Halfway through the week, which means just another reason to be happy for Happy Hour Wednesday!

If you’re a fan of bourbon and ice cream then you will definitely want to try out our Manhattan float recipe! If you’re looking for a great seafood appetizer, you will love this party shrimp recipe. You don’t even need dipping sauce for it, it’s that good!

Get the recipes below and be sure to stop back every Wednesday for another Happy Hour special!

Manhattan Float Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened slightly

• 3 ounces bourbon

• 1/2 pint chilled heavy cream

• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Dash of Angostura bitters

• 1 liter chilled cherry soda

• 12 fresh cherries

Directions:

• Step 1

  Scoop the ice cream into a food processor. With the machine on, add the bourbon and process just until blended. Pour the ice cream into a large, shallow plastic container, cover and freeze until firm enough to scoop, about 30 minutes.

• Step 2

  Whip the cream with the vermouth, sugar and bitters until firm. Refrigerate until chilled.

• Step 3

  To serve, fill 4 pint glasses two-thirds full with cherry soda. Divide the ice cream between them and top each glass with a dollop of the whipped cream. Garnish each drink with 3 cherries.

Party Shrimp Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

• 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined

Directions:

• Step 1

  In a bowl or shallow dish, combine the first 8 ingredients. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Refrigerate 2 hours.

• Step 2

  Drain shrimp, discarding marinade. Place shrimp on an un-greased baking sheet. Broil 4 in. from heat until shrimp turn pink, 3-4 minutes on each side.

*NOTE: To avoid rubbery shrimp (overcooking is a common pitfall in cooked shrimp recipes like this one), watch for signs they are done. The flesh will turn pink and firm. Act fast: They'll keep cooking for a minute or two outside the oven.