Wondering how to create the ultimate outdoor happy hour setup? I’ve got you covered with summer happy hour essentials + seasonal cocktail recipes!
Hi KERF readers! Hillary here — Kath’s assistant.
With summer in full swing, today’s post is dedicated to those glorious summer nights, enjoying your favorite cocktail (or mocktail) al fresco. Living in Seattle (where gray skies are often the norm), I live for clear blue skies and long summer nights.
While Kath enjoys a glass of her favorite white wine on her new deck with a view, you’ll likely find me with a crisp cocktail in hand and a charcuterie spread come Friday evening – it’s the best way to kick off the weekend!
Whether you’re pouring yourself a drink for a quiet evening on your deck or you’re setting out a spread for a summer soiree with all your friends, I’m sharing some summer happy hour essentials to keep cocktail hour classy and carefree.
Summer Happy Hour Essentials
This retro-style cooler is a statement piece. Perfect for a get-together on the rooftop for easy access when you’re away from the fridge.
A gold cocktail shaker for $20 is just my style.
These embroidered vegetable linen napkins are just darling and perfect for a summer party. And this marble cheese board matches to a tee!
These wine glasses Kath just got are beautiful and a great price – perfect for your favorite white wine or Aperol Spritz! I love the shape.
These break-resistant acrylic tumblers are darling for classic cocktails and mocktails on the rocks. Kath has these too – all purpose and unbreakable!
This rectangular acacia wood board is perfect for serving your favorite charcuterie fixings.
Big square ice cubes are a must to keep cocktails from getting watery. This tray makes a great gift for a bourbon lover, too!
Use this simple pitcher for serving sangria or (spiked) iced tea!
Need new Old Fashioned glasses? These are a great price and shape.
This rattan beverage tub is stunning for outdoor get-togethers!
How To Make An Aperol Spritz Cocktail
A couple of summers ago, I discovered Aperol Spritzes and happy hour changed for the better!
An Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco (wine!), soda water, and typically garnished with an orange slice. That’s it! To my surprise, I didn’t even realize this cocktail had a type of sparkling wine in it until I had already ordered another at my favorite beachside restaurant.
I’m not one for overly sweet drinks, so the bitterness of the Aperol mixed with a dry Prosecco and bubbly soda water is exactly my cup of tea.
To make the perfect Aperol Spritz at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- plenty of ice
- Aperol
- Prosecco
- soda water
- an orange slice
Here are the very easy instructions on how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz. I also like this Classic Aperol Spritz recipe from Cookie & Kate.
Not an alcohol drinker? Try these NA Aperol Spritzes or make your own with the Cann version!
Aperol Spritz al fresco in sunny Seattle = summer bliss!
And we can’t forget about the happy hour snacks. These 10 make-ahead toothpick appetizers are easy to assemble in advance.
What’s your go-to summer cocktail of choice?
Happy Summer!
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Zee says
Hillary, Aperol Spritzes are very popular in Europe, where I live. If you want a little boost, it is quite common to have a shot of gin added to the Aperol Spritz as well! It’s definitely one of those drinks that you can play around with until you find your perfect combination.
Hillary says
I like gin! I’ve never had it in an Aperol Spritz, but Gin & Tonics are one of my favorites!