Let’s mark our calendars for the 24th of March, a day set aside every year to commemorate the art of cocktail creation - National Cocktail Day. This is the perfect occasion to take a moment to appreciate the intricate blend of spirits and mixers that result in a multitude of delightful and unique beverages.
From the classiness of a Martini to the sunny vibes of a Pina Colada, National Cocktail Day is a day to celebrate the craftsmanship and innovation in every mixed drink. So, prepare to enjoy a well-blended cocktail and relish in the delightful flavours this special day brings.
History of National Cocktail Day
National Cocktail Day, marked annually on March 24, pay homage to the rich legacy, creativity, and flavors of cocktails. The inception of this celebration is attributed to Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, a humorist and blogger.
To get a comprehensive understanding of National Cocktail Day’s background, we must delve into the history of cocktails. Identifying the exact moment the first cocktail was concocted is challenging, but the first published description of a “cocktail” dates back to May 13, 1806, in a New York-based publication known as The Balance and Columbian Repository. This indicates that the art of crafting cocktails has thrived for over a couple of centuries.
Cocktails saw an increased popularity in America and Europe in the 19th century, with the Prohibition era in the 1920s United States boosting their prominence. Cocktails served a deeper purpose during these times, often used to hide the inferior taste of unlawfully produced alcohol. This era witnessed an upsurge in cocktail innovation – bartenders experimented and came up with elaborate concoctions to improve the flavors of homemade spirits and moonshine.
In recent times, cocktails have witnessed a resurgence in popularity, and the craft of making blended drinks (mixology) has gained recognition. National Cocktail Day was conceived drawing inspiration from this vibrant history and contemporary global appreciation of cocktails, serving as a tribute to our favorite blends in all their variety and magnificence.
National Cocktail Day Timeline
First Mention of Cocktail
The first known written mention of the word 'cocktail' dates back to a 1798 document from London's Morning Post.
First Cocktail Book
Jerry Thomas, an American bartender, published the first cocktail guide 'How to Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant's Companion.'
Prohibition Era
During the Prohibition era in the United States, the cocktail culture flourished in the underground scene as bartenders experimented with masking the taste of poorly-made alcohol.
Bloody Mary Cocktail
Fernand Petiot claimed to have invented the Bloody Mary cocktail as we know it today at New York's King Cole Bar.
Tiki Cocktail Culture
The 'tiki' cocktail culture trend took off in the USA with tropical-themed drinks.
Cocktail Renaissance
The late 20th century saw a renewed interest in cocktails and mixology. Classic cocktails were revived and new cocktail recipes were created.
Golden Age of Cocktails
The 21st century has been dubbed the 'golden age of cocktails'. There has been a rise of craft bartenders, cocktail bars, and innovative, artisanal cocktails.
Ideas to Celebrate National Cocktail Day
Home Bar Cocktail Competition
Invite friends over and have each person bring ingredients for their favorite cocktail. Everyone gets a turn to play bartender and at the end, vote for the best cocktail. It's a fun way to try new drinks and enjoy good company.
Visiting a Well-Known Cocktail Bar
Take yourself out to that famous cocktail bar you’ve always wanted to try. Taste professional, high-quality cocktails and perhaps learn a thing or two from skilled bartenders.
Cocktail Making Class
Sign up for a cocktail making class and learn the tricks of making exciting cocktails, either on your own or with friends. It's a great way to understand the nuances of different cocktails.
International Themed Cocktail Party
Turn cocktail day into a cultural celebration. Research cocktails from around the world and have a party where you make and taste these different drinks. This could be a great way to learn about various cultures too.
Cocktail Movie Marathon
Queue up some classic movies with a strong cocktail theme – like 'Casablanca', 'Cocktail', or 'The Big Lebowski' – make yourself the signature drink from each movie, sit back, and enjoy.
6 Interesting Facts About Cocktails
The Birth of the Margarita
The Margarita, a beloved drink worldwide, supposedly came into existence during the 1930s or 1940s. Several theories exist about its origin, with one claiming it was invented in Mexico for a dancer named Margarita Cansino, who later became the famous Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth.
Cuba's Principal Drinks
If you want to go classic, Cuba is the birthplace of the famous cocktails Mojito, Daiquiri, and Cuba Libre. All these drinks play a significant part in Cuba's history and culture.
Older than you Think
Cocktails have been around for longer than you think. In fact, the first recorded mention of the term 'cocktail' was in an 1803 newspaper in the U.S. More than being just a beverage, it was originally used as a cure for hangovers.
World's Oldest Cocktail
The title of the world's oldest known cocktail goes to the Sazerac. In the 19th century, it was originally made with cognac, but today's version typically contains rye whiskey.
The Martini's Evolution
The contemporary version of the Martini is far from its original version. The original Martini, known back in the mid-1800s as the Martinez, was a much sweeter drink containing sweet vermouth, old tom gin, maraschino liqueur and orange bitters.
The Bloody Mary Hangover Remedy
The Bloody Mary is often cited as a 'hair of the dog' hangover remedy. The combination of tomato juice and vodka supposedly helps to relieve some post-alcohol symptoms.
National Cocktail Day FAQs
Next National Cocktail Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 24th | Friday |
| 2024 | March 24th | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 24th | Monday |
| 2026 | March 24th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 24th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every March 24th | |
National Cocktail Day Word Search
- Cocktail
- Martini
- Margarita
- Mojito
- Mimosa
- Mixologist