It Is National Cocktail Day, So Raise Your Glass And Say Cheers To Good Times

Next National Cocktail Day Monday, 24 March 2025

National Cocktail Day, observed every year on March 24 celebrates the art of mixology and the creativity and flavor that comes with it.

Whether you’re shaking up a classic martini, experimenting with bold new flavors, or enjoying a non-alcoholic mocktail, National Cocktail Day is all about toasting to good company and savoring great drinks.

It's a celebration of mixology's artistry and the joy of sipping a well-crafted creation. This day invites everyone, seasoned bartenders and casual enthusiasts alike, to explore the world of cocktails and blend flavors to craft something uniquely delightful.

The Origin of National Cocktail Day

National Cocktail Day was founded in 2013 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, a holiday enthusiast, freelance writer, and columnist known for creating and promoting unique celebratory days.

With a passion for the joy and creativity that cocktails bring, Jace established this day to honor the artistry of mixology and the shared experiences that come with raising a glass.

A Brief History of Cocktails

The history of cocktails goes back to thousands of years beginning in Ancient Greece. One of the most ancient known cocktails was known as kykeon.

Kykeon was mentioned in the Homeric texts and also utilized the sacred Eleusinian Mysteries.

This concoction of wine, honey, water, and aromatic herbs or flowers was served during banquets in Philip II of Macedon.

Evidence of cocktail accessories found in the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai in Greece proved it.

The first written mention of “cocktail” in the United States appeared in The Farmers' Cabinet in 1803.

Three years later, in 1806, The Balance and Columbian Repository provided the first definition of a cocktail, describing it as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.

Over the 1800s, this definition grew to include liqueurs as well.

In 1862, a bartender named Jerry Thomas published How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon Vivant's Companion, which became a guide for bartenders.

It included 10 cocktail recipes using bitters, distinguishing cocktails from other popular drinks like punches and cobblers.

Throughout the 1900s, cocktails continued to gain popularity.

The term cocktail party was coined in 1917 by Julius S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri.

During the Prohibition era (1920–1933), when wine and beer were hard to find, liquor-based cocktails became more popular due to the availability of spirits. However, their popularity waned in the late 1960s.

The early 2000s brought a cocktail revival with the rise of mixology, where bartenders began combining traditional recipes with creative new ingredients.

By 2023, ready-made cocktails in a can had become a common sight in liquor stores, especially in the U.S.

Celebrating National Cocktail Day

National Cocktail Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in the art of mixology and enjoy your favorite drinks with friends or family.

Start by exploring classic recipes like the Mojito or Martini, or get creative by crafting your own unique blend of flavors.

Host a cocktail party with a theme, complete with colorful garnishes, mocktail options, and tasty appetizers.

For those who enjoy learning, take a mixology class or watch tutorials to perfect your bartending skills.

If you prefer a night out, visit a local bar or restaurant known for its signature cocktails and raise a glass to this celebratory day. Don't forget to drink responsibly and savor every sip!

Popular Cocktails Across The Globe

Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur with a salted rim.
Mojito: White rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda water.
Piña colada: Rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
Negroni: Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Martini: Gin and dry vermouth with an olive or lemon twist.
Cosmopolitan (USA): A vibrant pink drink made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime.
Indian Summer (India): Gin, lime juice, elder flower cordial, and Indian spices.