We were intrigued by the idea of LIQS premixed cocktail shots, made from premium spirits and real fruit juices.

As most of us know, a shot, or shooter, is a small serving of spirits or a mixed drink, usually about one ounce.

It is typically consumed quickly, often in a single gulp.

When our samples of LIQS cocktail shots arrived, though, they meant something else to us:

A mini cocktail, perfect to sip when you just want a bit—not a whole drink.

At 50ml/1.69 ounces per shot, LIQs hold more than a standard shot.

We found ourselves relishing one each night (the calories are low enough to be guilt-free—another benefit of the cocktail shot).
 
 
THREE SPIRITS, FIVE FLAVORS

The five current flavors are:

 
The shots are 20% ABV/40 proof. All include cane sugar.
 
 
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

The sturdy shot glasses are recyclable and reusable, made from #1 PET plastic and BPA-free.

You can reuse them over and over: no need to send them to the landfill.
 
 
GET YOUR LIQS

Liqs are sold at at liquor stores, as well as bars, nightclubs, golf courses, music venues and other locations seeking some alcoholic fun.

Here’s a store locator.

Head to the LIQS website for more information.

The next time you’re headed to a gathering, consider a package or two of LIQS instead of beer or wine.

[1] LIQS cocktail shots are 40 proof, and 1.69 ounces (photos © LIQS).

[2] LIQS are sold in packs of four.

[3] Ready to party!

Use a cookie cutter to cut vegetables and fruits into hearts (photo © Boursin).

[2] Look for red or purple fruits and veggies (photo of red Belgian endive © Melissa’s Produce).

[3] Cauliflower florets in “passion” purple also belong on a Valentine cheese board. Also look for purple asparagus, bell peppers and green beans (photo © Sid Wainer | Facebook).

Here’s an easy and fun snack for Valentine’s Day.

While our go-to with cheese was Valley Lahvosh Cracker Hearts, they’ve become harder and harder to find.

An aha! moment came when we saw this crudités presentation from Boursin:

 
 
FRUITS & VEGGIES TO CARVE

If you have both small and large heart-shaped cookie cutters, so much the better. Cut up:

 
What about the cores of pears and apples?

It’s easy to use a coring tool.

Or, like olive pits, simply eat around them and place the cores in a bowl.
 
 
NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO BE CUT INTO HEARTS

Some items can simply be scattered, such as:

 
The leaves of red endive, by the way, are excellent “boats” to fill with:

 
 
BEYOND VALENTINE’S DAY

The idea also works for other “loving” occasions, such as anniversaries, bridal showers and Mother’s Day.

Not everybody wants candy for Valentine’s Day.

And some who want it shouldn’t have it.

So how about sharing the love with Valentine’s drinkware from Zak! Designs?

There are 18 different types of pink- and lilac-hued drink carriers, including:

 
Check them out here.

Also check out these fun “Confetti” melamine dishes in six colors, including pale pink and bright red.

”Chocolates and bouquets are great while they last,” says Zak, “but these Valentine’s ideas will stay year after year, and will be a romantic reminder every time they’re used.”

Roses are red, violets are blue, and a pink water bottle, is a lovely gift too (photo © Zak! Designs).