Aly Walansky Contributor. Aly Walansky is a NY-based journalist who covers cocktails and dining.
Bitter Lover Cocktail 143 Social speakeasy under Better Days’ Eatery & Bar in Jersey City
Valentine’s Day isn’t a day of hearts and flowers for everyone. If you don’t have a Valentine this year and the idea of a romantic-themed dinner sounds like the worst possible idea, these anti-Valentine’s Day cocktails may help.
Bitter Lover Cocktail
At 143 Social speakeasy under the Better Days’ Eatery & Bar in Jersey City, a bold and captivating blend of Lunazul Star Anise Tequila and Cynar Amaro (70 proof), with bright blood orange agave and fresh lemon, with cacao bitters, for a beautiful well-rounded cocktail.
Beverage Director Gabriel Rieben explained: “This cocktail is a unique twist on the classic Paper Plane. We start by infusing Lunazul Blanco Tequila with star anise, adding a layer of warm spice to the spirit. Our house-made blood orange agave syrup—crafted from fresh blood orange purée and pure agave—brings a rich citrus sweetness, perfectly balanced by the brightness of fresh lemon juice. We round it out with Cynar Amaro (70 proof), introducing a deep, herbal bitterness. Finished with a touch of cacao bitters, this drink is bold, complex.”
A rich, bittersweet, and citrus-forward drink with layers of spice and chocolate.
Aly Walansky is a NYC-based journalist with several decades of experience covering travel and food. She was rated the top food writer online by Muck Rack in 2022 and and among the top overall journalists online in 2023 and 2024. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.
