Mason Delacroix
Happy hour is a great way to unwind after a long week at work and bond with your colleagues. It is usually a casual get-together at a bar or restaurant after work, often with discounted drinks and food. While it is a time to relax, it is still a work event, so it's important to maintain a professional demeanour and be mindful of how much you drink. It is best to avoid strong alcoholic beverages and opt for something milder like beer or a cocktail with a mild liqueur. Non-alcoholic drinks are also an option, and some people may prefer to stick to soft drinks if they are driving. Ultimately, the choice of alcohol depends on personal preference and comfort level, but it's important to remember that happy hour is not the place to get drunk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Late afternoon to early evening, typically 5-7 pm |
| Purpose | To relax and socialise with colleagues outside of work |
| Appropriate drinks | Beer, cocktails, mocktails, wine, champagne, spirits with a non-alcoholic mixer |
| Inappropriate drinks | Strong drinks, college bar gimmick drinks (e.g. Red Bull vodka) |
| Food | Discounted food may be available, e.g. shareable dishes and boards |
| Duration | Around 2-3 hours |
| Conversation topics | Popular series, food recipes, hobbies; avoid work topics and office gossip |
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What You'll Learn
Beer is a safe bet
When it comes to happy hour with colleagues, it's essential to maintain a professional demeanour while also allowing yourself to relax a little. While happy hour is a great opportunity to socialise and bond with your colleagues, it's important to remember that these are still work events. So, what is the best kind of alcohol to drink during happy hour with your colleagues?
The choice between bottled or draught beer can also be a consideration. Bottled beer may offer a wider variety of flavours and types, allowing you to explore different options and potentially find a new favourite. On the other hand, draught beer is often the more cost-effective option and can be a good choice if you're looking for a more straightforward, no-frills drinking experience.
While beer is generally a safe choice, it's worth noting that it's always important to drink responsibly and be mindful of your consumption. Additionally, it's good to be considerate of your colleagues' preferences and comfort levels with alcohol. Some may prefer non-alcoholic options or might be looking to reduce their alcohol intake for health reasons.
In conclusion, when it comes to happy hour with colleagues, beer is a safe and sensible choice. It strikes a good balance between being a widely accepted alcoholic beverage and allowing you to maintain a level of professionalism and responsibility. So, go ahead and grab a beer, but remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and most importantly, enjoy your time socialising with your colleagues!
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Cocktails are popular
Cocktails are a popular choice at happy hour, with many bars offering discounts on these drinks. However, it's important to be mindful of the type of cocktail you order and how it might be perceived by your colleagues. For example, ordering a cocktail with a straw or an umbrella might give off a particular impression. If you're looking for a more "sophisticated" option, a Moscow Mule or a beer are recommended. That being said, it's important to drink what you like and not worry too much about what others think.
That being said, it's worth noting that cocktails can be a great way to bond and get to know your colleagues better. They can help create a fun and comfortable atmosphere, especially after a long week at the office. However, it's important to pace yourself and be mindful of how much you drink. Drinking too much can lead to negative consequences, such as office gossip or saying something you might regret.
When attending a happy hour with colleagues, it's also important to remember that it's still considered a work event. While it's okay to relax and unwind, you should maintain a professional demeanor. This includes avoiding office gossip and excessive drinking. Additionally, try to avoid talking only about work. Use this time to discuss other topics and get to know your colleagues on a more personal level.
It's also a good idea to opt for a happy hour location that offers both a bar and a restaurant. This way, you can enjoy drinks and also get enough food to sustain you. Shareable dishes and boards are excellent choices, as they provide a variety of options and encourage socialising. Remember to eat enough and drink responsibly, especially if you need to drive home afterward.
Finally, buying a round for your colleagues can make you a "workplace hero". It's a thoughtful gesture that shows your willingness to socialise and contribute to the group. However, always be mindful of your consumption and know your limits to ensure you remain in control.
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Mocktails are an option
Happy hour is a great opportunity to relax and connect with colleagues outside of work. However, it's not always about drinking alcohol. In fact, 43% of people view happy hour as a chance to unwind, while 23% see it as a way to socialise with colleagues. So, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, mocktails are a perfect choice.
