Date
Monday
Mar
24

March 24

National Cocktail Day

Raise a glass - it's National Cocktail Day! Let's celebrate with delicious drinks, fun recipes, and all kinds of tasty libations!

Yearly Date
March 24
Type
Day

Introduction

Raise a glass and celebrate National Cocktail Day on March 24! This special day has been around since the early 1980s when it was created to honor one of the world's oldest drinks. From daiquiris, margaritas, martinis and more, cocktails have come a long way over time. Today we can enjoy any number of unique blends from classics to modern-day concoctions that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.

National Cocktail Day Timeline

1800s
Origin of Cocktails
The term "cocktail" started appearing in publications and personal correspondence across the United States in the 19th Century, referring to a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.
1862
Bartender's Guide Publication
Jerry Thomas publishes "The Bartender's Guide," the first known book to list recipes for cocktails.
1919
Prohibition Era Begins
On January 16, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect, initiating the Prohibition era and ironically spurring a rise in cocktail culture as Americans sought to improve the taste of bootlegged spirits.
1933
End of Prohibition
Prohibition is repealed by the 21st Amendment on December 5, leading to a boom in bar openings and cocktail creation.
1970s
Cocktail Renaissance
The craft cocktail movement begins, emphasizing fresh ingredients, mixology skills, and creative flavor profiles, updating classic recipes and inspiring entirely new concoctions.
1980s
National Cocktail Day Establishment
National Cocktail Day is established to pay homage to the rich history of cocktails, encouraging enthusiasts to appreciate the craft and enjoy their favorite blends.

How to Celebrate National Cocktail Day

1

Host a cocktail party

Invite your friends over and create some delicious cocktails for everyone to enjoy. Have a signature drink that your guests can enjoy throughout the evening.

2

Make a cocktail recipe book

Collect all of your favorite cocktail recipes, or even create your own unique drinks, and compile them into a book. Give it to friends as a gift or keep it for yourself as a guide to make sure you always have something to impress when hosting a party.

3

Visit a distillery

Take a tour of a local distillery and learn more about the ingredients that go into making great cocktails, as well as tips on creating the perfect mix.

4

Go on a cocktail crawl

Explore different bars in your city and sample different cocktails from each establishment. Make sure you bring along some friends so you can all share the experience.

5

Make an at home bar

Stock up on essential liquors, mixers, and other ingredients, so you can whip up amazing cocktails right in your own home each time you want one.

Why We Love National Cocktail Day

A

Cocktails are delicious

Cocktails can be sweet and fruity, sour and tart or spicy and complex. There's nothing quite like the taste a well-made drink, especially when it's made with quality ingredients. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan, or prefer something more modern such as an Aperol Spritz, there's no denying that cocktails are absolutely delicious!

B

Cocktails bring people together

Having a cocktail is always a great way to catch up with friends or celebrate special occasions. It's almost like an unspoken language that everyone understands - when you all gather around for drinks you know it will be an entertaining evening! So why not make National Cocktail Day a regular event?

C

Cocktails are fun to experiment with

Making cocktails at home can be a lot of fun - and you don't need to be an expert mixologist to do it! Experimenting with flavors is half the fun – so feel free to play around with different types of spirits and mixers until you find what works best.

National Cocktail Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 23
Thursday
2024
Mar 23
Saturday
2025
Mar 23
Sunday
2026
Mar 23
Monday
2027
Mar 23
Tuesday