Happy hour in Edmonton, AB

Every season can be patio season if you’ve got the right drink. So, sidle up to the bar and get ready to cut loose with these tropical-inspired beverages. Coconut cup not included.

Spring is fast approaching, and nothing goes better with fresh flowers and sun than a drink on a patio. Edmonton is well known for its eateries, but, this time, we want to celebrate libations. Here’s a countdown of the city’s top happy hour locations that you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face.

The craft beer revolution continues, and Edmonton is the perfect place for the craft connoisseur. Not only do these picks feature a near-endless choice when it comes to craft beer choice, but many serve up top-notch food to boot. Here are our picks for Edmonton's best spots to enjoy craft beer. [Image credit: iStock.com/bhofack2]

A purely Canadian cocktail, you won’t find a caesar outside the Great White North. Originating in Calgary in 1969, using tomato juice, vodka and pressed clams, the caesar was created for the opening of the Italian restaurant, Marco’s. The drink’s popularity spread like wildfire; Mott’s soon developed its clamato juice, which is now used in caesars by over 350 million Canadians. [Image credit:iStock.com/jrwasserman]

Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is a Mexican celebration often confused with Mexican Independence Day. The day honours Mexico’s unlikely triumph over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While only really celebrated in Puebla, Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a North American fête of Mexican culture. Edmonton’s rich restaurant scene offers many places to go for the party. [Image credit: iStock.com/Robert Ingelhart]

A patio doesn’t have to be big to be great; it only needs good food, music, beer and company. Edmonton has a ton of awesome patios – ranging from big and small – to choose from to enjoy the beautiful weather this spring and summer. Take your pick! [Image credit: iStock.com/georgecosminmarin]

Ah, the mojito - a great summer cocktail. Born in Havana, Cuba, this drink is typically prepared with white rum, sugar, lime, sparkling water and mint sprigs. However, there are quite a few varieties of this popular drink – fruit liqueurs, champagne, blueberries, gin and other changes are sometimes incorporated.

If you’ve never tried Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur from the U.K., then you’re missing out. When I first tried Pimm’s, it was mixed traditionally with lemonade, strawberries, cucumber and mint. But any variation, as long as it has the amber-coloured liquid, is considered a Pimm’s Cup. It’s not available everywhere but you can find it at these spots.

While the origins of sangria remain mysterious, and the exact ingredient list flexible, everyone can agree on one thing: It’s an absolutely exquisite drink that almost everyone enjoys. Whether you prefer red or white, with brandy or triple sec, berries or citrus fruit, there is delicious sangria out there for you to sip at a restaurant in Edmonton.

When you want a drink that excites not only your senses but also your mind, what you seek is a custom cocktail created by the finest minds in the biz. These Edmonton establishiments serve custom cocktails that range from new takes on old favourites to amazingly bizarre combinations that only a drink genius could create.

The Summer Olympics begin in Rio August 5 and run until August 21, 2016. Watch world-class athletes from around the globe as they go for the gold in every sport from equestrian dressage to golf. If you want to catch the action on a big screen t.v. and cheer along with a crowd, check out these fun sports bars. Go Canada! [Image credit: iStock.com/andresr]

While not everyone can handle their tequila, Latin liquors and cocktails are about more than just everyone’s favourite bar shot. There’s mezcal, caipirinhas, mojitos and margaritas available at these great Edmonton restaurants. They also serve top-shelf tequila, for those bold enough to take it on.