Valentine's Day can be one of the most stressful days of the year, so instead of freaking out over chocolate and flowers or complaining about the high-pressure sales tactics that proliferate, why not just have a good drink? Here are two spots each offering a distinct take – for lovers, for curmudgeons – on this year's Valentine's Day celebration.
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Love It: The Roger Room, one of L.A.'s most respected (and award-winning) classic cocktail bars, is offering five Loving Cups. You and your true love can share a cocktail, served in an over-size, footed glass with two steel straws. The drinks are $25 each, serve two people and are available Feb.14, 15 and 16. Choices include Four Aces (Svedka vodka, basil, green grapes, lime juice, Canton ginger liqueur), Tijuana Brass (Tres Reyes tequila, agave nectar, lime juice, cucumber foam), and the Japanese Maple (Yamazaki whisky, maple syrup, lemon juice, egg white, house-made bitters). The Roger Room, 370 N. La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90048 (310) 854-1300.

Hate It: Married, dating, single, or just a humbug? It doesn't matter. If you are a thumbs-downer on Valentine's Day, Plan Check is your remedy. Their Anti-Valentine's Day will offer an all-day Happy Hour, as well as 2 for $14 cocktail specials, including Matthew Biancianello's just-for-Cupid's Day Ice Breaker with a heady mix of Japanese whisky, Batavia Arrak, lime juice, agave syrup, passion fruit, ghost pepper, salt, aloe vera chunks and El Jimador. That should put some spice in your love life – or lack thereof. Plan Check, 351 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 288-6500.

Lesley blogs at 12 Bottle Bar, tweets at @12BottleBar and is the author of the book “Gin: A Global History.” Email her at ljsolmonson@gmail.com. Want more Squid Ink? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

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