Cocktails To Show Off At Zoom Happy Hour

Mary Pat Abruzzo, Content Editor @ Media x Women

With ample time inside continuing into 2021, many have been inspired to start new hobbies or revisit passions they never seemed to have time for. One that we have perfected is the art of the Quarintini. Whether you’re Zooming friends and family back home or bonding with co-workers once 5 pm hits, you will definitely be asked to send these cocktail recipes in the chat. 

After much trial and error, here are the top three cocktails to perfect for your virtual get-togethers.  

Pomegranate Moscow Mule

For those procrastinators out there (you know who you are), this is an easy cocktail that can be whipped up 15 minutes before your call. Here’s what you need:

• Vodka – We recommend Tito’s or Absolut

• Unsweetened pomegranate juice

• Lime Juice (fresh)

• Ginger Beer – Look for ginger beer made with natural ingredients

• Pomegranate arils

Following ice, fill the cup with pomegranate juice, vodka and lime juice. Next fill to the top with your ginger beer of choice. Stir in pomegranate arils for an added pop. 

Pro-Tip: Fill it up in a copper mug! Copper mugs create a chemical reaction with lime juice, giving it that unique moscow mule flavor. 

Courtesy of As Easy as Apple Pie 

Grapefruit and Rosemary Honey Cocktail

This cocktail is fresh, sweet and pretty! Flavors of fresh grapefruit juice, vodka, lemon, rosemary and honey make a yummy and unexpected combo. This drink is definitely a level up your usual vodka cranberry juice. Here’s what you need:

Honey simple syrup

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup water

The Drink

• 2 ounces fresh ruby red grapefruit juice (1 grapefruit yields 6 to 8 ounces of juice)

• 1 ½ ounces Stoli vodka (or gin)

• ½ small lemon, juiced

• ¼ to ½ ounce honey simple syrup

• 2-inch sprig of rosemary

• tiny dash of sea salt 

• 2 to 3-inch sprig of rosemary

Start by juicing the grapefruits. Next, make the honey syrup: pour the honey and water into a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a whisk to blend the honey into the water and remove from heat (don’t bring to a simmer, this process should only take a couple of minutes).

Fill a small cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the grapefruit juice, vodka, lemon juice and honey simple syrup. Add a sprig of rosemary and a dash of salt. Put on the lid and shake until the mixture is thoroughly chilled, about 20 seconds. 

Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a small sprig of rosemary. Join the call and show off your drink (don't forget to mention the fresh grapefruit juice)!

Courtesy of Cookie and Kate

Mojito Mocktail

Don’t miss out on happy hour just because you don’t want to drink. This Mojito mocktail is refreshing, minty and non-alcoholic. Here is what you need:

• Fresh mint

• Limes

• Honey simple syrup

• Club soda

First, make the honey syrup: pour the honey and water into a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a whisk to blend the honey into the water and remove from heat (don’t bring to a simmer, this process should only take a couple of minutes).

Add fresh mint and lime wedges into a glass and muddle until lime has released its juice. Then add 2 tablespoons of honey syrup and fill the glass with club soda. Voilà - mocktail made in minutes!

Courtesy of The Live in Kitchen