It's Always Happy Hour Somewhere

Fun New Folding Party Chairs

2008-04-11T16:23:00.002-05:00

We've wanted to carry these sturdy aluminum folding chairs with the built-in attached cocktail table for years, sometimes it just takes a buying trip with a couple of cocktails in you (our first intoxicated...er...ing afternoon at this year's Intl Housewares Show in Chicago).

Here they are and yes we've already tested them this season , as have some of our other loyal AlwaysHappyHour clients/followers.

Our complete webpage describes them in full, and while you'll find cheaper knockoffs around the country, you won't find them as well made and built to last as these. Worth every penny and still the original !

Martini Luminarias For Your Next Outdoor Event

2008-04-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

Nothing will say "welcome to our party" to your guests at your next event like these fun martini luminaria!

These are just like the luminaria you recall from years back and from winter holiday walks, but why wait until a winter holiday to make your driveway, sidewalk, stairs, patio, garden, deck, campsite, etc look particularly inviting and festive?

Each kit comes complete with a martini cocktail cutout luminaria, weighted base you fill quickly with water instead of sand, and a standard tealight.

You have to use them outdoors with a lit candle in the bag, but we've got LED tealights available for an extra charge, or if you have your own LED tealights, you can use these indoors for table decor, staircase.

Olive Stem Martini Cocktail Glasses, Back In Stock

2008-04-03T16:56:00.000-05:00

You've asked for 'em, we've got 'em (again) after a bit of a hiatus where our previous glassmaker had retired/discontinued them, we now have the great martini stem sets that include a fun blown glass stuffed green olive right in each and everystem. Nothing says 'classic martini' like an olive (or 2 or 3) but whether you and your guests like your martini olive standard or stuffed with blue cheese, garlic, onion, or what-have-you....these glasses will give a throw back to old-school deliciousness and old school entertaining in style, with a wink and a nod.

These glasses also match our extremely popular centerpieces with the stack of green olives molded into the stem, for those that want to put on a coordinating display.

The Freezable Martinis We (and You)'ve Been Waiting For!

2008-04-02T11:38:00.002-05:00

OMG! OMG! OMG! We've been searching for, hoping for, waiting for glasses just like these to be manufactured since we began AlwaysHappyHour in 2004, and now....here they are!

Yes you've all seen (and prob own) the refreezable double wall beer mugs, and we've been jonsing for them in martini glasses for a long time. Now, we're proud to be negotiating several different refreezable styles in martini stems. But the first to launch on our site are these clear, frosty, freezable/refreezable martini stems.

Attractively priced and attractively packaged, you'll want to give them as gifts to every friend and family that loves summer cocktails, and you'll want them in your own freezer at home, on your deck, in your boat, in your camper, everywhere! (we do, too!). Perfect for icy cold martinis, manhattans, gimlets, sidecars, anything that could - that should be deliciously cold and served straight-up.

Follow the links and order your pair today, and watch our blog and website for 4-color sets coming very very soon

Beautiful new Indent glassware

2008-04-01T18:29:00.006-05:00

We've just introduced some incredible new glass stemware we discovered from a Canadian company that will inspire you to collect and to drink. Check out our new Indent Series glasses with the clear dimpled bowls and stems in beautiful soft colors.

Almost 9 " tall and a full 6" wide at the top, these gorgeous glasses are MUCH bigger in your hand than they appear on the website.

Truly elegant, contemporary and classic at the same time, and worth the investment.

Meet The Jetsons (Stemware)

2008-03-30T17:10:00.000-05:00

When Jane Jetson took George's wallet from him and went to the space mall at the opening of every show, we're sure these are the glasses she'd bring back for Rosie The Robot to serve them an out-of-this world drink at the end of the tough work day.

We didn't name these martini's and champagnes 'Jetson' ourselves, but you can tell why the glassmaker did, with these double rings in the stem that look just like every building in the show and every outfit that Jane and Judy wore.

As clever as the name, these are no joke, fine quality glassware in martini stem or champagne flute, beautifully made, and elegant to put on display or serve from....or both!