Mocktails offer a fun and festive way to enjoy a drink without the alcohol. They can be just as delicious and refreshing as their alcoholic counterparts, and they're a great option if you're driving home or prefer to avoid alcohol. Plus, with the growing trend of health-conscious consumers looking to reduce their alcohol intake, mocktails are becoming increasingly popular.
There are endless mocktail recipes to choose from, so you can find one that suits your taste. Whether you're craving something fruity and refreshing, like a mango mule mocktail or a strawberry basil lemonade, or something more indulgent like a cracked coffee latte or a Vietnamese coffee, there's a mocktail to satisfy your craving.
Mocktails can also be a great addition to office parties, providing a fun and festive atmosphere without the alcohol. So, if you're planning a work happy hour or attending one, consider opting for a mocktail. They're a great way to enjoy the social aspect of happy hour while staying sober and responsible.
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Wine or champagne
Happy hour is a period of the day, usually from 4 pm to 7 pm, when bars and restaurants offer discounted drinks and food items. It is a great time to relax and connect with colleagues outside of work. While beer is a popular choice, not everyone likes it, so it is good to offer a variety of drinks, including wine and champagne.
Wine is a popular drink for office happy hours, as it can help improve workplace culture and relationship building. It is a great way to unwind after a long week and can be paired with cheese or other hors d'oeuvres. Offering a wine tasting or martini bar is a unique way to spice things up and engage your colleagues.
Champagne is another elegant option for happy hour. It is a festive drink that can elevate the mood and make the occasion feel more special. It pairs well with various foods, such as chicken wings or artisan boards with meats, cheeses, and other snacks.
When choosing wine or champagne for a work happy hour, it is important to consider the preferences and comfort levels of your colleagues. Some people may prefer non-alcoholic beverages, so providing a range of options, including mocktails, is essential. Additionally, it is advisable to pace yourself and be mindful of how much you drink to maintain a professional demeanour.
Overall, wine and champagne can be appropriate choices for a work happy hour, providing an opportunity to relax, socialise, and build relationships with colleagues in a comfortable and enjoyable setting.
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Spirits with a mixer
Happy hour is a time to relax and unwind after work, and a drink is often part of this ritual. However, it is important to remember that happy hour is not the time to get drunk, especially if you have to drive home or work the next day. It is also worth noting that some states have banned happy hour drinks, so non-alcoholic drinks may be preferable in these cases.
If you are drinking alcohol, it is a good idea to keep it simple. A spirit with a mixer is a classic choice for happy hour. Here are some popular options:
Gin
Gin is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients. A Gin and Tonic is a refreshing choice for happy hour. You can also try a Tom Collins, which is gin mixed with lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. If you want something a little more adventurous, add some berries or flavoured syrups to your gin.
Vodka
Vodka is a popular choice for cocktails due to its light flavour and colour. Like gin, vodka pairs well with tonic water. For a healthier option, mix vodka with soda water or sparkling water. If you're looking for something sweeter, try mixing vodka with cranberry juice.
Whisky or Bourbon
Whisky or bourbon can be mixed with a variety of ingredients, including cola, ginger ale, lemonade, lime soda, or soda water. If you want to keep the flavour of the whisky prominent, stick to soda water or sparkling water.
Rum
Rum and Coke is a classic combination, but you can also mix rum with ginger ale or ginger beer for a darker, sweeter flavour. For something completely different, try mixing rum with a cola that uses real kola nut for a unique flavour profile.
Brandy
Brandy is often drunk neat to experience its nuanced flavours, but it can also be mixed. Brandy pairs well with cola or sweet iced tea, especially younger cognacs like Hennessy V.S.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to avoid strong alcoholic beverages in a work setting. Beer is a safe bet, and cocktails are also appropriate, but steer clear of anything that could be considered a "college bar" gimmick, like Red Bull vodka.
A Moscow Mule or an espresso martini are good choices, as they are not too strong and will give you energy to socialise with your colleagues.
Yes, non-alcoholic drinks are a good choice if you want to avoid alcohol completely. You can order a soft drink, or a non-alcoholic cocktail (a "mocktail").
No, happy hour is a great opportunity to relax and connect with your colleagues outside of work. It's a good idea to avoid talking about work too much, and instead discuss other topics like TV shows, food, or hobbies.
