In case you’ve never given it a second thought, every day, somewhere it’s 5 o’clock. Sure, we know you’d rather be enjoying Happy Hour relaxing poolside with a cocktail in hand. Or maybe at a rooftop bar in New York City with friends. Sadly, we know that’s not possible right now. But there’s nothing stopping you from recreating fabulous cocktails at home. And when you do, invite your friends to your “Virtual” Happy Hour. The experience may be simulated, but the drinks will be real. Cheers to that!
The TravelSquire’s own Virtual Happy Hour Series nods to an assortment of select hotel bars around the world. We’ve rounded up of some the finest wanderlust-inducing cocktails from these luxury properties to transport your taste buds to their far-flung destinations – the fragrant gardens of a Parisian Palace, the glamorous 1920s in the Scottish Highlands, and the powder-soft sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
With Virtual Happy Hour on apps such as FaceTime, Zoom and House Party trending more than ever, our suggested cocktails aim to keep friends entertained virtually while in self-isolation.
So, grab your shaker, pound some ice and get ready to have a little fun creating … then sipping!
THE DESTINATION: PARIS
What can be said about Paris that hasn’t already been said a million times over? The City of Light’s allure is legendary from the winding streets of St. Germain des Pres to the artsy cafés and pubs of Montmartre. Oscar-winning actress Joan Fontaine playing the shy spinsterish Lina in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1941 thriller “Suspicion” summed it up succinctly. When asked by her charming playboy husband Cary Grant upon returning from their whirlwind European honeymoon which city was her favorite, watch her face light up as she responds. Take a guess where.
THE HOTEL: LE BRISTOL
THE COCKTAIL: The Aperol Spritz
Adored the world over, the Aperol Spritz is a simple classic cocktail originally from northern Italy. One of the best places to enjoy the summer aperitif, however, is at the fabulous French Palace hotel, Le Bristol Paris. A true urban oasis, the hotel’s Jardin Français is a rare jewel in the heart of Paris; a place where one can drink and dine amidst fresh greenery and fragrant roses. The exquisitely pretty garden is a delightful place to revive after shopping with a light lunch shaded beneath a white umbrella. Until one is able to return, one of the easiest elixirs to whip up at home is this four-ingredient favorite.
THE RECIPE:
- 40ml Aperol
- 60ml Côtes de Provence white wine
- 60ml club soda
- One orange
THE PREPARATION:
- Pour the Aperol into a wine glass filled with ice
- Add the wine and club soda and stir gently with a swizzle stick
- Garnish with fresh orange slices
oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris/restaurants-bar/bar/le-bar-du-bristol
*When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a stay at the luxurious Le Bristol Hotel and savor An Aperol Spritz in “Le Bar du Bristol”. Just steps outside the hotel, you’ll find luxury shopping and enticing art galleries. Take advantage of the hotel’s 5-star service by having the concierge book exclusive experiences during your stay. Opera lovers should explore Le Bristol’s exclusive package that brings you the best seats at the Paris Opera.
And for a totally unique way to explore Paris, visit Les Egouts de Paris, the Paris Sewer Museum, (re-opening end of 2020) which is set into the actual functioning Paris sewer system. When you emerge you’ll be ready for Happy Hour back at Le Bristol!