Home Bars Turn “Happy Hour” into “Happy, Fun-Filled Times”

You might say that congregating at a bar and enjoying the camaraderie of others is a basis for our democratic way of life. Locals have been meeting at bars since when the country was in its infancy. Later, those times spent chatting over an ale turned into a “happy hour” – a time when restaurants and bars reward patrons with discounted libations and brews.

If you have a home bar then, you can extend happy hour to hours of fun and relaxation, especially if you combine your bar furniture with a billiard table or another similar furnishing. Save money and enjoy socializing at home by adding a bar and bar stools to your rec room décor.

How Happy Hour Originated

Happy Hour, itself, traditionally is the time just before dinner, when people gather to enjoy a drink or two and some appetizers. The idea of enjoying a drink before the evening meal is tied back to Prohibition. At that time, the ban on alcohol prompted people to schedule “happy hours” at illegal drinking establishments called speakeasys. Because alcohol was not served in restaurants, people would imbibe at a speakeasy before they headed out to dine.

Marketing “Happy Hour” to the General Public

When liquor could be served in restaurants, “happy hour” became part of the American vernacular in the early 60s. As a result, bars and eateries soon saw the benefit of drawing customers to their establishment by offering discounts on liquor for one or two hours in the evening.

U.S. “Happy Hour” Laws

Currently, Utah has a ban on happy hour activities, which was put into effect, ironically, on New Year’s Day in 2012. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has stretched “Happy Hour” to four hours in the evening. Kansas, which frowned on “Happy Hour” for quite a number of years, decided to relent and make the practice legal in the summer of 2012.

Where “Happy Hours” are Banned Internationally

If you’re a traveler and wish to stop by a pub or bar for “Happy Hour,” then you may be out of luck in certain countries. While you can enjoy a Guinness anytime in Ireland, you won’t be able to buy the drink at a discount in the evening. The Republic of Ireland banned “Happy Hours” in 2003. Glasgow also does not allow “Happy Hours” in its bars, pubs, or restaurants.

A Convivial Place to Meet

While bars can be found the world over, it’s the idea of gathering at a pub that is unique to the U.S. The public became “intoxicated” with the idea of meeting at the town tavern in Colonia America. Therefore, it’s not surprising, today, that some bar furnishings convey an Americana or Colonial style. Some people often compare the landscape of the bar with a coffeehouse, although the atmosphere is generally a bit more convivial

You Don’t Have to Drink to Include a Bar in Your Home

However, you don’t need to drink alcohol to add a home bar to your rec room furnishings. The home bar invites socialization that includes teetotalers as well as anyone who appreciates the taste of beer. So, you can add a bar to your rec room, whether you drink or not.

A Non-alcoholic Cocktail

One non-alcoholic cocktail that is a popular at-home bar choice is called Acapulco Gold. To make this alcohol-free “Happy Hour” drink, you need three ounces of pineapple juice, an ounce of whipping cream, one ounce of coconut cream and ½ ounce of grapefruit juice. Shake and strain the mix, using cracked ice, before serving the beverage.

An Ideal Drink for a Cold Winter’s Day

On cool fall days or cold winter eves, your guests will appreciate the bit of gusto of a Bailey’s Hot Chocolate. This alcoholic concoction, which is also a chocolate lover’s delight, is made with one ounce chocolate milk, one-half ounce of Irish cream, ½ tablespoon sugar, and ½ ounce milk. Heat the milk, then add the milk, sugar, and chocolate before adding a shot of the Irish cream.

Peach Brandy Punch

One of the famous drinks of the 1800s was peach brandy punch, which was concocted by Orsamus Willard – a bartender that worked at the City Hotel in New York. The bartender was noted for possessing an amazing memory and could easily recall the names of the people he served. Notably, and not surprisingly, he was the first bartender to receive notice and mention in the city’s newspaper.

While you may not have a memory like Orsamus, you certainly will have no problem remembering to look at the stylish bars for your home that are featured at the Scioto Valley store online. Check out the store’s furnishings at http://www.sciotovalley.com/bars.html for further details.

About Author: Thomas M. Bird is an Ohio journalist and writer. For bar furnishings, he recommends that you visit the Scioto Valley store in Hillard, Ohio or visit their website. The store offers home theater furniture, fireplaces and gas logs, pub tables, bars and bar stools, and a variety of game tables. You can contact the store by phone at 614-876-7755.