Feb. 12, 2019

This paid piece is sponsored by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

The 3.0 Cocktail Lounge at JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars is becoming the place to be for happy hour. Its drink deals have become so popular, the hours are expanding.

Now, you can enjoy happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and with a bonus happy hour from 9 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“We get a pretty solid crowd during the early hours but want to see who’s enticed to come later,” owner Tom Slattery said.

Happy hour specials are $2 off all draft beers, $5 cork fees on all bottles of wine — that’s in the entire store, not just the wine list — and half-price whiskey flights.

Plus to kick off the expanding happy hour, the Cocktail Lounge is offering 25 percent off wines by the glass and a new $5 cocktail menu put together by director of cocktail culture Paul Squyer.

Expanded entertainment

There’s more entertainment in the lounge too.

The Dan Larsen Experience, aka Dirty Dan the Piano Man, will perform every Wednesday night starting at 5 o’clock for the foreseeable future. Dan is a one-man four-piece band that entertains with classic tunes and humor.

Plus, Julie Eddy will perform Feb. 22. Dan Mahar and special guest Jeremy Hegg will be there Feb. 23. All will play from 7 to 10 p.m.

Don’t forget Feb. 14

How’s this for perfect timing? Stop by happy hour with live music on Wednesday, and you can pick up something to celebrate the next day with your valentine.

The experts at JJ’s are happy to suggest the ideal bottle of wine, champagne or whiskey. And for a unique treat, bring home some Boozy Bakery treats, including some Valentine-inspired sweets.

What’s next

JJ’s has fun special events coming up. Get tickets while they last.

Mardi Gras Cocktail Making with Paul: Mardi Gras is right around the corner, so why not learn how to make drinks the right way? Get behind the bar and actually learn how to craft popular Mardi Gras cocktails such as The Sazerac and a Hurricane. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Cost is $30 per person plus tax. Purchase tickets in the store.

White Elm Brewing: You are in for a treat with this one. Be the first to try the newest barrel-aged collaboration between JJ’s and White Elm Brewing.

“We sent a freshly emptied Knob Creek barrel to Kolby and the gang a little over a year ago, and it has been aging a lovely stout ever since. Aging gracefully,” Slattery said. “According to some who have tried it, ‘It’s the best barrel-aged beer I’ve ever tasted.’ We will also be tasting some other White Elm brews and hearing all about their operation in Nebraska.”

This event starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 28. The ticket price is $30 plus tax and gives you first dibs on a growler of this delicious stout. Tickets are being sold in the store.

Summer job?

Here’s some welcome news. Spring must be near because JJ’s is starting to plan for its special events. Top dollar will be paid to part-time seasonal event staff. Stop by the JJ’s job fair from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 24 at the store. You must be 21 or older to apply.