Everything is happening in today's world, so many of us can use a hard drink and a good conversation But with the nightlife at the necessary stops, how we are supposed to get together

Enter the Zoom Room Happy Hour

Make no mistake: Replicating the "Where everyone knows your name" community in your local watering hole is not an easy task But die hard Drink slingers have adapted and evolved in these past months, innovating with technologies that never existed before, using webinars, video conferencing and smartphone apps Whether you're into cocktails or mocktails, virtual gatherings are a great way to desress and reconnect with fellow humans in the COVID era At least they can

Continue reading We'll show you how to plan (and host) the ultimate zoom room Happy Hour, complete with music suggestions, ambiance options, and some delicious cocktail recipes that can be whipped in just a few ingredients Don't worry, it's easier than you'd expect

For the purposes of this story, Zoom is one of the best video chat apps, so we're using Zoom 1 However, there are many alternatives to Zoom, including Skype, Google Meet, and Discord

While many city dwellers remain socially isolated (at least for now), that doesn't mean we're taking a day off Spontaneous zoom-based synth jigs can be a stress trap for those who are not ready Excessive screen use is a concern for many now, especially when it comes to socialization and dedicated family time

Make sure you schedule Happy Hour at least 1 week in advance Craft cocktails often require fresh ingredients and premium liquor that you and your friends will take the time to buy

Make sure that the Invitees are universally familiar with the Zoom platform and that everyone's software is properly downloaded/installed/configured in advance Unwanted technical problems can bring group chat to a screech stop Do not make the atmosphere tough in the matter of your delay, man

Note: Zoom is compatible with Google Calendar and can be easily adjusted with anyone with an email address

Sure, it's easy to pop a can of beer or unscrew a bottle of wine, but for a more memorable event, an easy-to-create kaku ask everyone to choose one or two recipes from the menu and plan their grocery shopping accordingly; many liquor stores in NYC offer It's a good idea, however, to have a good time with your friendsDrizlycom It can also be useful Try to choose a recipe that serves something for everyone — including non-alcoholic beverages and two

For some proven Happy hour recipes, check out the sample menu below

Mixology is all about proper food preparation, so you'll need a sink and a trash can nearby Put all the bartender tools on the counter so that everything is within reach If possible, choose a dedicated cabinet/drawer area for bar storage; this makes your set—up and breakdown process simpler

For those with limited counter space, bar carts may just be a ticket: these elegant, mobile workstations This is the perfect place to have your bartender/mixology tools hidden - and some liquor bottles, too Bonus: If you are convenient in carpentry, building a bar cart is a great quarantini side project

When you're done creating your speakeasy space, set up your laptop nearby and test your webcam Think of your bar as a miniature production studio and yourself as a mixologist, food stylist, videographer (I partial myself to soft pastels and earth tonesBut if you'd rather your guests do not look at your apartment, here you can make it look like you're in a real bar And check out our picks for the best free zoom backgrounds

Take stock of your bar tools:

When Happy Hour is about twenty separate, take everything out of the fridge you might need, and this includes a chilled mixer, herbs, citrus, fruit, and other garnish (See sample shopping list below Do not forget about ice

Looking for starter bar kits If you go for a rustic look, here's what I like

These concentrated tinctures are essential ingredients for many classic cocktails and they come in dozens of flavors But only 3 of them - Angostura, Peychaud and Regans - start their collection

Bonus: Snag a copy of the Flavor Bible for the ultimate culinary resource

OK, it's five minutes to showtime These 2 tips are very simple, but there are all the differences when it comes to Zoom box interactions

First, set your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to a place to stay during the Happy Hour period (Sticky Finger = Sticky keyboardMake sure everything is properly framed and position yourself so that the webcam is slightly tilted down, with hair above eye levelThis is a flattering angle for most people

Next, make sure the main light source is behind your laptop and facing you Bright windows in the wrong place can turn even the most beautiful house speaker into a washed-out silhouette

The bar wasn't the brightest lit place, but you'd invest in some lighting because you want your Zoom friends to be able to see you better

Have you ever hung out in a bar that's dead and silent? Well, it's weird Go to the Share screen button at the bottom of the window and make sure that the Share computer sound box in the bottom left corner is unchecked Click on the Details tab to share music from your computer without actually sharing the screen Swing|Soft Jazz|Metallica|Classical|Oldies|70s

It doesn't have to be fancy, but there are some toast I'd like to use so that everyone is calm:

You need some drink recipes to get your party going Here are 4 cocktails and 1 non-alcoholic mocktail that you and your friends can make together

Perfect Margarita-based Liquor: Tequila/Mezcal

Blanco Tequila, 20 oz Gran Marnier Liqueur, 10 oz Lime Juice (fresh), 075 oz Lemon Juice (fresh), 05ozAgave Syrup, 05 oz ozGarnish: Lime Wedge & Sea salt rim

Variations (optional):

Old-fashioned FinkBase Liquor: Whiskey

Bourbon/Rye whiskey,30ozAngostura aromatic bitters,3dashesBrown sugar,uma tspMaraschino cherry,1garnish:orange twist

Variations (optional):

Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon, 15 Oz Simple Syrup, 075 oz Sangostura Bitters, 3 Dash Blackberries, 2 Lemon slices, 3 mint leaves, 4 Garnish: Mint Leaf & Lemon Wheel

Variety: Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange, Orange,

No-Baloney NegroniBase Liquor: Gin

Hendrick's Gin, 15 oz Campari, 15 oz Carpano Antica Suite Vermouth, 15 oz Gran Marnier Orange Liqueur, 025 oz 6,3 dashesGarnish: orange slice&orange bitters float

The Sorcerer's SoothsayerBase liquor:Non-alcoholic

Club soda,100ozGrapefruit juice(fresh),10ozOrange juice(fresh),10ozLemon juice(fresh),025ozAngostura bitters,4dashesGarnish:orange/lemon/lime wheel&rosemary/thime sprig

Variations (optional):

Mixologist Bio (@theCraftsman

As a writer, cocktail consultant and extroverted storyteller, TJ teaches improvisational-friendly bartender classes in New York City When he's not throwing drinks at local fundraisers, pop-up shops, restaurant openings, or other social gatherings, you'll find TJ sipping Negronis in his living room and crafting Dr Seussian poetry into a tattered Moleskin Need help hosting your next virtual speakeasy event Reach out for consultation