Why We’re Bringing Back the Art of the Daytime Drink
“Oh, it’s 5 pm somewhere” has been my go-to line whenever someone questions or even so much as raises an eyebrow at the sight of me excitedly pouring a glass of Pinot Noir to go with my hour or so long session of writing, and it’s 3o.clock in the afternoon.
There’s something incredibly chic and maybe a little Parisian, I guess, about having a glass of wine in the middle of the day, perhaps it feels a little rebellious because in the UK, if you go for a glass of wine in between conference meetings, your colleagues might assume you have a deeper problem.
Saying, if you can’t have a drink in the afternoon without getting slaughtered, you may indeed have a problem, and this might not be the blog for you.
The daytime drink is not about excess, or stumbling around by dinnertime, or even making bottom brunches your entire personality, because, ew, it’s just not…cute.
However, it is about being intentional about sophistication and where we can fit it into our lifestyle.
The Lost Art of The Afternoon Drink
Once upon a time, an afternoon aperitif would indicate a certain kind of lifestyle.
Think Parisian cafes where writers try to get past a block with a glass of Pinot Blush, the London ladies who sip on Sauvignon before getting dressed for dinner, or even New York power players meeting for an olive-garnished martini before heading back uptown.
I always think of Matthew McConaughey’s role in The Wolf of Wall Street, that scene of him beating his chest is so funny!
Somewhere along the way, it got lost. Drinks became tied to the weekend, night out or even worse, when we are under stress. Alcohol stopped being a ritual and started being the prerequisite for a release.
But what if we took this from another angle?
A well-timed 4pm martini does a few things:
Feels indulgent - because let’s face it, who else is having a martini at 4 PM? It’s exclusive by nature.
Invites slowness - you’re not rushing through three rounds with friends at a bar; you’re savouring one, maybe two, with purpose.
Elevates the ordinary - suddenly, a random Tuesday holds the same weight as a fun Friday night.
Self-Awareness is Being An Adult
Now, before we continue, it would be irresponsible of me not to reiterate one very important point.
If the thought of ‘just one’ afternoon glass of wine or a Margarita feels impossible, this is not the article for you. No lifestyle blog post should distract you from something that needs your attention elsewhere. Self-awareness is the most luxurious habit of all.
The truth is, knowing yourself is crucial. A 4pm martini works as an accent to a well-balanced life, it shouldn’t be the centrepiece.
This small ritual should add to your life, instead of being a crutch.
But, I Don’t Work From Home?
Of course, if you’re working from home, this is much easier to weave into your day.
You don’t need to worry about your boss questioning your actions or driving home. You can turn the laptop around and prepare a rum and Coke from the comfort of your kitchen
So, how does this work for everyone whose workplace is still not moving with the times and calling people in for something that really could have been a Zoom call?
Well, even if you’re not a remote worker, there are ways you can join in on this philosophy.
Late lunches with a glass of something crisp before heading back into your routine.
Weekend wind-downs where Saturday afternoons are just as special as Saturday nights.
Staycations or solo dates where you set the tone of luxury in your own space.
Break away from the rigid rules society sets around “appropriate” drinking times and reclaim the freedom to define your own.
How To Do This Ritual, And How To Do It Well
A daytime drink is less about pouring yourself something cool to drink and more about creating a moment in the middle of the day. Here’s how to make it a ritual worth keeping.
Set the stage: Change the lighting, put on music, step out onto the balcony or into your garden. Don’t drink in the exact same space you work.
Choose quality: This isn’t about cheap wine in a mug. Invest in beautiful glassware, the best gin you can afford, fresh vermouth. A proper cocktail shaker is a must.
Pair it with something light: Think olives, almonds, a small plate of smoked salmon, or cheese. Something to complement the drink without tipping you into ‘early dinner’.
Limit yourself: The art is in moderation. A single martini. A single glass. The indulgence is in how you do it, not how much you consume.
If you’re curious about other small, everyday luxuries you can introduce into your routine, I’ve outlined them in my Living in Luxury Guide. Because true luxury is rarely loud, it’s in the little rituals that shift how you experience your life
Finally
The goal isn’t to romanticise alcohol, it’s to reframe the way we approach our rituals, our downtime, and our sense of self.
The martini at 4PM is a symbol. A reminder that luxury isn’t always about buying more, working more, or waiting for the weekend.
Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, savouring, and choosing yourself in the middle of the day.
So maybe this week, instead of scrolling at 4PM, you shake up something classic. One glass. One ritual. A quiet moment just for you before the evening begins.
