The office 5 à 7 (or happy hour) is having a comeback—and it’s not just about the drinks. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, welcoming a new team member, or just breaking up the workweek, a well-planned 5 à 7 can leave your team feeling appreciated and recharged. But where do you start?
Here’s how to organize a standout cocktail hour in the office—complete with crowd-pleasing drink ideas, mocktail versions, aesthetic tips, and the pros and cons of doing it yourself vs. bringing in a bartender.
Before anyone starts shaking drinks, think about how you want the event to feel. Casual and low-key? Chic and celebratory? A few small touches can go a long way:
Don’t go overboard with options. Instead, choose 2–3 signature cocktails that are easy to prep and crowd-friendly. This helps you stay organized, saves money, and ensures consistent quality.
Here are three tried-and-true winners (plus mocktail options!) that anyone can make—even if your “bar” is just a folding table and a bucket of ice.
A forever-favorite that’s citrusy, balanced, and flexible enough for any crowd.
To Make: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Spicy Version Tip: Jalapeño syrup is safer than muddling raw peppers—it gives a consistent kick without the risk of overdoing it.
Mocktail Version: Swap tequila for soda or still water. It’s surprisingly delicious.
Pro Tip: Simple syrup can be bought or made at home by mixing equal parts sugar and water. It lasts up to a month in the fridge.
Zesty, gingery, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially in copper mugs.
To Make: Pour ingredients over ice and stir. Serve in a copper mug or highball glass.
Mocktail Version: Skip the vodka. Ginger, lime, and bubbles = a winning combo.
For the cocktail purists. Equal parts, easy to batch, and great for pre-pouring.
To Make: Stir with ice and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist or wedge.
Bonus Ideas:
People drink with their eyes first—especially at office events where everything else is usually beige. Here’s how to elevate your cocktail setup without going overboard:
Let’s be real—there’s a big difference between “Mike from accounting making mojitos” and a polished cocktail experience. But both have their place.
What you’ll need:
Our team at Montreal Craft Cocktails offers turn-key service for corporate events: signature cocktails, professional bartenders, stylish mobile bars, and even branded drink menus. We also sell our house-made syrups so you can level up your own bar without going full-service.
Where to buy fresh lime juice in Montreal:
Stock up on bar basics:
Want to go further?
Check out our blog post on whether you need a permit to serve alcohol at your company event in Quebec, or reach out for cocktail curation help.
Want to level up your 5 à 7 with something interactive and unforgettable? Our cocktail classes are a hit with teams looking for something a little different.
Guests leave with cocktail skills they’ll actually use—and memories they’ll talk about long after the last sip.
A 5 à 7 doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. With a few great drinks, fresh ingredients, and a bit of aesthetic effort, you’ll have your team raving all the way to the weekend.
And if you ever want help? We’re here — with craft cocktails, full-service bar setups, interactive classes, and everything you need to host an unforgettable happy hour.
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