Sale now in progress!

2008-03-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

We've just marked down 100's of our drinking and bar accessories and home bar decor items. We didn't dare call it a March madness sale, but it's going on for the next 2 weeks and it's in every category in our online store, so check it out!

Discounted and free shipping still applies, even on sale items, by the way!

Giant Jumbo Martini Centerpieces and Floating Olive Candles - back in stock!

2008-03-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

If you're planning that Martini Wedding or James Bond theme gala , why not impress your freinds with our Giant Huge Jumbo Martini Glass 16" tall Centerpieces plus a handful of our Floating Olive Candles! How about that martini theme anniversary, or birthday?
They're now back in stock at both our Wisconsin and Michigan warehouses for immediate shipment for any occasion!

They ship with discounted freight plus we pay the shipping insurance so they're guaranteed to arrive in the right condition for you to make your next really large drink or really great centerpiece. Discounts available for large purchases, too.

More Candy Cane for 2007

2007-11-24T15:26:00.001-06:00

Attention shoppers! Candy Cane holiday series glassware is back in stock in limited quantities and ready to ship. If you missed them last year because we sold out, or if you got only one kind and wanted more but couldn't get them, now is the time to think about ordering. We stock the matching Cordial Sets, Large Rocks Glasses, and of course the Cocktail Shaker, all with those clever candy canes in fused glass molded right into the surface. Won't wash off or drink off! But it's the martini glasses that sell the fastest.

We'd suggest you order soon, whether for your own entertaining or for a gift for some lucky relative or friend. These sell out every holiday season and there's no reason to suspect that won't happen again this year!

Just use the SEARCH feature on our site and type in CANDY CANE for all your choices.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us via the ContactUs link on our website, or fax tollfree, or call any time on the regular or tollfree line.

Doctors save poisoned tourist using vodka drip

2007-10-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

here's the kind of story that warms our heart!

With treatment, Italian visitor made successful recovery in Australia

Updated: 7:41 a.m. CT Oct 10, 2007

BRISBANE, Australia - Australian doctors said they plugged a poisoned Italian tourist into a vodka drip after running out of the medicinal alcohol they would normally have used to save his life.

The 24-year-old Italian, who was not further identified, was diagnosed as having ingested a large quantity of ethylene glycol, a common ingredient in antifreeze that can cause renal failure.

Pure alcohol is often given in treating such cases because it can inhibit the toxic effects of ethylene glycol.

Dr. Pascal Gelperowicz at Mackay Base Hospital where the man was taken for treatment said he was given pharmaceutical-grade alcohol on arrival, but that the hospital's supplies soon ran out.

"We quickly used all the available vials of 100 percent alcohol and decided the next best way to get alcohol into the man's system was by feeding him spirits through a nasogastric tube," Gelperowicz said in a statement.

"The patient was drip-fed about three standard drinks an hour for three days in the intensive care unit," he said. "The hospital's administrators were also very understanding when we explained our reasons for buying a case of vodka."

The patient made a successful recovery. The incident occurred about two months ago, though the hospital just released information on the case.

New Easier-To-Browse AlwaysHappyHour.com website

2007-08-17T12:03:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed the new design of our website? We completely overhauled the structure of the outline of our site so that the product departments are now always visible to you along the top as tabs.

You'll also see our new more advanced search box in the center, to help find whatever you're looking for within our site. And our new affilitation with the local and national Better Business Bureaus for your peace of mind and confidence in our company and our site.

Plus you'll see easier to read navigation buttons along the left side to help find departments, policies, and get in touch with us at AlwaysHappuHour.com.

Feel free to let us know what you think of the new site and keep watching as we continue to improve your viewing and shopping experience!

They're Huge! Giant party Cocktail/Martini shakers

2007-07-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

"!! IT'S HUGE !!"
Evie Harris (Jack Plotnick), Girls Will Be Girls, 2003
Well...okay....THEY'RE huge. Our new giant party cocktail/martini shakers are available in four great colors to suit any gift-giving or drinking event. And they literally hold just about a HALF GALLON of favorite delicious skaken refreshments: whether martinis, margaritas, bloody marys, manhattans, mohitos, or more. Whatever could be served from a normal size shaker will stun and delight guests poured from these 60 ounce beauties almost 14 inches tall. Plus, they look great sitting on your bar or counter. Who wouldn't be excited to see a cocktail poured from these?

