This aphrodisiac-laden mocktail comes from NYC's Museum of Sex and is a perfect way to set the mood on Valentine's Day. The recipe makes enough mango elixir and lavender crystals for eight drinks; if you're making only two, refrigerate the remaining elixir and store the crystals in an airtight container at room temperature (both will last up to two weeks). If you can't find dried lavender, just skip the lavender-crystal rim—it's purely optional.

　　To make the Persephone alcoholic, add two ounces of vodka to each drink.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 2 drinks

　　

For the lavender crystals:

1/3 cup dried culinary lavender*

　　2/3 cup superfine sugar

　　

For the mango elixir:

8 ounces pure mango juice

　　8 ounces distilled or tap water

　　

For the Persephone:

Juice of 1 lime

　　1/4 cup lavender crystals

　　2 ounces mango elixir

　　2 ounces pomegranate juice

　　2 ounces simple syrup

　　Ice

　　9 ounces soda water

　　*Dried culinary lavender is available online or at some specialty food stores.

　　

Make the lavender sugar crystals:

Step 1

In a food processor, process the lavender and sugar until fully combined, about 1 minute—the mixture will look like a fine powder. DO AHEAD: Lavender crystals can be prepared in advance and stored, in an airtight container at room temperature, up to 2 weeks.

　　

Make the mango elixir:

Step 2

In a small saucepan, bring the mango juice and distilled or tap water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer, uncovered, until reduced by half, 12 to 15 minutes. DO AHEAD: Mango elixir can be prepared in advance and refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

　　

Make the Persephone:

Step 3

Pour the lime juice onto a small plate and spread the lavender crystals on a second small plate. Dip the rim of a 12-ounce glass into the lime juice, then dip it into the lavender crystals to lightly coat. Repeat with a second 12-ounce glass.

　　

Step 4

Pour 1 ounce each of the mango elixir, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup into each prepared glass. Add ice and enough soda water to fill each glass.