Once a year, on the first Friday of December, we take time to celebrate National Bartender Day, a day dedicated to the talented individuals who mix and serve our favorite drinks. This day salutes bartenders worldwide for their unique skills and unwavering commitment to their craft. As well as being skilled drink-mixers, bartenders often act as informal therapists, confidantes, and local guides, making our visits to bars and pubs memorable.
On this day, let’s raise our glasses high in gratitude for these professionals as we uncover the secrets of the exciting world of mixology and the artistry behind each delicious cocktail. It’s the perfect moment to show our genuine appreciation for those incredible individuals who make our evening hangouts enjoyable, pouring us joy one drink at a time.
History of National Bartender Day
National Bartender Day or Bartender Appreciation Day, is a fairly recent addition to our calendar of celebrations. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the late part of the 21st century’s first decade. The holiday has seen a surge in popularity, largely powered by promotions and acknowledgments from alcohol brands and the wider hospitality industry.
The essence of this day is to commend the hard-working men and women who not only prepare and serve our favorite drinks, but who also put themselves in the role of a friend, confidant or even a counselor for their patrons. The bartending profession requires understanding a voluminous list of cocktail recipes, providing exceptional customer service, and skillfully handling situations with tipsy or troublesome customers.
Sailor Jerry, a rum brand, took a massive leap in 2011 to formalize this day by officially declaring the first Friday of December as Bartender Appreciation Day. They even developed an online initiative, ‘TIPS (To Insure Proper Service) from Sailor Jerry’, where they encouraged fans to leave appreciative comments or ‘tips’ for their beloved bartenders.
Today, the observance of this day has indeed become a global phenomenon. The customary ways to partake in the celebration include leaving bigger tips, posting about your favorite bartender on social media, or simply conveying warm ‘National Bartender Day’ wishes. Ultimately, the day serves as a gentle reminder to always show respect and kindness to all serving staff, including bartenders.
National Bartender Day Timeline
The Birth of Modern Bartending
The first known book on bartending, 'How to Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant's Companion', was published by Jerry Thomas.
Prohibition Era
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution banned all manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcohol including bars.
End of Prohibition
Enforcement of Prohibition in the United States came to an end, leading to a resurgence of bars and professional bartenders.
First Tiki Bar
The first Tiki bar, named 'Don the Beachcomber', was opened in Los Angeles by Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt (a.k.a. Donn Beach) marking a new era in bartending.
Book on Tropical Drinks
Trader Vic, a popular bartender, published a book on mixing tropical drinks, revolutionizing bartending techniques.
National Bartender Day
National Bartender Day, also known as Bartender Appreciation Day, honors all bartenders worldwide.
Ideas to Celebrate National Bartender Day
Bartender Tip-off
Increasing the amount you tip your bartender throughout the day or tipping especially for this occasion if you usually don't is a lovely gesture to show that you appreciate their hard work.
Toast to Bartenders
Gather friends and family to raise a glass and share a toast to all the great bartenders out there. Your toast can include interesting stories about your encounters with bartenders or how they've made your nights out more memorable.
Bartender’s Favorite
Ask your local bartender about their favorite cocktail to mix, then try it! Branching out from your usual drink order is a fun way to celebrate National Bartender Day.
Try Bartending
Why not try to mix some drinks yourself? Look up some cocktails recipes online, grab necessary ingredients and try your hand at bartending. This will definitely give you an appreciation of what bartenders do.
Gift your Bartender
Purchase something special for your favorite bartender. It could be a new set of cocktail mixing tools, a high-quality apron or a book about mixology.
Support Local Bars
Patronize local pubs and bars. By doing this, you are also directly supporting bartenders who work there. And who knows, you might find a new favorite spot!
7 Interesting Facts About Bartenders
They're Not Just Pourers
Bartenders do much more than just pour drinks. They need to be knowledgeable about hundreds of recipes, and they also need to be good listeners and entertainers. They often play the role of mediator, psychologist and peacekeeper.
Oldest Profession Just After Another
Bartending dates back to some of the earliest civilizations with references found in ancient Greek literature. It is considered the second-oldest profession in the world.
Bartenders are Part Time Chemists
Bartenders often experiment with a variety of ingredients to create new and interesting cocktails. They have to understand the chemical reactions that take place when certain ingredients are mixed.
Flair Bartending
Flair bartending is a special form of bartending where bartenders entertain guests by manipulating bar tools and liquor bottles in a dazzling display, often while preparing a mixture.
License To Pour
In some areas, bartenders must have a license or a permit to legally serve alcohol. This generally involves taking a certification course on responsible alcohol service.
Maximum Creativity
Bartenders can get very creative with their drink names. Some of the famous cocktails like 'Blood and Sand', 'Death in the Afternoon', 'Suffering Bastard' are all creations of imaginative bartenders.
Speed Matters
Speed is crucial in bartending. A good bartender can, on average, pour around 20-30 drinks in a rush hour without messing up an order.
National Bartender Day FAQs
Next National Bartender Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 1st | Friday |
| 2024 | December 6th | Friday |
| 2025 | December 5th | Friday |
| 2026 | December 4th | Friday |
| 2027 | December 3rd | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | First Friday of December | |
National Bartender Day Word Search
- Bartender
- Mixologist
- Cocktails
- Drinks
- Martini
- Margarita