Now in stock for immediate delivery in your choice of Black, Green, Pink, or Ribbed Silver...and reasonably priced, if you ask us.

So if your Happy Hour doesn't start until 5, why not go right to 5 (drinks) or more in a hurry with these giant party shakers?

New Xtremely Kewl Diamond Plate Cocktail Gear

2007-07-02T07:28:00.000-05:00

There are times when we meet a new manufacturer and see a new product line and go "OMG we need to have that in our line!" This is one of those cases.

These brand new Diamond Plate cocktail accesories are THE coolest hottest things to add to your bar. Whether you have a Harley, a pickup, an ATV, a wave runner, a toy hauler RV, or just wish you did, this cocktail shaker, matching martini/cocktail stems, and matching steak knives will stop your buddies in their tracks.

Take them tailgating, camping, boating, picnicking, or just bring them out on your deck or patio, or place them on your back bar, and everyone will say "wow, where did you get those?"

"Quasi-Motor" martini cocktail shaker set and matching martini stems and cutlery are quality crafted of rugged 18/10 brushed stainless steel with real raised diamond plate trim on every item. For more information on any item , feel free to surf to our website and check them out:

Shaker Stems Knives

New Hawaiian/Polynesian Cocktail & Beer Shirts

2007-06-25T20:14:00.001-05:00

Introducing our Hawaiian Shirts in cocktail design and beer design!

You'll be the best-dressed life of the party (at least until you pass out!) when you wear our new, Hawaiian/Polynesian cocktail or tiki beer party shirts! Festive short-sleeve shirts available in 2 different styles and 4 different colors in 6 different sizes

Wear them untucked with shorts or jeans for a casual affair; or gents class it up with khakis, dress slacks, or ladies with a skirt for an exotic, dressy look

For more selection information on either shirt, feel free to surf to our website and check them out:

Cocktail/Martini hawaiian Shirts

Beer tiki Shirts

Fruity cocktails count as health food, study finds

2007-04-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:41AM EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A fruity cocktail may not only be fun to drink but may count as health food, U.S. and Thai researchers said on Thursday.

Adding ethanol -- the type of alcohol found in rum, vodka, tequila and other spirits -- boosted the antioxidant nutrients in strawberries and blackberries, the researchers found.

Any colored fruit might be made even more healthful with the addition of a splash of alcohol, they report in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Dr. Korakot Chanjirakul and colleagues at Kasetsart University in Thailand and scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture stumbled upon their finding unexpectedly.

They were exploring ways to help keep strawberries fresh during storage. Treating the berries with alcohol increased in antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity, they found.

Any colored fruit or vegetable is rich in antioxidants, which are chemicals that can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of compounds called free radicals.

Berries, for instance, contain compounds known as polyphenols and anthocyanins. People who eat more of these fruits and vegetables have a documented lower risk of cancer, heart disease and some neurological diseases.

The study did not address whether adding a little cocktail umbrella enhanced the effects.

Holiday Boutique this weekend in Brookfield

2006-10-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

Visit ALWAYS HAPPY HOUR at the annual Brookfield Academy Holiday Boutique

One Day only: Saturday November 4th 2006 from 9am to 5 pm.

From uniquely economical to exceptionally extravagant, shop this distinctive group of over 50 of the area's best specialty retailers and artists under one roof.

Get your holiday and hostess gift lists together because you will find everything you need to please everyone from granny down to the newborns with everything in between.

1 / 2 off admission with a non perishable food item donation for the Waukesha Food Pantry (regular admission $5.00)

Brookfield Academy is located at 3460 N Brookfield Road.
(1/2 mile south of the Capitol and Brookfield Road intersection)
262-783-3200 or http://www.brookfieldacademy.org

Andy & Brian
http://www.AlwaysHappyHour.com
toll free: 866-502-7050
Fax toll free: 866-332-3013

CandyCane Glassware is IN!

