World Cocktail Day

World Cocktail Day is a significant date in the bar industry. It’s a perfect holiday to enjoy cocktails with friends—whether short, fruity, or multi-layered, based on martini, tequila, or absinthe—you can try a variety of them.

History

A cocktail is a drink made by mixing several ingredients. Spices, sauces, ice, fresh fruits, or berries can be added for extra flavor. The word “cocktail” has an interesting origin, with many legends explaining its meaning. One popular version connects it to cockfighting. To make the roosters more aggressive, they were fed a mixture of alcoholic drinks, called ‘cock ale.’ Eventually, people started drinking this mixture themselves. The number of ingredients was said to match the number of feathers in the winning rooster’s tail.

Cocktails can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. They are also categorized based on the time they are served: aperitifs (before meals), digestifs (after meals), and others (for any time). Additionally, cocktails are classified by taste and composition, such as multi-layered, sangria (based on Spanish red wine), milk-based, and more.

World Cocktail Day is actively promoted by the independent public organization Drinkaware Trust. The organization advocates that cocktails can shift drinking culture toward more responsible consumption, helping to reduce alcohol abuse. The Drinkaware blog regularly posts updates about International Cocktail Day events, safe drinking practices, and unique cocktail recipes.

How to Take Part

Meeting friends for a few glasses of cocktails sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Make it a reality.

1. Host a cocktail party.
2. Invite a bartender to hold a cocktail-making masterclass.
3. Create your own drinks by experimenting with ingredients.

When is World Cocktail Day in 2025?

World Cocktail Day is observed on May 13 each year.

Observations