When most people think of happy hour, they think of the traditional time when drinks are sold at a reduced price at some bars and restaurants. Usually, this time is between 5 and 7 pm, but in other areas, it might be between 4 and 7 pm.

In the past, people didn’t give too much thought to happy hour, but that might change thanks to a holiday known as National Happy Hour Day. This holiday is observed on November 12th every year and encourages everyone to take advantage of the reduced-price drinks at their local watering hole.

The History of Happy Hour

Happy hour is a term that has been used since at least the Middle Ages and is even mentioned in William Shakespeare’s King Henry V. This phrase didn’t mean the same thing then as it does now. It was a term that referred to a specific time of entertainment, and neither drink nor food was reduced for the good lords and ladies.

From the Medieval Period forward, the term “happy hour” continued to be used to describe a period of entertainment. It wouldn’t be until Prohibition, however, that the term would be used to describe a “cocktail hour.”

People would go to “cocktail hour” at their local speakeasy before heading to a restaurant to eat. Eventually, the term happy hour would be applied to this practice. By the 1950s, the practice of restaurants and taverns hosting a happy hour every day was common practice and could be found all across the U.S.

Observing National Happy Hour Day

Want to observe National Happy Hour Day? If you do, then gather some friends and catch the local deals at your local restaurant or bar’s happy hour. Of course, if you live in one of the areas that have outlawed happy hours, then you might have a little difficulty enjoying this holiday. In that case, just post your troubles online using the hashtag #NationalHappyHourDay.