International Cocktail Day
International Cocktail Day is a global celebration of the art and craft of mixing drinks. Observed annually on May 13th, it honors the creativity, history, and craftsmanship behind cocktails while encouraging enthusiasts to explore and enjoy this vibrant aspect of beverage culture. The date commemorates the first recorded definition of the term “cocktail” in 1806 by The Balance and Columbian Repository, which described it as “a stimulating liquor composed of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.”
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 13th
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #WorldCocktailDay
- When was it founded?: 2006
- Who founded it?: International Bartenders Association (IBA)
History of International Cocktail Day
The origins of cocktails trace back to the early 19th century. The term “cocktail” was first defined in 1806 in a New York newspaper. Initially inspired by British punches, cocktails gained prominence in America with the publication of Jerry Thomas’s Bartender’s Guide in the mid-1800s. During Prohibition in the 1920s, creative cocktails emerged as a way to mask the taste of subpar liquor. Over time, cocktails became a symbol of social gatherings and refined taste.
In 2006, the IBA officially established May 13th as World Cocktail Day to celebrate this rich history and recognize bartenders’ contributions to mixology.
Timeline
- 1806: The term “cocktail” is first defined in The Balance and Columbian Repository.
- 1862: Jerry Thomas publishes The Bartender’s Guide, formalizing cocktail recipes.
- 1920s: Prohibition sparks creativity in cocktail making.
- 1934: Post-Prohibition era sees high-end cocktail bars like New York’s Rainbow Room flourish.
- 2006: International Bartenders Association establishes World Cocktail Day.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 13 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 13 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May 13 | Sunday |
| 2030 | May 13 | Monday |
Observed
World Cocktail Day is celebrated globally through events like mixology classes, cocktail tastings, and bartender competitions. Many bars offer special menus or discounts on classic and innovative cocktails. At home, enthusiasts often experiment with recipes or share their creations on social media using #WorldCocktailDay.
Fun Facts About Cocktails
- The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails globally, with an estimated 185,000 consumed every hour in the U.S..
- The first cocktail shakers were shaped like penguins!
- The Pina Colada is Puerto Rico’s national drink.
- The word “cocktail” may originate from the French word coquetier (egg cup), as early cocktails were served in them.
Quiz
- What year was the term “cocktail” first defined?
- Which cocktail was created to mask bathtub gin during Prohibition?
- What is Puerto Rico’s national drink?
(Answers: 1. 1806; 2. Bee’s Knees; 3. Pina Colada)
FAQs
- What defines a cocktail?
A cocktail typically includes at least two ingredients, one being a spirit. - Can cocktails be non-alcoholic?
Yes! Mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of cocktails. - How can I celebrate World Cocktail Day?
Host a cocktail party, attend mixology events, or try making your own drinks at home.
Related
- National Cocktail Day (March 24)
- World Gin Day (June)
- National Martini Day (June)
- International Margarita Day (February)
Raise your glass to this spirited celebration and enjoy the creativity that goes into every sip! Cheers!