National Daiquiri Day

National Daiquiri Day celebrates a cocktail that’s been enjoyed for over 120 years. Today, the term “daiquiri” refers to a category of alcoholic drinks made with rum, a sweetener, and citrus juice. July 19 is a perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite version or try a new twist—maybe a Strawberry Daiquiri or a Papa Doble.

History

The origin of the holiday itself is unknown, but the history of the drink is fairly well-documented. One version credits Jennings Cox, an American mining engineer stationed in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, with creating the daiquiri. Another version attributes the invention to U.S. Congressman William A. Chanler in the early 20th century after he acquired mines in Santiago. Near those mines was a beach named Daiquiri, which inspired the name of the cocktail. Since then, the drink has evolved into dozens of variations enjoyed around the world.

Interesting Facts

• Ernest Hemingway frequently drank daiquiris during his years in Havana.
• There are many flavor variations available today, including lime, blueberry, watermelon, coconut, orange, and strawberry.
• Non-alcoholic versions are also available, so even those who don’t drink alcohol can celebrate National Daiquiri Day.

How to Take Part

Host a summer-themed party in honor of the holiday. Think through a few important details: location, food, drinks, games, and entertainment. Since this is a celebration of a cocktail, plan some daiquiri-related fun—like a cocktail-making contest, trivia about the drink, or a recipe challenge. Send out invitations in advance and let guests know if they should bring swimwear for a pool or beach party. Don’t forget to post highlights on social media using the hashtag #NationalDaiquiriDay.

When is National Daiquiri Day in 2025?

National Daiquiri Day is observed annually on July 19.

Observations