2006-10-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

The Candy Cane holiday series glassware is back in stock and ready to ship. If you missed them last year because we sold out, or if you got only one kind and wanted more but couldn't get them, now is the time to think about ordering.
You know we don't joke around when it comes to inventory, and I can tell you that we've contacted the glass manufacturer and the Martini Glasses that everyone loves and wants are already sold out. So what we've got in our Always happy Hour inventory is probably all there will be for the entire holiday season in martini.

There are also plenty of the matching Cordial Sets, Large Rocks Glasses, and of course the Cocktail Shaker, all with those clever candy canes in fused glass molded right into the surface. Won't wash off or drink off!

We'd suggest you order soon, whether for your own entertaining or for a gift for some lucky relative or friend. These sold out of our place last holiday season and there's no reason to suspect that won't happen again this year!

Just use the SEARCH feature on our site and type in CANDY CANE for all your choices.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us via the ContactUs link on our website, or fax, tollfree or call any time on the regular or tollfree line, we will call you right back if we dont answer in the first few rings.

Historic 3rd Ward Jazz Festival “Summer Sizzle” in downtown Milwaukee

2006-07-31T13:17:00.000-05:00

This weekend coming up, Friday & Saturday August 4th and 5th, is once again the annual Historic 3rd Ward Jazz Festival “Summer Sizzle” in downtown Milwaukee. Free admission! Free music concerts (including our store favorites: Swing Nouveau!), free parking, lots of great food and drinks. 11AM – 11PM both days, On Broadway between Erie & Buffalo streets.

http://www.historicthirdward.org/events/summersizzle.php

Always Happy Hour has a booth on the corner of Broadway & Chicago in the center of the festval! Same location as last year.

Lots of your Always Happy Hour cocktail, wine, beer, and other alcohol related favorites will be available for sale at our booth plus a whole bunch of new items just perfect for decorating and entertaining at home, on the deck, on the boat, or at the beach.

So before you head to State Fair, or to MarketDays, why not enjoy a free festival
We look forward to seeing you there!

Angel Investor Search

2006-07-14T10:27:00.000-05:00

Always Happy Hour, Inc (D/B/A AlwaysHappyHour.com) - is searching for a few private angel investors to help grow our web and mail-order company.

AlwaysHappyHour.com is primarily a retail company with a small quarterly mail order catalog and large on-line store offering unusual housewares, furniture, accessories and commercial bar tools directed to the retail consumer market for home entertaining and gift-giving, all with an alcohol or drinking related theme. We also successfully capture higher volume single transactions to businesses such as event promoters, bars, and casinos.

AlwaysHappyHour.com grew 10x in 2005 sales over 2004. Current 2006 sales forecast us at double to triple the 2005 sales, with more orders and requests for our catalog coming thru every day.

Our company has grown to the point where we are looking for additional capital to take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts from our suppliers, as well as expand our marketing and order fulfillment processes.

We are confident that our business is here to stay. From the outset we have run a very lean business with tight controls on spending. Our aim has been to develop the business into a successful company for the long term, and we have focused on business development - not on our salaries.

As a class C corporation, Always Happy Hour, Inc has the ability to sell shares of stock, and has a written business plan. We are willing to share our prospectus with any serious angel inventors.

If you would like further information or are interested in investing, please feel free to contact us by phone, fax, or email. You can also reach us through our website by clicking on the Contact Us button.

Always Happy Hour, Inc (dba: AlwaysHappyHour.com)
PO Box 34-2632, Milwaukee WI 53234
ph: 414-431-8555, toll free: 866-502-7050
fx: 414-431-8522, Fax toll Free: 866-332-3013
andys@alwayshappyhour.com

Refocusing our efforts on catalog and web business

2006-06-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

Just wanted everyone to hear/see it from us first rather than through the gossip and rumor mill: This week we completed the move out of our store from downtown Milwaukee’s 3rd Ward. ‘Why’ you might ask? Numerous reasons, but primarily we need to focus our efforts on our growing mail order catalog and website sales divisions.

