Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday! No matter how many years have passed, I’m pretty sure I sing Rebecca Black’s “Friday” in my head whenever Friday rolls around. And besides a classic annoying song, Friday also brings to mind cocktail hour – and an epic happy hour to celebrate!

Even though it’s starting to get a little colder out, I’m still in summer cocktail mode, which means trying as many fresh recipes as I can get my hands on before there’s officially a chill in the air. Since nothing reminds me more of summer than fresh mangos, I picked up a few at the grocery store to whip up this delicious Mango Ginger Gin Fizz {say that 5 times fast!}.  I also called my BFFs from Drizly for a special Hendrick’s Gin delivery, which came just in time for cocktail hour – woot woot! While I don’t like to toot my own horn too much, I will say that these Mango Ginger Gin Fizz cocktails were absolutely divine. Between the sweetness of the mango and the refreshing citrus limes, it was the perfect mix for one of the last beautiful days in Chicago. Here’s my go to recipe that will definitely become one of your favorite cocktails to drink and make!

Ingredients: Makes 4 cocktails 
•  2/3 cup fresh mango puree
•  Scant quarter cup finely grated ginger
•  1/2 cup agave
•  2 ounces of Hendrick’s gin {ordered from Drizly}
•  1/2 cup water
•  Sprigs of mint
•  1 lime squeezed
•  Club soda to top

Directions:

• In a blender, add chopped 1/2 mango and 1/4 cup finely grated ginger and puree.

• Transfer your mixture into a medium size saucepan and add 1/2 cups agave syrup and 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil on medium heat.

• Reduce heat to medium and simmer until a light syrup forms, which should take about 10 minutes.

• Strain syrup into a large measuring cup and add a fresh squeezed lime. Let cool {or place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes}

• Pour about 1/3 of syrup onto an ice filled glass and add 2 oz gin.

• To finish, hill with tonic water and garnish with sprigs of mint and lime wedges – enjoy! Now if that’s not the best {and most delicious way} to celebrate Fri-YAY, I don’t know what is!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with lots of cocktails and some much needed relaxation! Don’t forget to stop by Vera Bradley at Water Tower Place if you’re in town this weekend too – I’ll be there from 6PM and a little later, and I’m excited to see some familiar faces! xx