Best Cocktail Recipes for a Happy Hour Event

Last updated: November 12, 2024

Planning a happy hour event but unsure what drinks to serve? 

Take a look at these easy cocktail recipes and a couple of mocktail options for your friends and family who don’t drink.

 I’ll share tried-and-tested cocktail recipes that are:

• Easy to make in large batches
• Perfect for self-serve stations
• Customizable for different tastes
• Budget-friendly for groups

Why you should listen to me: My name is Nick Gray, and I’m the best–selling author of the party handbook The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. I've learned what works (and what doesn't) when serving drinks to groups. Let me show you how to keep your drink menu simple yet impressive.

Easy Batch Cocktails

Here’s the thing about hosting: you want to spend time with your guests, not stuck behind a bar making drinks. 

That’s why batch cocktails are your secret weapon. 

They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and let guests serve themselves.

I’ve tested dozens of recipes at my parties, and these are consistently the biggest hits:

Classic Sangria

• 2 bottles red wine
• 1 cup brandy
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 4 cups sparkling water (add before serving)

Pro tip: Mix everything except sparkling water the night before. Add sparkling water when guests arrive. This recipe serves about 15-20 people and can be doubled easily.

Moscow Mule Punch

• 2 bottles (750ml) vodka
• 4 cups ginger beer
• 1 cup lime juice
• Lime wheels for garnish
• Ice

Pro tip: Combine ingredients in a punch bowl. Add ice and lime wheels just before serving. Plan for about 20-25 servings from this recipe.

Self-Serve Station Essentials

The key to a stress-free happy hour is setting up an organized drink station. I learned this after trying to play bartender at my own parties – it’s exhausting and keeps you from engaging with your guests.

Create a clear flow at your drink station:

1. Start with cups and markers for names
2. Place ice and scoops next
3. Line up spirits
4. Arrange mixers
5. End with garnishes

Basic Spirits – Keep it simple with these three options:

• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Your choice of one more (gin, rum, or tequila)

Don’t overwhelm your guests with too many choices. Three types of spirits are perfect for a group of 15-20 people.

Mixers – These four options cover most drink preferences:

• Sparkling water (the most popular mixer at my parties)
• Cola (regular and diet)
• Cranberry juice
• Orange juice

Nick’s note: I hate the red cups that most people use at their parties. Instead, use clear and sturdy cups that I recommend here.

Quick Single-Serve Options

The magic of a self-serve bar is letting guests get creative. But some people prefer having recipes to follow. 

Post these simple instructions at your drink station – they’re foolproof and delicious.

Whiskey Ginger

• 2 oz whiskey
• 4 oz ginger ale
• Lime wedge

This classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser. The ginger ale adds just enough sweetness without being overpowering.

Vodka Cranberry

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz cranberry juice
• Splash of lime juice

A reliable favorite that’s hard to mess up – perfect for a self-serve station.

Pro Tips

After hosting hundreds of parties, I’ve learned that the right setup makes all the difference. Here’s what works:

Pre-party preparation

• Mix batch cocktails 24 hours ahead to let flavors meld
• Chill mixers thoroughly
• Cut garnishes just before the party starts
• Have backup ice readily available

During the party

• Assign a friend to help monitor the drink station for the first 30 minutes
• Keep water stations separate from the cocktail area
• Replace ice as needed
• Keep a few clean towels handy for spills

Non-Alcoholic Options

Never treat non-alcoholic drinks as an afterthought. Read my article about “Mocktail Party: How to Host When You Don’t Drink Alcohol”.

Some of your guests won’t be drinking alcohol, and they deserve equally festive options.

I always offer these two crowd favorites:

Mint Lime Sparkler

A refreshing mix that feels special:

• Muddle 4-5 fresh mint leaves with 1 oz simple syrup
• Add 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Top with sparkling water
• Garnish with mint sprig

Mock Moscow Mule

All the zip without the alcohol:

• 4 oz ginger beer
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 oz sparkling water
• Fresh mint garnish

Conclusion

Hosting a happy hour doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. 

The key is preparation and simplicity. 

When you keep your drink menu focused and set up a well-organized self-serve station, you can spend less time playing bartender and more time connecting with your guests.

Key takeaways for your happy hour success:

• Stick to 3-4 simple drink options
• Prepare batch cocktails in advance
• Create an organized self-serve station
• Always include non-alcoholic choices
• Keep garnishes simple and minimal
• Remember that simple is better than fancy

Remember, the drinks aren’t the star of the show – your guests are. 

I’ve hosted hundreds of successful parties, and I can tell you that people remember the conversations and connections more than what they were drinking. A simple, well-executed drink menu beats complicated cocktails every time.

In my book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, I provide helpful guidance on how to host a great party for any event. I wrote this book to support anyone interested in meeting new people.

When is your party? Send me an email and I will give you some bonus tips, including a pre-party checklist that you can print out. Plus, I’ll answer any question you have, free of charge. I love talking about parties, and I’m on a mission to help 1000 people host their first party.