Sadly, foot traffic in the 3rd Ward has been way down ever since the Thanksgiving shut down of the exit ramps into the area as part of the 2 year I43/I94 reconstruction project. Despite Gallery Night, Red Lite Night, Coquette Café, print and online ads and coupons, we found ourselves spending way too much time and resources on the store for little or no sales from week to week.

Best wishes to our boutique partner James with his continued business (14 years now), actually he will be moving across the hall in the lobby to larger quarters in July or August, expanding both his salon and ladies’ accessories selections. We thank him for the experience of having retail space downtown.

Not to panic, WE ARE NOT going out of business, we‘re busier now than we were last year or two years ago with catalog and web sales! And you’ll still see AlwaysHappyHour exhibiting and selling at various festivals around the area, in fact we just submitted our contract for our booth at the Third Ward Jazz Festival in August and will be applying for space at the Cedarburg Wine Harvest Festival in September, plus we’re researching Minneapolis and Chicago festivals for our future growth.

And of course, everything you love in our line is always available for gift shipment to your out-of-town friends and relatives, and all the fun stuff you can’t live without can often be arranged for pickup at our home office if you live in the Milwaukee area.

AlwaysHappyHour.com to Co-Sponsor the new Martini Bar at PrideFest Milwaukee.

2006-05-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

HUGE news for us and our friends and our clients! We’ve just signed an agreement to be a co-sponsor of the first-ever MARTINI BAR at this year’s PrideFest in Milwaukee. We’re very excited to help bring what is an obviously long overdue delightful addition to the only LGBT Pride festival in the US on a permanent festival grounds.

Many folks have commented about what fun PrideFest could be with something more than just beer and wine service, and AlwaysHappyHour.com is thrilled to join the team with Gordy Barrington Law Offices and Effen Vodka to promote the first martini bar at this year’s PrideFest. With all the buzz surrounding the martini bar at last year’s SummerFest, this was sure to follow and is sure to be a hit.

The Martini Bar will feature a half dozen specialty Effen Vodka and Henricks Gin martinis, as well as Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, served at the Dance Pavilion just north of the main gate entrance to PrideFest. AlwaysHappyHour.com will provide our fun and unusual cocktail shakers for the bartenders to mix up the tasty libations at the bar, and will also decorate the martini bar with many of our unusual lounge and cocktail lamps, clocks, signs, giant centerpieces, and more.

All products on display and used at the martini bar will be for sale in our booth on the main midway, just south of the fountain and main gate from the Dance pavilion. As a sponsor of the Martini Bar, AlwaysHappyHour.com will donate a portion of all proceeds from product sales at our booth during the festival to PrideFest.

This year’s festival opens from 6pm to midnight on Friday June 9 with comedienne Margaret Cho, and will be open all afternoon and evening on Saturday & Sunday June 10th & 11th.

We look forward to seeing and celebrating with everyone there.!

Red Lite Nite shop late downtown

2006-05-03T18:28:00.000-05:00

Red Lite Nite is a new shopping concept of late-night shopping in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, kicking off this Friday, May 5. Always Happy Hour is of course one of the participating retailers open for shopping until 9pm or later on the first Friday of every month (okay, we're open EVERY Friday night until 9 or 10 pm already).

In homage to the “Red Light District” proposed for the Third Ward by the City in the 1970s, red lights, red window dressings, balloons and more will adorn participating storefronts within the Third Ward. Currently, the Third Ward is home to over 100 retail merchants specializing in everything from upscale women's fashions and high-end home furnishings to yoga, art, food and wine.

Browsers are encouraged to stroll the sidewalks of the Third Ward, shopping and dining along the way. Stores, bars, and restaurants will be decorated in various red themes to join the late night festivities.

This event showcases the Third Ward as the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Milwaukee. Check out www.historicthirdward.org/redlitenite.php for more information and a list of other shops, bars, and restaurants joining us!

