As we move into February, the cultural shift towards celebrating platonic love has reached a new peak. While Valentine’s Day often carries the weight of romantic expectations, Galentine’s Day has evolved into a high-fashion, high-flavour alternative that focuses on the bonds of sisterhood. For the modern woman, this celebration is no longer just about brunch and balloons. It is about curated experiences, fine spirits, and the kind of conversation that only happens over a well-crafted cocktail. The cocktail landscape in 2026 has moved away from overly sugary mixtures toward complex, botanical, and herb-forward profiles. Gin remains the undisputed champion of the home bar, offering a versatile canvas for everything from tea infusions to spicy garden notes. To help you host the ultimate gathering this year, three prolific mixologists from the Maldives and the coastal beauty of Visakhapatnam have shared their signature recipes. These drinks are designed to be elegant yet accessible, ensuring you spend less time behind the bar and more time with your favourite people.
Helengeli Island Tea By Bartender Dulan, Oblu Nature Helengeli by Sentido, Maldives
Ingredients:
• 60ml Earl Grey infused gin
• 15ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime peel for garnish
Image credit: Oblu Nature Helengeli
Instructions:
Fill a martini glass with ice and cold water. Let it sit while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice water just before serving. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Earl Grey-infused gin and freshly squeezed lime juice. Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. Strain into the chilled martini glass. Express the oils from a lime peel over the drink, then drop it in as a garnish.
Also read: Valentines 2026: Break Up With Boring Drinks & Mix These Anti-Valentine Cocktails Instead
Siripuram Golgappa: A Local-Infused Cocktail by Bartender Divakar, Harbour Vue Bar, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Ingredients:
• 60 ml premium gin
• 4-5 fresh basil Leaves
• 2–3 green chilli (sliced) (adjust to taste)
• 15 ml honey
• Ice cube
• Basil leaf or a thin chili slice for garnish
Image credit: Harbour Vue Bar, Novotel Visakhapatnam
Instructions:
Muddle fresh basil leaves and green chili slices in a cocktail shaker to release their flavour. Add gin and natural honey. Add ice and shake well for about 10 seconds until chilled and slightly frothy. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf or a thin slice of chilli.
Ozar Breezer By Roshan Praganama, Bar Manager, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, Maldives
Ingredients:
• Gin 60ml
• Midori melon 30ml
• Fresh passion 30ml
• Monin grapefruit syrup 30ml
• Monin passion puree 30ml
• Fresh Lime juice 30ml
Image credit: Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
Instructions:
Add Ice to the shaker. Add all the ingredients to the shaker. Shake well and pour to the rock glass with good ice mold. Garnish with dry grapefruit and rosemary.
Hosting Like A Pro
To truly impress your friends this Galentine’s Day, focus on the details. High-quality ice is often the secret ingredient that separates a home pour from a professional cocktail. If possible, use large moulds to create slow-melting ice that won't dilute your hard work.
Set up a dedicated station where guests can see the fresh ingredients. Seeing a bowl of vibrant basil, sliced chillies, and aromatic lime peels adds to the anticipatory joy of the evening. Mixology is a performance, and involving your friends in the process of shaking or garnishing can make the night feel even more special.
In 2026, the trend is toward mindful indulgence. Using natural honey instead of processed syrups and fresh juices instead of bottled concentrates makes a world of difference in the final flavour profile. These three recipes offer a range of experiences: the refined tea notes of the Maldives, the spicy zest of the coast, and the lush fruitiness of a tropical reserve.
Regardless of which recipe you choose to lead with, the essence of the day remains the same. It is a time to pause and acknowledge the women who support you, challenge you, and keep you sane. A great cocktail is simply the accessory to the main event: the enduring power of female friendship. So, pick up your shaker, gather your best girls, and toast to another year of being incredible.