At Jackson Morgan, happy hour is not just a time on the clock, it is a ritual. It is the moment the music turns up a little louder, the candles get lit, and someone says, “What are we having?” If you are hosting at home, this is our tried-and-true cocktail lineup. It flows beautifully from that first espresso-fueled sip all the way to a dessert that doubles as a nightcap. Here is how we do happy hour, Jackson Morgan style.
First Pour: Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
The Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini is our favorite way to kick off the evening. It is energizing without feeling heavy and indulgent without being overly sweet.
Ingredients:
1 ½ Ounces Jackson Morgan Southern Cream in Peppermint Mocha
½ Ounce Coffee Liqueur
1 Ounce Vodka
2 Ounces Espresso, Room Temperature
Coffee Beans, Garnish
Directions:
Add Jackson Morgan, vodka, and espresso to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass, garnish with coffee beans. Enjoy.
Perfect pairing: chocolate desserts, salted nuts, or good conversation.
Second Round: Salted Caramel Brandy Alexander
Once everyone is settled in, it is time for something cozy. The Salted Caramel Brandy Alexander is smooth, nostalgic, and just decadent enough to feel special. Creamy salted caramel meets brandy for a cocktail that feels like dessert in a glass, but sophisticated.
Ingredients:
2 Ounces Jackson Morgan Southern Cream in Salted Caramel
1 Ounce Cognac or Brandy
½ Ounce Crème de Cacao
Nutmeg, Garnish
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe. Dust lightly with nutmeg.
Perfect pairing: caramel popcorn, salted caramel truffles, or a crackling fire.
Bright & Beautiful: Lemon Cake Martini
The Lemon Cake Martini is fresh, citrusy, and unexpectedly smooth. It is sweet without being sugary and pairs beautifully with spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
2 Ounces Jackson Morgan Southern Cream in Lemon Icebox
1 Ounce Cake Vodka
Splash of Heavy Cream
Lemon Frosting, Garnish
Lemon Pound Cake, Garnish
Whipped Cream, Garnish
Lemon Twist, Garnish
Directions:
Frost the rim of a glass with lemon frosting, then press in lemon pound cake. Add Jackson Morgan, cake vodka, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a glass. Garnish with whipped cream and lemon twist.
Perfect pairing: lemon bars, shortbread cookies, or a patio full of friends.
The Grand Finale: Brown Sugar Affogato
When you really want to impress? End with dessert in a glass but boozy. The Brown Sugar Affogato is our favorite way to close out the evening.
Ingredients:
2-3 Scoops Cinnamon Ice Cream
1 ½ Ounces Jackson Morgan Southern Cream in Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
1 Ounce Espresso
Cookie, Garnish
Cinnamon Stick, Garnish
Whipped Cream, Garnish
Directions:
In a coupe glass, add ice cream. Top with Jackson Morgan and espresso. Garnish with a whipped cream, cookie and cinnamon stick.
Serve it with a spoon and let guests linger over that final, creamy bite.
Perfect pairing: laughter, second helpings, and no one checking the time.
The Secret to a Memorable Happy Hour
You do not need a dozen cocktails. Just a few signature pours done well. When Jackson Morgan Southern Cream is behind the bar, happy hour becomes something more, it becomes a moment worth remembering.
