Sip, Socialize, Savor: The Art of Happy Hour

There’s a certain magic to that golden hour between the demands of the day and the hush of the evening—a time to pause, unwind and savor life’s simple pleasures. Learn how to do happy hour the GREY GOOSE® way.

What is happy hour or social hour?

Happy hour is that special transition between work and free time. It’s typically commemorated by savoring delicious drinks and tasty apps, but it’s about more than just epicurean delights. It’s a ritual of connection. Often celebrated with friends, happy hour is the art of slowing down, letting the conversation flow and leaving the cares of the workday behind. This is why happy hour is sometimes called social hour — it’s a time best spent with others. Whether in a favorite bar, a patio in the waning sun or in the comfort of home, this is the moment where time slows down and every sip becomes a little celebration.

Happy hour is also typically a time when bars and restaurants may feature drink specials to entice visitors to stop by for a cocktail, so you can enjoy some quality serves at a discounted price.

What time is happy hour?

Happy hour is traditionally in late afternoon or early evening. There is no official time, and bars and restaurants can run drink specials for happy hour on any schedule of their choosing. Typically, though, you can expect a happy hour to be from around 4pm - 6pm, and usually only on weekdays. Although it’s called happy hour, many establishments have a longer time frame than a mere 60 minutes.

The history of happy hour

The term “happy hour” dates back to the early 20th century, when the U.S. Navy used it to describe scheduled entertainment hours meant to lift sailors' spirits. Later, during the Prohibition era, the term was used by speakeasies to describe pre-dinner gatherings where guests could imbibe before heading out to dry restaurants. After Prohibition is when it took the form more closely resembling what we have today — a time for people to transition out of the workday, and for bars to entice patrons during slower hours. The term "happy hour" became associated with discounted drinks in the late 1940s and early 1950s, which is still a common practice today.

Happy hour drinks

The best happy hour drinks are those that fit the moment — effortless yet refined, refreshing tasting yet complex. We think you can’t go wrong with the ultimate classic: the vodka martini cocktail. There are so many variations or martini cocktails to explore, too.

If you want something light and refreshing tasting, a bubbly spritz is perfect for a drink in the daylight. A Moscow Mule is also a popular choice for a zesty and complex ice-cold cocktail.

Happy hour is also a time for appetizers, so you could pair your food with your cocktail to really elevate the occasion.

Whatever the choice, the best happy hour drink comes down to personal taste and even the mood you want to set. Explore some of the best drinks to order at a bar to find your favorite.

How to throw a happy hour at home

You can even host your own happy hour without leaving home. Start by setting the mood. Close your work laptop. Turn on your favorite music. Set out some appetizers on your best serving dishes. Invite friends or whoever you live with to join you.

Then comes the centerpiece of happy hour: the cocktails. If you keep your bar cart stocked you’re already halfway there. Then explore our entire happy hour recipe collection to find the perfect serve for you. And finally, relax. Because the best happy hours aren’t about perfection, but about the joy of good company and great drinks.