Sometimes, after a long and demanding work week, you deserve a chance to unwind and mark the end of your hectic schedule. With 21 diverse options to suit your mood, we’ve got something that’ll tickle your taste buds and set the mood just right. It’s the perfect opportunity to de-stress and transition into the weekend, setting the tone for a well-deserved happy hour break.
![Two lime gimelts with smoke on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/finished-gimlets-3h.jpg)
Smoked Tomatoes
![Smoked tomatoes in a dish with grilled bread.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/smoked-tomatoes-resized-small.jpg)
As you transition from a long work week to a well-deserved weekend, consider Smoked Tomatoes to enhance the experience. Slowly smoked to infuse a rich, smoky flavor, these tomatoes make for a delightful snack or a flavorful addition to your salads. The depth of these smoky gems ushers you into the ideal Friday night state of mind – relaxed and ready to savor the weekend’s freedom.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes
Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins
![Four potato skins topped with cheese and sour cream.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/stuffed-potato-skins-finished-1ha.jpg)
For those seeking a quintessential happy hour treat, look no further than Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins. These delectable morsels feature crispy potato skins generously adorned with gooey cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of vibrant green onions. Whether you’re unwinding at home after a long work week or gathering with friends, these savory bites serve as the perfect Friday night indulgence to kickstart your weekend. Pair them with your favorite cold brew or cocktail, and you’ve got the ultimate happy hour experience right in your hands.
Get the Recipe: Fully Loaded Baked Potato Skins
Sunday in the Park Cocktail
![A glass with ice and a bottle of Lillet Blanc.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/finished-sunset-garden-cocktail-3h.jpg)
Named after the leisurely vibe of a Sunday afternoon, the “Sunday in the Park Cocktail” is your go-to drink for a laid-back happy hour. This refreshingly citrusy libation combines various fruity notes with a hint of botanicals, making it an ideal choice for welcoming the weekend with friends or cherishing the simple joys of life in solitude.
Get the Recipe: Sunday in the Park Cocktail
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites
![A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/smoked-chicken-tortilla-cups-resized.jpg)
Enjoy a plate of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites for a work-week finale. These smoky, spicy chicken bites are nestled in warm tortillas, creating a zesty snack that goes perfectly with a cold beer or a zesty cocktail. Share them with colleagues or savor them solo – either way, they’re an excellent start to your weekend.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites
Smoked Shotgun Shells
![Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/shotgun-shells-finished3-e1692404360333.jpg)
If you’re yearning for a spicy and smoky kick to wrap up your work week, Smoked Shotgun Shells have got you covered. These pasta shells are filled with fiery heat and smokiness, resulting in the ultimate indulgence for your Friday evening. When paired with your favorite adult beverage, these shells ensure a memorable happy hour experience that’ll leave you eagerly anticipating the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells
Cold Corn Dip
![A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cold-corn-dip-finished-3h.jpg)
When you seek an easy and satisfying Friday evening, whip up a bowl of Cold Corn Dip. This chilled delight is a harmonious mix of flavors that pairs perfectly with your choice of chips. Whether you’re gathered with friends or relishing some alone time, this dip adds a delightful twist to your happy hour, enhancing your transition into the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip
Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail
![Two glasses of strawberry lillet crush with mint leaves.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/strawberry-lillet-crush-finished-3h.jpg)
The Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail embodies the essence of summer in a glass. Crafted with fresh strawberries and Lillet Blanc, it’s the perfect choice for a happy hour rendezvous. Light, refreshing, and setting the tone for a relaxed weekend, this delightful concoction invites you to sip it leisurely while watching the sun dip below the horizon and savoring the end of your work week.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
![A plate of empanadas on a slate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/air-fryer-beef-empanadas-resized-1.jpg)
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas offer a crunchy and satisfying option for happy hour as you bid farewell to a long work week. Filled with savory beef and air-fried to a golden, mouthwatering perfection, these delectable pockets of flavor are sure to please. They pair wonderfully with your favorite beverages, making them the ideal choice to savor during your Friday evening, leaving you eagerly anticipating the weekend’s adventures.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Reuben Egg Rolls
![A black plate with Reuben Egg Rolls and dipping sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/reuben-egg-rolls-finished-1Ha.jpg)
Reuben Egg Rolls perfectly combine the best of both worlds – the classic Reuben sandwich and the crispiness of egg rolls. They’re a delectable choice for your Friday evening gatherings, intertwining flavors in every delectable bite. These egg rolls set the stage for a memorable happy hour with friends, welcoming a delightful weekend ahead.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Egg Rolls
Shepherd’s Pie Bites
![Shepherd's Pie Bites on a black platter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/shep-pie-bites-3Ha.jpg)
Mini Shepherd’s Pie Bites are a warm and comforting choice to celebrate the end of a work week. As you gather with loved ones or seek solace after a hectic week, these bite-sized delights offer a piece of tradition in every mouthful. They provide a perfect way to enjoy a cozy Friday evening and commence your weekend on a delightful note.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites
Cheese Toasties
![Bite-sized Cheese Toasties on a black plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cheese-toasties-finished-3Ha-1.jpg)
Cheese Toasties represent the ultimate comfort food for your happy hour. These toasty sandwiches offer a wide array of mouthwatering fillings that are sure to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re indulging with friends or relishing some well-deserved “me” time, they make for a perfect Friday evening treat, setting the mood for a fantastic start to the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Toasties
Tomato Bruschetta Board
![Tomato bruschetta board on a table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tomato-bruschetta-board.jpg)
A Tomato Bruschetta Board offers versatility for your happy hour gatherings, featuring a variety of toppings, each contributing to a fresh and vibrant appetizer. Whether you’re hosting friends or seeking solace after a hectic week, this bruschetta board caters to diverse tastes, making it the ideal choice for a delightful Friday evening.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
![A glass of whiskey with oranges and a wooden stick.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/removing-lid.jpg)
The Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail brings a smoky twist to a classic favorite. For those who appreciate the depth of flavors in their drinks, this cocktail offers a sublime journey through taste. As you unwind on a Friday evening, it enhances your relaxation, leaving you well-prepared to embark on your weekend adventures.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail
Whipped Feta
![Whipped Feta on a black plate with grilled bread.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/whipped-feta-finished-1h.jpg)
Whipped Feta is a creamy and delectable dip infused with herbs and spices. It’s perfect for spreading or dipping, offering versatility for your happy hour gatherings. Whether shared with friends or indulged in solitude, it adds a touch of luxury to your Friday evening, elevating your weekend kickoff.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta
Tomato Bruschetta
![Tomato Bruschetta on a platter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/finished-tomato-bruschetta-7h.jpg)
Traditional Tomato Bruschetta remains a classic choice for a happy hour appetizer. Featuring diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and quality olive oil, it’s a simple yet satisfying option. Enjoy it with friends or as a solo treat, setting the mood for a relaxing Friday evening and marking the transition into the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo
![Tomatillo pico de gallo in a black dish surrounded by tortilla chips.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/tomatillo-pico-de-gallo-finished-3H.jpg)
Tomatillo Pico de Gallo is a zesty delight crafted with tomatillos, jalapeños, onions, and fresh cilantro. It’s a vibrant choice for your happy hour, perfect for scooping with chips or as a condiment to add an extra spark to your Friday evening gatherings. Whether shared with friends or savored solo, it promises to make your Friday evening enjoyable as you look forward to the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Pico de Gallo
Crab Spanakopita
![Crab Spanakopita triangles on a cutting board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/spanakopita-rolls-finished.webp)
Crab Spanakopita offers a fusion of Greek and seafood flavors, wrapped in a crispy, pastry parcel. It’s a delightful choice for a relaxed Friday evening, bringing forth a unique blend of tastes that transport you to the Mediterranean coast. Share this treat with friends or enjoy it on your own as you welcome the weekend with open arms.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
![Roasted Tomatillo Salsa in a black pan with tortilla chips in a second pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/roasted-tomatillo-salsa-finished-4H.jpg)
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa, with its smoky edge, is an ideal companion for your happy hour chips or snacks. This flavor-packed condiment adds an exciting twist to your Friday evening gatherings with its vibrant and smoky notes. As you wind down from the work week, it heightens your anticipation for the weekend’s adventures.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney
![A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/finshed-3h.jpg)
Baked Brie is a sumptuous treat, artfully topped with a sweet and tangy apple-ginger chutney. It’s perfect for sharing with friends during your happy hour or indulging by yourself. The harmonious melding of flavors in these bites serves as a delightful note to conclude your work week, leaving you eager to savor the weekend’s delights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney
Smoked Gimlet Cocktail
![Two lime gimelts with smoke on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/finished-gimlets-3h.jpg)
The Smoked Gimlet Cocktail is a classic libation with a smoky twist, harmoniously blending gin and lime. As you unwind on a Friday evening, this cocktail transports your taste buds to a serene state, preparing you to enjoy your weekend to the fullest.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gimlet Cocktail
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings
![Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231005_204938_0000.jpg)
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings offer a unique and unforgettable snacking experience. These wings are smoky, tangy, and crispy, creating a flavor profile that is both distinctive and addictive. Whether you’re sharing them with friends during happy hour or indulging in some personal downtime, they make for a one-of-a-kind snack that is perfect for marking the end of your work week and launching you into the weekend with gusto. The bold combination of smokiness and pickle tang will leave you craving for more and looking forward to the relaxation and enjoyment that the weekend brings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings