There’s nothing quite like hosting a cozy happy hour at home. I love crafting delicious bites and refreshing drinks that set the perfect mood for relaxation and fun with friends. Here are six of my go-to recipes that never fail to impress!
1. Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
- Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp, cabbage, and avocado on each tortilla.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Servings
Serves 4
Nutrition Info
Approximately 320 calories per serving.
2. Classic Mojito
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1.5 ounces white rum
- Club soda to top
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with sugar and lime juice.
- Add the rum and fill the glass with ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Servings
Serves 1
Nutrition Info
Approximately 150 calories per serving.
3. Caprese Skewers
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball.
- Repeat until the skewer is filled.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
Servings
Serves 4
Nutrition Info
Approximately 100 calories per serving (based on 4 skewers).
4. Hummus and Veggie Platter
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade hummus
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, cut into sticks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Pita bread, cut into triangles
Instructions
- Arrange the veggies and pita around a bowl of hummus on a platter.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with friends!
Servings
Serves 4
Nutrition Info
Approximately 250 calories per serving.
5. Mini Quiches
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo pastry cups
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup diced veggies (spinach, pepper, onion)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Stir in cheese, veggies, salt, and pepper.
- Place phyllo cups on a baking sheet and fill each with the egg mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set and golden.
Servings
Serves 6
Nutrition Info
Approximately 300 calories per serving.
6. Chocolate Fondue
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, apples)
- Marshmallows and pretzels for dipping
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering.
- Add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Transfer to a fondue pot or bowl and serve with fruits and dippers.
Servings
Serves 4
Nutrition Info
Approximately 400 calories per serving.
Final Thoughts
These recipes have become staples in my happy hour routine, and I hope they bring as much joy to your gatherings as they do to mine. Cheers to delicious bites and great company at home!