The Happiest Happy Hour for Cinco de Mayo—and Every Other Day, Too

Bonus: a spicy margarita recipe that features a women-led, small-batch tequila

Posted on: May 2, 2022

Cinco de Mayo might commemorate Mexico’s victory over Napoleon III’s French forces in 1862, but it is, of course, a big celebration here in the States as well. And this year, it falls on a Thursday, which is more than close enough to the weekend to gather the gang for a cocktail. Then again, every night of the week has happy-hour potential at Hudson Yards. So pull up a stool at any of the spots listed below. And if you’re inviting friends to your place, feel free to use the margarita recipe below, courtesy of Ana Wine & Spirits, on Level 1 at The Shops.

The Tavern, 37 Hudson Yards

Queensyard, Level 4

For a sommelier’s selection:

The Tavern’s wine connoisseurs are pouring their favorites ($12 a glass), from 5-7pm Tuesday through Saturday. Bar bites and light snacks provide appropriate accompaniment.

For an imperial pint:

Happy Hour is officially The Queen’s Hour at Queensyard, where, from 5-7pm Monday through Friday, the lounge offers Narragansett lager on draft for $5, assorted liquor selections for $10 and house cocktails for $12. Yes, there are nibbles and chips, too, not to mention winter squash baba ganoush.

Naked Tomato, Level 4

Ana Bar & Eatery, Level 2

For a Mediterranean twist:

Pair the $5 beers, $10 house wine and $12 cocktails at Naked Tomato with the shareable $12 mezze sampler, which includes a quartet of dips. Daily from 4-6pm.

For a choose-your-own adventure:

Ana Bar & Eatery has something for everyone: $10 wines (sparkling, rose, white and red) by the glass; $12 well-named house cocktails (Happy Go Lucky, Fist Full of Dollars, Scorpion Bite, Siren Song) and plenty o fsnacks (popcorn, chile-lime peanuts, meatball trio, pita with hummus and more).

For the home host:

The mixologists at Ana Wine & Spirits have you covered, with a women-led, small-batch tequila (find it at the store) and the last margarita recipe you’ll ever need. Salud!

The Ana Wine & Spirits Margarita

2oz of Maestro Dobel Silver Tequila

1/2 oz of spicy agave

2oz fresh lime juice

splash of grapefruit juice

Mix tequila, agave, and the juices in a shaker. Pour into glass, over ice. Top off with soda water and a pinch of salt.