While some people truly hate made up holidays, I’ll bet you’re not one of them. Cocktail holidays started with National Cocktail Day, established in 2013. A freelance writer made it up to celebrate alcoholic drinks. As with many cocktail facts, the stories around them may or may not be true. If you know of another cocktail day prior to 2013, drop it in the comments. Here are the cocktail holidays that I think are actually worth remembering. Holidays referred to as ‘national’ generally indicate that it’s observed in the United States.

Cocktail Holidays in the First Half of the Year
- National Bloody Mary Day. As if a New Year wasn’t enough, January 1 is also a day to celebrate the tomato-based drink.
- National Irish Coffee Day is on January 25. I recently listened to the origin story of the Irish Coffee, which makes this day even more fun.
- International Margarita Day. On February 22 one of the greatest cocktails in the world is lauded around the world with its own day.
- Espresso Martini Day. While any day is great for an espresso martini (or one of these improved versions), March 15th is the official day.
- National Cocktail Day. Drink whatever cocktail you love most to celebrate all cocktails on March 24th!
- National Mimosa Day. Brunch lovers rejoice and raise a glass of orange juice and bubbly on May 16th each year.
- National Old Fashioned Day. When June 14th rolls around, it’s just the excuse you need to whip up an Old Fashioned.
- World Martini Day. Whether you like them shaken or stirred, we celebrate the Martini on June 18th in 2022. Or on the third Saturday in June each year.

Cocktail Holidays in the Second Half of the Year
- National Piña Colada Day. Every July 10 the creamy, dreamy concoction invented in Puerto Rico is celebrated.
- National Daiquiri Day. Each year, on July 19, the daiquiri is celebrated. Rumored to have been invented by Cuban miners, it’s become a staple at bars worldwide.
- National Spritz Day. Every August 1 the spritz, which is a light, wine-based cocktail, is commemorated.
- National Mai Tai Day. On August 30 the Polynesian-themed drink that was invented in 1944 is celebrated.
- Negroni Week. Each September–for a whole week–the Negroni is celebrated while also raising money for charity. You can make them at home or order them out while giving back. This will take place September 12-18 in 2022.
- International Gin and Tonic Day. Celebrated on October 19th each year, this drink holiday brings together two perfect ingredients. Whether you’re a 1:1 or a 1:3 gin to tonic ratio lover, all are welcome.
- Repeal Day. Celebrated only in the US, Repeal Day marks the official end of Prohibition on December 5th. While it doesn’t technically call for a particular cocktail, bare and alcohol fans country-wide raise a glass to the end of this strange time in American history.
Those should give you something to drink about! What’s your favorite cocktail holiday? If you’re looking for more, there are many spirits that also have days in their honor as well. You can find those here.
Would love to see recipes for all these. And try some of them on this holiday weekend.
Hi Tom, I have linked some of the holidays to recipes but if there’s something you’re looking for in particular please let me know. I am happy to help. Cheers, Jenn