by Alexandra Minor  .  photo by Matt Rose

First stop, the New French Bar in downtown Asheville, a perfect place to find love. It is, after all, French. Bartender Helen O’Donnell recommends a cocktail called the Rabelais, named for French Renaissance writer François Rabelais, whose works were filled with dirty jokes and lewd songs and who swore that a mixture made with rum, wine, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger had potent aphrodisiac effects.

Next stop, the Indian restaurant Mela on Lexington Avenue. If your date is a dud, the spicy food will at least pump up your endorphins. Mela also has deep-red walls and low-lit tables. Bartender Alicia Cortes suggests following your meal with a drink she created, the Berry Seductive. Essentially a creamy martini, it’s made with strawberry-flavored Stoli vodka, Godiva and cream.

A block away, at the Emerald Lounge, you can end the night with music and more love-inducing drinks. Elizabeth Reed will serve you up a Heart Throb Martini, which is sure to cement the deal.  

Emerald Lounge’s Heart Throb Martini

.75 oz. vanilla-flavored Stoli vodka

.5 oz. amaretto

.25 oz. chambord

1 oz. cream

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and then strain into a martini glass.