Have you invited friends over for a happy hour at home and want to surprise them with something more original than the usual spritz? Great idea. In this article, we share a selection of cocktail recipes perfect for any occasion: easy to make, visually impressive, and ideal for giving your home bar a professional touch.
Whether you’re just starting out or already passionate about mixology, you’ll learn how to prepare iconic cocktails and creative twists using simple ingredients with great taste.
Ready to become the bartender of your crew? Discover the best cocktail recipes for happy hour and turn every toast into an unforgettable moment.
Why Make Cocktails at Home for Happy Hour?
Making cocktails at home has several benefits. First of all, you can tailor the recipes to your and your guests’ tastes, control the quality of ingredients, and save money compared to bar prices.
Plus, knowing a few cocktail recipes lets you impress with minimal effort, transforming a casual happy hour into a true moment of conviviality.
And no need for professional tools: with a shaker, a spoon, the right glasses, and some ice, you’re already set.
Classic Cocktail Recipes to Start With
Let’s begin with timeless happy hour classics—perfect for those who love balanced flavors and evergreen drinks.
Negroni
An Italian icon, appreciated for its bold, well-balanced flavor of sweet, bitter, and strong.
Ingredients:
- 3 cl Gin
- 3 cl Sweet Vermouth
- 3 cl Bitter (such as Campari)
Preparation:
Pour all ingredients directly into a lowball glass filled with ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon. Garnish with an orange slice.
Americano
Lighter than a Negroni, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a bitter drink without too much strength.
Ingredients:
- 3 cl Bitter
- 3 cl Sweet Vermouth
- Soda to top
Preparation:
Pour the bitter and vermouth into a low tumbler with ice, stir, and top with soda. Garnish with half an orange slice or lemon peel.
Spritz
The king of Venetian happy hour, now loved around the world.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol (or Campari for a bolder twist)
- 1 part soda water
Preparation:
Pour all ingredients directly into a wine glass with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Creative Cocktail Recipes to Surprise Your Friends
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these creative cocktail recipes to add a personal twist to your happy hour.
Hugo
Fresh, aromatic, and slightly sweet—perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 15 cl Prosecco
- 2 cl elderflower syrup
- 3–4 mint leaves
- Soda or sparkling water
- Lime
Preparation:
In a wine glass with ice, pour the elderflower syrup, add mint and a lime slice. Top with Prosecco and soda.
Cucumber & Pink Pepper Gin Tonic
A refined twist on the classic Gin Tonic, great for curious palates.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl Gin (preferably dry)
- Tonic water to top
- 2 thin slices of cucumber
- A few pink peppercorns
Preparation:
Pour gin into a highball glass with ice, add cucumber and pink pepper, and top with tonic. Stir gently.
Basil Smash
A bright green, fresh and aromatic cocktail with basil at its core.
Ingredients:
- 6 cl Gin
- 2 cl fresh lemon juice
- 2 cl simple syrup
- Basil leaves
Preparation:
Muddle basil leaves in a shaker, add the other ingredients with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a lowball glass with ice.
Alcohol-Free Cocktail Recipes: All the Flavor, No Alcohol
Not everyone wants (or can) drink alcohol—here are two alcohol-free cocktails perfect for an inclusive happy hour.
Virgin Mojito
Ingredients:
- Juice of half a lime
- Mint leaves
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Soda
- Crushed ice
Preparation:
Muddle sugar, lime, and mint. Add crushed ice and soda. Stir and serve with a straw.
Non-Alcoholic Ginger Fizz
Ingredients:
- 10 cl non-alcoholic ginger beer
- 2 cl lemon juice
- 1 cl simple syrup
- Ice
Preparation:
Shake lemon juice and syrup. Pour into a glass with ice and top with ginger beer.
Tips to Serve Cocktails Like a Real Bartender
Presentation matters. Here’s how to serve your cocktail recipes like a pro:
- Use the right glasses: flutes, tumblers, coupes, or wine glasses elevate each drink.
- Plenty of ice: never skimp on it. Cocktails should always be served well chilled.
- Eye-catching garnishes: citrus peels, fruit slices, fresh herbs, and edible flowers make all the difference.
- Make a homemade simple syrup: just dissolve sugar in hot water at a 1:1 ratio. Add ginger, rosemary, or vanilla for flavor.
- Label your ingredients: if setting up a DIY cocktail station, help guests with labels and brief instructions.
Want to Make an Impression? Create a Personalized Drink List
If you’re hosting a dinner or happy hour for several guests, you can create a small printed drink list with 3–4 options: one classic, one creative, one alcohol-free, and one surprise. Give your cocktails original names (maybe inspired by the night’s theme), list the main ingredients, and add tasting notes.
A simple idea that turns your evening into a memorable experience.
Looking for Original Alcoholic Happy Hours in Naples? Discover the Unique Experience at Karmacore
Tired of the same old spritz and ready to explore a new way of enjoying happy hour? Karmacore is the place for you.
Right in the heart of Naples—close to the nightlife yet far from clichés—we welcome you with a creative drink list that combines mixology expertise with a love of experimentation. From classic cocktails reinterpreted in a modern way to unexpected signature creations, each drink is designed to impress and tell a story.
Perfect for a night out with friends, a unique pre-dinner gathering, or a stylish date, our alcoholic happy hour is anything but ordinary.
Book your table online and get ready to experience the liquid soul of Karmacore.
