National Cocktail Day celebrates all types of cocktails, and also encourages people to create their own cocktails. It was created by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. Cocktails usually consist of a wine or distilled beverage—such as whiskey, brandy, vodka, rum, or tequila—mixed with ingredients such as soda, liqueurs, fruit, or juice.
by Dale DeGroff (Author)
The word “cocktail” has been in print since at least 1803, but probably predates that. The word is possibly derived from the French word “coquetier,” which means “egg cup.” Egg cups held a concoction of bitters and brandy, and were served by Antoine Peychaud after he arrived in New Orleans in 1795.
The word appeared in a Hudson, New York, newspaper—the Balance—in 1806. By about 1800, a mixture of various whiskeys was called a cocktail. Cocktail shakers were invented in the 1860s.
by barillio
A cocktail hour is a time during the late afternoon or early evening when people enjoy a cocktail before dinner. The term is thought to have originated in New York City during Prohibition.
How to Observe
Celebrate the day by having a few cocktails. Try them shaken, stirred, on the rocks, or frozen. Come up with your own cocktail, or try a classic.
Be sure to check out these related days as well.
- whiskey sour
- Brandy Alexander
- Daiquiri Day
- martini
- bloody mary
- Harvey Wallbanger
- Margarita Day
- mimosa
- Mint Julep Day
- Mojito Day
- Daquari Day
- Rose day
- Moscato Day
- Wine day
- Bourbon Day
- Prosecco Day
- Bubbly Day
- Whiskey Sour Day
- Red Wine Day
- Harvey Wallbanger
- Grand Mariner Day
- Brandy Alexander Day
- Cognac Day
- World Paloma Day
- Scotch Day
Margarita Day - Hot Buttered Rum Day
- Anisette Day
- Vodka Day
- Wine Day
- Drink Beer Day
- Sangria Day
- Irish Coffee Day
