You may be working from home these days, but you still deserve that victorious break at 5 p.m. on Friday. These six quick and easy cocktails are for those who are looking forward to winding down with a beverage. Don’t be deterred from trying your hand at happy hour because you lack the essential tools. As long as you have some different sized glasses, a shaker, strainer, and a jigger—you’re all set. Even if you don’t have all these tools, you can easily make do with what you have on hand.

 

Quick and Easy Cocktails

The following happy hour cocktails can put all stresses of the week behind us. Let’s kick off the weekend with some drinks that only take a few minutes to make. They’re so good, you might want to try them out before Friday gets here.

 

1. Moscow Mule Cocktail

Despite having nothing to do with mules or Moscow, this drink is a must for every happy hour. Easy to make, mix:

1½ fluid ounces vodka

½ ounce lime juice

½ cup ginger beer

Add ice and garnish with a lime.

Serve this drink in a copper mug. Copper is a superior thermal conductor, so it keeps this cocktail ultra-chilled while you sip.

2. Cuba Libre Cocktail

A modern take on the classic rum and Coke incorporates fresh lime juice for added complexity of flavor.

2 fluid ounces your favorite rum

½ ounce lime juice (fresh is best)

2 fluid ounces of cola-flavored soda

Serve over ice in a highball glass.

 

3. Mojito

The perfect combination of tangy and sweet, this mojito is a much easier version of the traditional time-consuming drink. This recipe makes enough for a crowd, so grab a pitcher and combine:

 

2 cups mint leaves, fresh, rinsed

12 ounces container frozen limeade

3 quarts of water

Into a blender place these three ingredients; pulse until mint is ground small. Strain, then add:

2 cups rum, lemon-flavored

4 quarts of ice

Garnish the glasses with lime wedges.

 

4. Classic Old-Fashioned

Quite possibly the greatest classic bourbon cocktail, and it can be made in under 10 minutes.

Pour 2 teaspoons of simple syrup (or substitute 1 sugar cube), 1 teaspoon of water, and 2 dashes of bitters into a whiskey glass.

Fill your glass with ice.

Pour 1½ ounces of bourbon over the ice.

Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Perfection!

5. Gin and Tonic

Everyone’s favorite is not just a summer drink. This three-ingredient refreshing drink is as simple to make as its name.

2 fluid ounces gin

4 fluid ounces tonic water

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Serve over ice and add a wedge of lime for garnish and color.

 

6. Whiskey Sour

Lemon juice and whiskey pair superbly in this simple whiskey sour recipe.

Combine 2 tablespoons of white sugar and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a short glass; stir until dissolved, then mix in 2 ounces water and 1½ ounces whiskey. Add ice and garnish with a cherry.

 

As they say, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere! If these six easy drink ideas got your mouth watering, make sure you have everything you need on hand for your next happy hour. Payless Liquors has all your favorites and is always fully stocked with the most popular selections. Looking for a convenient way to place an order and pick it up later? Visit our website to submit your order today. Cheers to the weekend!

 

Sources:

https://diffordsguide.com/g/1150/how-to-make-cocktails/basic-cocktail-equipement

https://www.allrecipes            .com/gallery/quick-home-happy-hour-cocktails/