On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best happy hours in Madison.

Get ready to drink up at 15+ places lifting spirits with their sip-worthy specials.

Beer lovers

Cooper’s Tavern, 20 W. Mifflin St. | Weekdays, 3-6 p.m. | Belly up to the bar for $2 off draft beers, or get 25% off growlers to go.

Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East, 803 E. Washington Ave. | Weekdays, 2-5 p.m. | In addition to other cocktail and food specials, in-house brewed beers (<7% ABV) are $1.50 cheaper during happy hour.

Weary Traveler Freehouse, 1201 Williamson St. | Every day, 3-6 p.m. | During "Magic Hour" $5 will buy you any tap beer, or a canned beer with a well shot.

DLUX, 117 MLK Jr. Blvd. | Weekdays, 3-6 p.m. | Get $2 off all taps and apps.

Mocktail musts

Blind Shot Social Club, 177 S Fair Oaks Ave. | Weekdays, 3-5 p.m. | Half-price house and NA cocktails.

Merchant, 121 S. Pinckney St. | Every day, 3-6 p.m. | Swap out liquor for an offering from the non-alcoholic spirits menu instead.

Settle Down Tavern, 117 S. Pinckney St. | Tuesday-Saturday, 2-6 p.m. | Besides non-alcoholic beers, Settle Down offers a seasonal craft mocktail menu with sips including piña coladas and cran-ginger goodness.

If you're a fan of Settle Down Tavern, check out "The United States of Cocktails" | Photo by 608today

Hungry for meal deals

Grampa’s Pizzeria, 1374 Williamson St. | Tuesdays | Spend $55 for a small plate, specialty pizza, dessert, and bottle of wine.

Jordan’s Big 10, 1330 Regent St. | Tuesdays | Dig into half-priced burgers every Tuesday.

Pitcher’s Pub, 323 W. Beltline Hwy. | Weekdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | $6 burger and fries

Turn Key, 1344 E. Washington Ave. | Thursdays | Enjoy a salad, two entrees, a bottle of wine (or pitcher of beer), and a dessert for $60.

Late-night gems

Canteen, 111 S. Hamilton St. | Every day, 2-5 p.m. and 9 p.m.-Close | Located right on the Capitol Square, enjoy deals on tacos, margs, and more every day at Canteen.

Come Back In, 508 E. Wilson St. | Mondays, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | Get $2 margaritas and domestic beers, and $3 microbrew bottles.

Dexter’s Pub, 301 North St. | Thursdays, 7 p.m.-Close | Keep it simple with a $5 Domestic tallboy paired with a shot.

Red Rock, 222 W. Gorham St. | Thursdays, 9 p.m.-Close | Take advantage of a variety of liquor deals — $2 Dr. Bombs, $4 double rails, $5 double Jack and Tito’s mixers, and $6 Coors pitchers.

Fun in the sun

The Boathouse, 1001 Wisconsin Pl. | Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. | Located at The Edgewater Hotel, grab a burger and a pint of beer for $20.

Soak up some sun at The Boathouse. | Photo by The Boathouse

Lake Louie Brewing, 1079 American Way, Verona | Thursdays, 3-9 p.m. | Rent a firepit for up to eight people and kick back with a few $3 canned beers.

Sardine, 617 Williamson St. | Weekdays, 4-6 p.m. | Sip on $6 house wines and $8 featured cocktails while enjoying the lakeview patio.

Host at home

Shop our favorite happy hour essentials to host friends for a drink at your place:

Craft delicious drinks at home with syrups and mixers made from fresh ingredients.
No clue how to put together a charcuterie board for your next event? No worries, here's a helpful road map that you can use for everyday hosting!
Try these alcohol-free sparkling beverages available in six organic flavors and made with nourishing, regenerative ingredients that help you tap into your inner power.
The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker promises no more leaks and has a built-in measuring system.
This set of six colored wine glasses reminds us of Estelle stemware — only more affordable.
Pair your colorful wine glasses with a colorful decanter that’s an Anthropologie best-seller.
Keep wine and champagne cold in a marble wine chiller.
An electric wine opener makes opening bottles smooth and stress-free.

Don’t forget the best drinkware made by small, local businesses — we’re big fans of the Pirani Life tumbler, an eco-friendly version of a Solo Cup, and these Kanga Coolers koozies that keep drinks cold.