As the festivities of Burns Night fade away and we indulge in Scotch whisky throughout January, St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, promising to kick off another round of whiskey celebrations. Beyond these well-known occasions, there are several lesser-known days that provide the perfect excuse to explore your spirits collection and enjoy something special.
The growing trend of ‘international days’ dedicated to various spirits and cocktails is a delightful modern phenomenon, gaining momentum with numerous food and drink-related observances. Ever heard of International Hamburger Day on May 28 or Garlic Day on April 19? With a little digging, you’ll find there’s a celebration for nearly every day of the year.
Here, we spotlight 12 occasions that will have you reaching for your favorite libation—or perhaps inspire you to expand your horizons. It’s time to sip, savor, and enjoy.
11 January | Hot Toddy Day
This classic winter warmer shines at just the right time of year. A Hot Toddy, made with Scotch whisky, lemon, honey, and hot water, is the ideal remedy for chilly days.
Though often viewed as just a remedy for colds today, the Hot Toddy was once a darling of Victorian high society. A single sip quickly reveals its cozy charm and restorative powers.
22 February | Margarita Day
Feeling a bit blue during those dreary early months of the year? Treat yourself to a Margarita! Whether frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, this delightful cocktail made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice is undoubtedly one of the world’s best cocktails.
The term ‘Margarita’ translates to ‘daisy’ in Spanish and was documented for the first time in the 1950s, though variations had been around since the early 20th century.
27 March | International Whisky Day
This day honors whisky in all its glorious forms from around the globe, and many would argue it is the best of its kind. Although other whisky days have emerged, none can compare to the classic allure of this one.
From traditional Scotch and Irish varieties to American whiskies, and offerings from the new wave of craft distillers, there’s an event to cater to every whisky lover.
One of the largest celebrations in the spirits calendar, it’s the perfect reason to enjoy a fine dram.
19 April | International Amaretto Day
The Italian liqueur with its bittersweet almond notes is fantastic when sipped over ice. It combines wonderfully with rich spirits like whisky, rum, or Cognac for delightful cocktails. Try it in a classic Amaretto Sour or something more adventurous like a Godfather or Petanque.
Originating from northern Italy, it’s interesting to note that most amaretto varieties are made not from almonds but from apricot kernels.
13 May | World Cocktail Day
While numerous ‘days’ celebrate individual cocktails, nothing encompasses the cocktail genre quite like World Cocktail Day. May 13 holds special significance as it marks the date when the cocktail was first defined in 1806, described as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.”
Today, the modern interpretation stipulates that a cocktail must contain at least two ingredients, with one being a spirit.
19 June | International Martini Day
The Martini is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cocktails globally. Whether crafted with gin or vodka, this elegant drink served in its signature glass is instantly recognizable.
With numerous variations around, from the Espresso Martini to the Pornstar Martini, the classic Dry or Dirty Martini remains hard to beat.
This timeless cocktail, while straightforward, can be challenging to perfect.
11 July | World Rum Day
Rum is one of the oldest known spirits, with origins tracing back to the early 1700s. From its beginnings on Caribbean sugar cane plantations, it has found a place in distilleries worldwide, from Australia to Mauritius.
World Rum Day is the perfect occasion to explore the vast array of rum styles. Enjoy an aged rum neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like a Cuba Libre, Mojito, or Piña Colada.
25 August | Whiskey Sour Day
The late summer season invites a revisit of the classic Whiskey Sour. With its roots tracing back to the 1870s, this cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era, largely thanks to the emergence of speakeasies.
The traditional recipe calls for bourbon or rye whiskey, combined with fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, bitters, and egg white, shaken to perfection. For a twist, try adding a red wine float for a New York Sour.
1 September | International Australian Craft Gin Day
Australia is a rising star in the artisanal distilling world, with its craft spirits earning accolades on the global stage. Among the leaders of this trend is craft gin.
Distilleries are springing up across the country, pushing creative boundaries in gin production, especially through the use of indigenous botanicals, leading to unique and astonishing flavor profiles. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.
19 October | International Gin & Tonic Day
While any day is a great day for a gin and tonic, the official celebration takes place in October.
Over the past decade, gin sales have surged, driven by the craft distilling boom worldwide, providing unparalleled choice for consumers regarding both gins and tonic waters.
This timeless duo remains a classic, and sipping on a refreshing gin and tonic never goes out of style. Cheers!
8 November | Harvey Wallbanger Day
This nostalgic cocktail may have slipped from the limelight since its popularity in the 1970s, but it’s still a refreshingly delightful choice. Crafted from vodka, fresh orange juice, and Galliano liqueur, the Wallbanger is best served in a highball glass over ice.
It’s rumored to be named after surfer Tom Harvey from California, who would bang his surfboard against the bar wall while enjoying the drink.
5 December | Repeal Day
Not strictly a day devoted to spirits, Repeal Day celebrates the end of Prohibition in the United States. On December 5, 1933, the ban on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol was lifted, and this milestone is celebrated annually in bars across the globe.
Honor the occasion with a speakeasy cocktail or a shot of American whiskey, commemorating one of the most significant dates in cocktail history.
