cocktails, she can be found leading at Camp Runamok, participating in Tales of the Cocktail, or planning her next adventure—most recently at the Ajabu Cocktail & Spirits Festival in South Africa. Her current mission? Building a more equitable bar industry, one perfectly balanced drink at a time.
San Francisco-based Dina Novarr enjoys sharing her passion for fine wines, spirits, non-alcoholic craft beverages, and more with others.
Cocktails with Dina
Published on January 30, 2025
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