Queensyard at Home: How to Throw the Best Virtual Happy Hour

Until we can belly back up to the bar, a homebound, online happy hour is the way to go. To make it extra special for you and yours, the expert mixologists at Queensyard have some savvy suggestions:

Adopt a new cocktail-making philosophy:

Specifically: Keep it simple. That is, cap the recipe at a maximum of three ingredients.

Get creative with whatever ingredients you have on hand:

Take as an example, a classic: the margarita. You can swap mezcal for tequila. You can add any of a variety of fruits and vegetables—pineapple, watermelon, cucumber, or jalapeno. You can even make do with a bit of orange marmalade. And feel free to top it off with your favorite sparkling wine.

Think about easy upgrades:

You can add more flavor to a cocktail in lots of ways, with a drop of apple cider, say, or honey or maple syrup. A pinch of bitters or salt can change the balance too.

While you’re at it, lift that immunity:

Citrus, ginger, dark chocolate, turmeric, red bell pepper and honey—adding any of them will give you a wellness boost.

Don’t forget the other elements necessary to round out a successful remote happy hour:

In short: friends. Make sure everyone gets a chance to participate. Keep the conversation light. And be sure to be a good listener!

And now … a recipe to fuel your virtual fun:

Thyme will Tell 

Ingredients

• 1ounce of lemon juice
• 1ounce of triple sec
• 2 ounces of gin or vodka
• 1 pinch of rosemary or thyme (or both) 

Instructions

1. Pour all four ingredients into a shaker with ice
2. Once shaken, strain cocktail into a chilled glass