We kicked off 2026 the best way we know how…with cocktails, conversation, and a packed house at the Fort Lauderdale Home Design and Remodeling Show. Our very first Home Show Happy Hour of the year set the tone, and with mixologists Brooke and Kelly at the Live Culinary Experience, it was nothing short of iconic.
This Home Show Happy Hour brought together homeowners, industry pros, and showgoers for an afternoon of flavor, fun, and seriously good drinks — just in time to inspire your Valentine’s Day plans.
The Valentine’s Day–Approved Cocktails
Brooke and Kelly each crafted a signature Valentine’s Day drink that felt festive, flirty, and perfectly balanced — ideal for date night, Galentine’s, or a cozy night in.
Brooke’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Espresso Martini
A classic cocktail with a bold, modern, and fruity twist.
Ingredients:
- 1.5–2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz espresso
- 1 oz Kahlua Chocolate Sips
- 0.5 oz strawberry syrup
Directions:
Add vanilla vodka, espresso, Kahlua Chocolate Sips, and strawberry syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled and frothy, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a strawberry or chocolate rim if you’re feeling extra.
Rich, smooth, and just sweet enough. This one was a crowd favorite!
Kelly’s Prickly Pear Pink Margarita
Bright, bold, and a little spicy — because Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be basic.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz tequila
- ¾ oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz prickly pear syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Agave (to taste)
- Salt rim
- 4 jalapeño slices
Directions:
Brush the rim of your glass with agave, roll it in salt, and set aside. In a shaker, lightly muddle two jalapeño slices. Add tequila, orange liqueur, prickly pear syrup, fresh lime juice, and ice. Shake until chilled, strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice, and garnish with the remaining jalapeño slices for a little heat.
Sweet, citrusy, and spicy — this margarita definitely brought the drama.
A Happy Hour to Remember
Home Show Happy Hour is all about creating moments — connecting people, celebrating creativity, and adding a little extra flavor to the show experience. Starting 2026 with Brooke and Kelly set the bar high, and we’re just getting started.
We’d like to thank our Live Culinary Sponsors, Fuse Specialty Appliances and Plumbing, Lifetime Kitchen, Lioher, and Thermador. The Home Design and Remodeling Show is Florida’s premier expo for the home design and home improvement industry where thousands of leading industry professionals attend to network, source new products, and discover the latest products and services brought to the Florida market. Additionally, thousands of South Florida homeowners attend to meet experts, become inspired, learn, and shop exclusive deals at the show.
If you make any of these cocktails at home, post them and tag us @FLHomeShows on our social media channels.
SAVE THE DATE: The Palm Beach Home Design and Remodeling Show returns May 22-25 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
