Hip Hip Hooray – Three Cheers for Happy Hour

 

November 12th marks National Happy Hour Day, we know, there really is a national day for everything!

These days it’s hard to miss the A-boards and posters offering special prices during these special hours, but where did the Happy Hour come from and what can you do to celebrate in style?

As with the majority of drinks related history, there’s no cut and dry timeline for the Happy Hour.  But it feels rather fitting that this boozy occasion has a slightly fuzzy back story.

It appears the Happy Hour began way back in the early 1900’s, although unlike its alcoholic grandchild, the original Happy Hour was supposedly a tee-total affair.

An 1914 article in the Washington Times, writes of  “the happy hour” aboard the U.S.S. Arkansas. During which, after a long and busy day, the American sailors enjoyed morale boosting activities such as boxing and wrestling matches, music and dancing. From there, the tradition spread through the rest of the US Naval fleets and into the general public.

We can’t talk historical drinking and not mention prohibition. Which despite its intentions of keeping America dry, helped write Happy Hour into the history books. Those looking to mask their consumption would favour the pre-dinner drink. Which could be done in an underground speakeasy and balanced out with a meal.

From there the Happy Hour went from strength to strength. With the post World War II economy boom businesses sought to tempt customers into their establishments - and what better way to persuade people to part with newly acquired wealth than cut price drinks!

So what of the Happy Hour today? We think you’d be hard pressed to find an adult who doesn’t know the term and you’d struggle almost as much to find one who hasn’t been enticed by the lure of a 2-4-1 deal. It’s a great way for bars to encourage new custom and a brilliant money saver for consumers. Some may say it’s a win win.

Now let’s raise a discounted drink to the Happy Hour, santé.

Yes Captain

Build in a Hi-Ball filled with ice.

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

 

Happy Hour Hix

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a cherry.

 
Dee Davisbeyond the beanHappy Hour, Recipes