A guide to transforming your place into the best bar in town.
Look, we love a good Happy Hour. There’s the elbows-out scramble for a table and race to the bar for that brief golden window where drinks and snacks feel like a steal. It’s a rush. It’s hospitality. It’s an age-old tradition. But even with all the adrenaline, it can get a little much. The bar tabs, the ‘whose round is it?, the clock-watching, the crowds… You get the gist.
So, why not take the best bits of Happy Hour – bargain drinks, great friends, easy snacks, maybe even a reason to dress up – and host your own? We’ve drawn up the blueprint for it, so you can save your cashola and choose your drinks from uncle Dan’s.
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What to drink
1. Prosecco
You can’t do Happy Hour without bubbles. We don’t make the rules. If you’re hosting a little Happy Hour shindig for your pals, sparkles have to be on the menu. Our pick? Rebuli Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Bright straw-coloured, fizzing with lively bubbles, and smooth enough to keep everyone happy. It’s perfect with freshly shucked oysters or a cheese board that’s extra creamy, because why not go all in?
2. Beer
Next up we have a solid beer. Why? Variety is the spice of life, babes. And also, beer is awesome and a total staple at Happy Hour. The Pirate Life Hazy Xpa Can has a full body and luminous yellow hue, with hops bringing fruity aromas of pineapple and mandarin, fresh, tropical flavours and a hint of pine. And you know what else? It’s perfect for the chicken wing, perhaps the most excellent finger food of all time. Don’t forget the ranch.
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3. The G&T
If you’re after a mixed drink to round out your Happy Hour, a Gin and Tonic is as classy as it gets, and arguably the most delicious. We’re going with The Botanist for the gin and Capi for the tonic. Why? One, it’s damn good gin. Two, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Distinctive, complex and floral with a flawless finish, this is a lovingly small-batched gin that deserves its spot in your glass. Accompanied by Capi, with its beautiful crisp beads, this is all 10s across the board. Serve it with some good Spanish olives and you’ve got a good time on your hands.
4. Tommy’s Margarita
Now we’re talking. Often overshadowed by its famous cousin, the classic Marg, the Tommy’s Margarita is a smoother, lighter twist – tequila and lime stay, triple sec is swapped for agave syrup, and it’s served on ice. It’s even better with the smooth, punchy Altos Blanco Tequila. The best part? Make a big batch the morning of, then just pour it over ice when guests arrive. Serve it with some chorizo and cheese skewers or, if you’re feeling fancy, some ceviche. Perfection.
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Click image to shop
5. Vermouth Spritz
Sure, you could stick with the classic Aperol Spritz, but why not mix it up? Spritzes hit all the right notes: stupidly easy to make (just build it in a glass), lower in booze and perfect as an aperitif. The Vermouth Spritz gets bonus points for being damn tasty while putting that open vermouth to good use (here’s hoping you’ve kept it in the fridge). Build it with Dolin Red Vermouth, Croser NV, and Fever-Tree Soda and you’ve got a bright, bubbly cocktail that tastes way fancier than it is. This little Happy Hour over-achiever will pair with most snacky items, but we love it with some prosciutto, guindillas and salty chips.
