Sometimes It's A Cocktail, Sometimes It's A Mocktail 🍸

How I "Happy Hour" At Home!

You guys already know I love myself a happy hour, and by the time 5pm rolls around, I’m usually craving a lil something that feels like a treat. Whether it’s a cozy night in, a spontaneous backyard hang, or just me, myself, and a good book, happy hour at home has become one of my favorite little rituals.

This week, I’m sharing how I make it feel special without the fuss. No fancy mixology skills, no full bar cart required. Just a few key tools, some simple tricks, and a couple of my go-to cocktails (and mocktails) to sip all summer long. Whether you’re winding down with a glass of wine or a Diet Coke (I love both), this one’s for you!

1. The Setup: How to Create a Vibe Without the Stress

You know I’m all about keeping things easy and elevated — and that totally applies to happy hour. Whether you’re making a cocktail or just pouring a sparkling water with lime, it’s all about creating a little vibe. Here's what I keep on hand to make it feel fun and low-lift:

Cute Glassware

Margarita Glasses - You guys go crazy every time I use these in my reels! I’ve had them for years, and they’ve held up so well!

Anthropologie Icon Glasses - These are just fun. I have a few different patterns including seasonal ones I break out for holidays! They instantly elevate any drink and they're also my go-to gift for friends, especially paired with a favorite mixer or bottle of wine.

Thin-Stemmed Wine Glasses - I’m very specific about my wine glasses… they have to have a thin stem. It just makes the whole experience feel more elegant!

Barware

Citrus Squeezer - A kitchen must. I use this every time I make a drink and this one gets every last drop without the seeds or the mess.

Muddler - If you’ve never muddled jalapeno or basil into your drinks, prepare to be obsessed. This tool makes it easy to release those fresh flavors without totally destroying the herbs.

Cocktail Shaker - You don’t need to be a mixologist to use one! A quick shake makes any drink feel like something you'd order at a restaurant and plus it chills things faster!!

2. Try These Happy Hour Hacks!

You know I’m a sucker for a good kitchen hack and when it comes to happy hour, there are so many small things that make a big difference. Whether you’re hosting a few friends or just making yourself a Tuesday night mocktail, here are some of my go-to tips that make everything easier, cuter, and more fun:

Rim Your Glass the Easy Way - I use a shallow dish or a dedicated glass rimmer to quickly coat the rim of my glass. It takes two seconds and makes it feel SO extra!

Batch Your Cocktails in Advance - If you’re having people over, this is the move. I use a cute glass decanter or pitcher and prep everything in advance!

Bonus: If you guys haven’t tried Juliet Wines yet, WYD? Each box is the equivalent of 2 bottles of wine and stays fresh 4 weeks after opening!

Upgrade Your Ice Game - I freeze herbs (like mint or basil), olive juice (hello martinis!), or citrus slices into large silicone ice molds. Trust me, your guests will ask about them.

Topless Can Opener = Instant Fancy Mocktail - This little tool removes the entire top of your canned drink and is perfect for things like a Poppi or Diet Coke. It makes it feel more elevated (and way easier to garnish), especially if you’re skipping the alcohol but still want something that looks cute in your hand!

3. My Favorite Cocktails (and Mocktails!) to Sip on

Here are a few of my go-to drinks! These are the ones I keep coming back to whether I’m winding down after dinner or hosting friends. They’re easy, refreshing, and all have that little something extra that makes them feel special.

Quick & Easy Dirty Martini with Olive Ice Cubes
This one is such a vibe. I freeze olive juice into cubes using my viral ice cube trays (you know the ones!) and use them to chill my martini without watering it down. They melt slowly, keep your drink cold, and is always my go-to when I want something strong but elevated (and yes, I always add extra olives).

Spicy Skinny Cucumber Margarita
This is hands-down one of my favorite margaritas! It’s light, super refreshing, and has just the right amount of kick from the jalapeño. I always rim the glass with tajin for that salty-spicy hit and drink it out of my viral margarita glasses!

Honey Ginger Lemonade
Okay, so this one isn’t technically a cocktail — but it can totally be a fun mocktail, especially when you serve it in a cute Anthropologie Icon Glass (trust me, it changes the whole experience). It’s sweet, zippy, and has that ginger kick I crave when I want something soothing but still a little fancy. Add a splash of sparkling water and a lemon wedge, and it’s happy hour without the alcohol.

And there you have it! My favorite little ways to make happy hour at home feel special. Whether you’re shaking up a spicy marg, sipping a mocktail in a cute glass, or just setting the vibe with a candle and a playlist, I hope this inspires you to romanticize your 5pm wind-down a little more.

If you have a favorite happy hour hack or a cocktail I need to try, hit reply and let me know, I love hearing what you’re loving too!

Cheers,
Nicole 🥂