Liquid aphrodisiacs

OYSTERS: Pineapple-Thai Basil Oyster Shooters | Vintage Irving

Ah, oysters, the most overrated aphrodisiac out there. Though there’s been no scientific proof of their amorous properties, bivalves are chock full of zinc, which has a, uh, positive effect on the male libido. Legend has it that Casanova would down 50 raw oysters each morning—which is gross, but that worked out for him.

Mix oysters with booze (a classic pairing) at Vintage Irving, where their icy plate of Kumamoto oysters on the half shell are drenched with fresh lime juice and served with a shot of light rum, diced pineapple, pickled jalapeño, shallots and fried Thai basil to form a tropical fruity salsa-like ceviche balanced by the mollusk’s salty brine. Sucking it all down gets a bit sloppy, but maybe that's what you're going for. ($14 for three)

Aphrodisiacal Alternative: For a tidier, more traditional version, try Lure Fishbar’s fiery Sparkling Oyster Shooter made Bloody Mary-style with tomato, orange and lime juices, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and Camitz sparkling vodka, served in a rectangular shot glass nestled in a bed of ice. ($8) 

Vintage Irving (118A E. 15th St. near Irving Place, 212-677-6300)

Lure Fishbar (142 Mercer St. at Prince St., 212-925-4018)