Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing drink under the sun, and what better way to do that than by celebrating some fun drinking holidays?
These special days give us a reason to relax, take a break, and come together to celebrate with our favorite beverages. From IPAs to martinis, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at some of the summer drinking holidays you don’t want to miss!
Summer Drinking Holidays
Table of Contents
Bourbon Day
- Date: June 14th
- History: Bourbon Day celebrates the rich history and tradition of bourbon whiskey, America’s native spirit. Bourbon originated in the late 18th century, and its unique production process made it a symbol of American craftsmanship. This day honors the heritage and skill that go into making every bottle of bourbon.
- How to Celebrate: Attend a bourbon tasting event this month. Several local liquor stores and even locally owned grocery stores host bourbon tasting events.
- Top Bourbon Brands: While bourbon isn’t my personal favorite, there are many renowned brands to explore. Blanton’s, Colonel E.H. Taylor, and Michter’s have some rarer options that were frequently requested when I bartended.
Martini Day
- Date: June 19th
- History: Martini Day honors one of the most classic cocktails. The martini, with its origins tracing back to the late 19th century, has become a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Celebrating Martini Day is a tribute to this timeless drink that has maintained its popularity through the ages.
- How to Celebrate: You can mix the perfect martini from home!
- Best Martini Recipes: Try my favorite — A dirty martini with blue cheese olives! For a twist, add a bit of hot sauce or pepperoncini juice.
Daiquiri Day
- Date: July 19th
- History: The daiquiri traces its origins to the early 20th century in Cuba. It was named after the village of Daiquirí, where American engineer Jennings Cox created the cocktail. Initially a simple mix of rum, lime juice, and sugar, the daiquiri quickly gained popularity and evolved into various frozen and flavored versions that we enjoy today.
- How to Celebrate: Grab a frozen daiquiri at a nearby restaurant or blend one up at home. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. I always grab this Strawberry Daiquiri / Piña Colada mix when I’m on one of my favorite day trips. It’s referred to as a Miami Vice!
- Daiquiri Recipes: Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect summer drink. Try classic lime, strawberry, mango, or even a tropical twist with pineapple and coconut.
Tequila Day
- Date: July 24th
- History: Tequila Day celebrates the rich cultural heritage of tequila. Originating from the town of Tequila in Mexico, this distilled beverage has a long history and deep roots in Mexican culture. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide in various forms, from classic shots to creative cocktails.
- How to Celebrate: Enjoy a margarita on the rocks, a tequila sunrise, or grab some salt and lime and throw back a shot while you check out these 15 Funny Quotes About Drinking to Celebrate Tequila Day.
- Tequila Brands to Try: Don Julio, Patron, Espolon, Avion are all smooth options.
Wine and Cheese Day
- Date: July 25th
- History: This day celebrates the timeless pairing of wine and cheese, a combination enjoyed for centuries across various cultures. The tradition of pairing wine with cheese dates back to ancient times, where both were often produced in the same regions, making them natural companions.
- How to Celebrate: Find the best cheese pairing for your favorite glass of wine. Don’t have a favorite wine? Try what pairs well with your favorite cheese! Explore new combinations and discover delightful flavor profiles.
- Wine and Cheese Pairings: Some of my favorites include:
- Merlot and Gouda
- Zinfandel and Blue Cheese
- Chardonnay and Brie
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Aged Cheddar
IPA Day
- Date: First Thursday of August
- History: IPA Day was created to celebrate the craft beer movement and the popularity of India Pale Ales. It’s a day for beer lovers to come together and enjoy one of the most popular beer styles in the world.
- How to Celebrate: Visit your favorite brewery and try their IPA selection. Your bartender can help find one that suits your preference.
- Popular IPA Brands: Founders, Lagunita’s, and Goose Island IPAs are popular where I am located and can be found in stores throughout the Midwest. I love Founders All Day IPA for an easy to drink go-to. For something a little more unique, try stopping into your local brewpub. I’ll be celebrating with the Blackberry IPA on tap at my local microbrewery. It’s one of my all-time favorite beers!
International Beer Day
- Date: First Friday of August
- History: International Beer Day celebrates the global culture of beer and the brewers who make it. Established in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, the day has since grown into a worldwide celebration, promoting appreciation for the craft and the camaraderie it fosters.
- How to Celebrate: Find out the history behind your favorite beer style. Visit local breweries, enjoy a pint with friends, and toast to the diverse world of beer.
- Most Popular Beer Styles Around the World:
- Pilsner (Germany)
- IPA (United States)
- Stout (Ireland)
- Saison (Belgium)
- Lager (Czech Republic)
Get Ready to Celebrate
Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy these summer drinking holidays! Whether you’ll be sipping on a perfectly poured IPA, savoring the rich notes of a fine bourbon, or mixing up a cocktail, there’s something for everyone to raise a glass to! I hope you find endless reasons to celebrate, explore, and enjoy every sip.
