A survey of 2,000 Americans 21+ split evenly by generation looked at how they're redefining, modernizing, and still enjoying the age-old tradition of "happy hour."
A majority of respondents (60%) agree that happy hour is no longer just going out for drinks after work. It's now become a way to relax and unwind (63%), destress (47%), and celebrate everyday wins (35%).
Generational opinions of the best happy hour differ, with most (63%) finding Friday to be the perfect day, while Gen Z than any other generation, chose Saturday (35%).
Overall, at-home happy hours have a slight edge over another location like a bar or restaurant (32% vs 30%), though generations are divided.
More Gen Z than any other prefer to stay home (39%), though millennials (35%) and Gen X (32%) are most likely to say it depends on the day of the week.
Baby boomers, on the other hand, are the only age group to prefer to have happy hour at another location (39%).
Those who prefer at-home happy hours most like to hang out in their backyard (41%), on the couch (38%), or on the porch (33%). Gen Z is more likely to sit around the kitchen island (33%) or even in their bed (27%), while millennials and Gen X (both 33%) opt for the kitchen table.
Regardless of when or where they're happening, and despite the name, most agree that happy hour shouldn't be limited to just one hour and should last at least three hours.
The majority of Americans said their friends (64%) are the top people they'd hit happy hour with, though different generations also have different preferences for the best entourage.
Family snagged the No. 2 spot for Gen Z (43%) and millennials (45%), with partners (41% for Gen Z and 40% for millennials) and friends of friends (34% for Gen Z and 33% for millennials) also towards the top of the list.
On the flip side, coworkers are still in the mix for Gen X (44%) and baby boomers (43%).
A little more than a quarter of those polled (26%) say the best happy hours are solo happy hours, with Gen Z leading the charge (39%).
Looking at topics of conversation, almost half of Gen Z (47%) believe a happy hour isn't complete without "spilling the tea," and baby boomers chat about their shared interests (42%).
Gen X spends some time reminiscing (37%) while millennials need to do a little complaining about work (27%).