So come on down! Parking is free behind the building after 5, and free in the Third Ward Parking Garage just one block south of us. And yes, you CAN get downtown via 94, via Wells St, or via National Ave.

Red Lite Nite: Friday May 5th from 5 to 9pm

Always Happy Hour / St James Place / Ooh La La
(in the Landmark Building - next to Coquette Cafe)
316 N Milwaukee St (Milwaukee and St Paul)
Milwaukee WI 53202

We look forward to seeing you here!

Andy & Brian
http://www.AlwaysHappyHour.com

Gallery Night (and Day) This Weekend

2006-04-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

It's that time of the year again, time for the quarterly Gallery Night
and Day festivities in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward and around
downtown and the East Side.

If you've never been before, it's a great chance to experience new art
from new and established artists, so come downtown and walk from gallery
to gallery. All the galleries and shops are open late on Friday night,
many serve free drinks & snacks, and often have DJ's or live music
playing. It's extremely fun to stroll with a group thru the various
galleries, so get your friends together.

This Friday night, Always Happy Hour will be spinning (and selling) our
favorite Swing Nouveau and NorthStar Music jazz CD's. And besides all
our offerings of unusual barware and drinkware you've come to know and
love, we have 100's of NEW items in stock this Spring including new
cocktail shakers, bar towels, stone coasters, just way too many to
mention here.

As a special treat, we have an April-only coupon you can download and
print from our website for 10% off any cocktail/martini shaker in our
store and of course you can use it during Gallery Night and Day if you
like.

So come on down! Parking is free behind the building after 5, and free
in the Third Ward Parking Garage just one block south of us. And yes,
you CAN get downtown via 94, via Wells St, or via National Ave.

Gallery Night - Friday April 21st - 5pm to 9pm
Gallery Day - Saturday April 22nd - Noon to 5pm

Neon Signs for your home bar or Rec Room

2006-02-12T17:09:00.000-06:00

Always Happy Hour is thrilled to offer neon signs for your home bar, rec room, dorm room, or just tointroduce our new line of real annoy your neighbors (at home or work!).

Now you can experience the pleasure of real neon in the privacy of your own home with these extremely cool portable countertop lighted neon sculptures.

3 different choices are currently available: Beer Mug, Martini, or Cocktailing Parrot, and each of them will sit on a table, counter, windowsill, or bar OR can be wall mounted with the included wall adapter.

Even more fun, these signs can be left on all the time, or with the flick of a switch can be set to BLINK blink BLINK on and off and on and off. Think of the fun you'll create in your window at home or on your deck in the summer or where you place one of these affordable signs for on $34.90 ea (plus shipping). We even offfer only-on versions for table top for under $30 if you prefer!

Coming soon also available in neon: "Bar", "Cocktails" even "Open"

Make your statement in neon now!

Get them while they last! at Always Happy Hour

2005-09-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

If you've been watching our great CS-SHA line of quality glass cocktail shakers with stainless steel leakproof strainer top, now is the time to act! We just had a phone call from our glass maker that several of these colors and styles have been discontinied and my notavailable in 2006. We are unsure about all details, and the shakers have NOT been marked down, but if you've wanted one or wanted to give one as a gift, act soon or your favorite color or etching style may not be available.

Also, our half-price sale continues featuring the entire line of decorated stems from LS Arts in both wine and martini glasses. All of them at HALF OFF our current price.

These were originally offered on our site and in our store at $12.50 each. Last month we lowered prices to $11.00 each. Now, choose any style and any decoration on the stem for just $5.50 each!

We have run out of one style already, we expect to run out of these entirely BEFORE the holiday gift season. So stop in at our downtown Milwaukee store soon, or place your order on our website now for convenient FedEx Ground or UPS Ground shipping right to your office or home.

Pick up a set for yourself, give them as gifts, use them as decorations in your bar.

Please note the quantities and styles on both the shakers and stemware are limited to our stock on hand and once we are sold out we may not be able to get stock again. We will not process your charge on your credit card until we verify we have your items in stock and are ready to ship.