Life

10 Inventive Cocktail Recipes in Honor of National Happy Hour Day (We'll Drink to That)

Guess what guys!? Today is National Happy Hour Day! I know, I thought that was every weekday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. too, but apparently there's an actual full day set aside to celebrate. Happy hours are simply the best. Delectable drinks at discount prices can be the perfect solution to a long day at the office, as well as just about any other day where a cheap afternoon drink can get you feeling relaxed and refreshed. So in honor of celebrating this magical day, here are 10 not-so-average cocktail recipes that you can make in your very own home! That's right, turn happy hour into more than a trip to the local bar... turn it into a trip to your kitchen. Besides, having happy hour at home means you get to play bartender for the day, and what's more fun than that?

Image: My Name is Yeh

by Chelsey Grasso

The Skunkboy

You won’t find this frothy drink on any standardized cocktail menu, but you will find the recipe on A Beautiful Mess’ cocktail-loving blog. As always, these ladies’ adventurous spirits lead to a noteworthy drink that makes a dirty root beer float the only thing on my mind for days.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail

Kumquats are one of the most bizarre fruits in existance (you can eat the skin!), and subsequently, one of the coolest. Make use of them in this rum cocktail by Kitchen Confidante.

Image: Kitchen Confidante

Watermelon Mojito Popsicles

You know all those cocktail popsicles you re-pin on Pinterest and then never make? Make one! This fruity mint medley pop by Love U Madly is on point.

Image: Love U Madly

Alpine Mud

White sage, wild mint, milk, chocolate, and bourbon. I’m sold. Thanks, Offbeat + Inspired — this recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Image: Offbeat + Inspired

Strawberry Gimlets with Homemade Strawberry Vodka

You don’t have to partake in drinking tonight (I mean, it is a Wednesday). I understand. Don’t fret, you can still play bartender and infuse your own vodka to enjoy at a later date. Check out Big Girls Small Kitchen’s recipe, and make yourself a gimlet for a future night when you can truly enjoy it.

Image: Big Girls Small Kitchen

White Peach + Green Tea Bellini

Anything with a sugary rim job is bound to be delicious. My Name is Yeh’s recipe for a lightly caffeinated Bellini is no exception.

Image: My Name is Yeh

The Black Lily Cocktail

This cocktail just screams class to me. It also only requires three ingredients, which is always a plus. Enjoy some smooth sipping with this drink recipe from The Kitchn.

Image: The Kitchn

Sunset Cocktail

Aside from having a lovely name, this sweet cocktail is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who is a big fan of fruit. Table for Two’s recipe includes mangos, peaches, and strawberries, oh my!

Image: Table for Two

The English Refresher

Looking for a refreshing cocktail to celebrate the evening? Look no further. The Kitchen Alchemist’s delicious recipe combines elderflower cordial, cucumbers, and fresh mint leaves… it doesn’t get any fresher than that.

Image: The Kitchen Alchemist

The Gummy-man Cocktail

OK my sugar-loving friends, I’ve found the epitome of sweetened cocktails for you guys. Pull out the schnapps bottles and start making some gummy candy kabobs, because this playful cocktail by A Beautiful Mess will not disappoint.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

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