National & International Alcoholic Beverage Days Calendar

After the excess’s of the festive period often meaning more alcohol consumption. Dry January is a nice way to recalibrate for the year ahead and detox from alcohol for a month. Run by Alcoholchange the sign up form can be found here

After celebrating the end of another year on New Years Eve, it makes sense that New years Day would be labelled National Hangover Day. So grab a blanket and curl up knowing this is the official day for hangovers.

If you are still feeling like a drink on New Years Day and not celebrating National Hangover Day, then you might want hair of the dog and have a Bloody Mary. Renowned in the USA for its hangover curing properties A mix of vegetable vitamins, salt (Electrolytes) & Vodka. You could also opt for a Virgin Mary, which excludes the alcohol.

often associated with the British, Hot Toddy actually originated in India, where a taddy (hindi) drink is created by fermenting sap from palm trees. Great winter drink as it is served hot and has been known to help cold and sore throats to feel better – you will only need 4 ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice, hot water, and honey.

Originating from colonial America – it has it roots in the Caribbean. Just 4 ingredients traditionally Rum, Brown Sugar, Butter & water. You can use spiced rum or add a cinnamon stick.

Stemming from the 1920’s when prohibition outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcohol. Alcohol was smuggled by bootleggers from Mexico, & Canada by Bootleggers. A classic smuggled alcohol of this time was Templeton rye whiskey, which became known as the prohibition cocktail.

Since 1935 beer was first sold in cans – stemming from a partnership of Kruger Brewing Co and American Can Company the first beer in a can was created. beer cans are collectors items and with the rise of craft beers fighting for visual shelf space the graphics are incredible. take time to appreciate your beer can.

A Scottish celebration enjoyed in many countries. Robert Burns born 25th Jan 1759 – a traditional burns supper cerebrates his life and works as a poet. The meal traditionally includes haggis, neeps and drams of whisky.

The Irish Coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan – Limerick, Ireland – coined during a conversation with an American asked if they were drinking Brazilian coffee to which Joe replied ‘ no that’s Irish coffee’. To make it traditionally is double cream, black coffee, Irish Whiskey, brown sugar and pinch of nutmeg.

Legend has it – The Brandy Alexander (a chocolate cocktail) was first served in 1922 at the wedding of Princess Mary & Viscount Lascelles in London UK. It is also believed that it was John Lennon’s favourite drink. coomon ingredients brandy, creme de cacao liqueur & nutmeg garnish.

Stout is made using roasted malt or barley, hops, water and yeast. One of the best selling stouts in Irish Stout Guinness

Having started in 2003 in Peru “Día Nacional del Pisco Sour” became an official government holiday.  the Pisco Sour cocktail is said to have been created by Victor Vaughen Morris, an American bartender working in Peru. It is the national drink of Peru. Pisco is a clear brandy made from muscat grapes, mixed with egg white, lemon juice & simple syrup (equal-parts granulated sugar and water).

Not to be confused with national wine day in May. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite wine (red or white) and enjoy the day, celebrated all over the world. Why not celebrates wine’s 8000+ year history.

Thought to originate from either California, created by Carlos Herera in 1938 or Don Carlos Orozco in Mexico 1941.  The recipe is traditionally tequila, lime juice & triple sec liqueur.

Bartending traces its roots back to the Asian, Roman and Greek eras. these days there are mixology competitions and finding a bar tender that knows how to serve your favourite drink is a real pleasure.

Created in the year 2000 by two Wall Street Journal columnists Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher. Mainly for wine the idea is that people will open that ‘special’ bottle of wine that they are saving for an occasion, but have not yet opened. We dont see why this couldn’t also apply to a vintage champagne or spirit you are yet to open and more importantly share with friends.

Pedro Domecq began producing Kahlúa in 1936. Kahlua is a coffee flavoured rum based liqueur made with rum, Mexican coffee, sugar, and vanilla. It can be enjoyed neat, with ice or mixed in cocktails such as the white russian.

We are not 100% convinced about this one. The word ‘ Boooody shooots’ being shouted out at any college party sends shivers down your spine. Body shots consist of drinking a shot from the belly button of another person.

In order to be labelled Irish whiskey it needs to be matured for at least 3 years and triple distilled. Irish whisky comes in 4 types Malt, pot still, grain and blended. The types of Irish whiskey are Knappogue Castle, Jameson, and Bushmills.

Often a common drink in the festive period, mulled wine now has its own day to be celebrated. The term “mulled” simply means that the wine has been heated and spiced. A great warm alcoholic drink for a chilly night – ingredients consist of red wine, spices and fruits.

Moscow Mule – a cocktail of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug, due to coppers ability to conduct temperature. Legend has it that it was created in he 1940’s by Wes Price in Los Angeles and has now ties to Moscow or Russia. Wes wanted to clear the bar’s basement of ginger beer after he ordered too much of it and therefore created a Moscow mule.

It is believed that Absinthe originated in Switzerland in the 18th century. This day in 2007 represents when absinthe went back on sale legally in the USA. The spirit is made by infusing wormwood, fennel, anise, and other herbs into alcohol through distillation and thus has a strong liquorice flavour.

Another drink related celebration with Irish roots. Saint Patrick the patron saint of Ireland. Typically a day to don a green outfit and celebrate all things Irish – Guinness being the drink of Ireland is commonly consumed on this day.

Bock Beer is a strong German lager. Developed back in the 17^th century by Munich’s Paulaner Friars – Traditionally The Bock or Bockbier style is a seasonal celebration beer that was sometimes brewed in the winter and consumed in the spring during Lent and Easter.

Vermouth is a key ingredient in classic cocktails, such as Negroni, Manhattan & the Martini. It is classed as a fortified, aromatized wine.

With so many cocktails to choose from the hardest part of today will be choosing which ne you want to celebrate with. A cocktail contains a single spirit or a mix of spirits, commonly combined with mixers such as fruit juice. classic cocktails are old fashion, negroni, Daiquiri & Espresso Martini.

First celebrated in 2008 this day was created to celebrate whiskey (and beer) connoisseur and writer,  Michael Jackson. it is worth noting that although drinking your favourite whiskey is definitely part of this day, it is also also to spread awareness for Parkinson’s, a disease which Micheal suffered from.

This day represents the day in 1933 in the USA when President Roosevelt legalised the sale of alcohol again. New Years Day is April 7th, when we imagine there were a lot of hangovers in the US.

or New Beers Day the day after New Beers Eve in the US. Grab your favourite beer and feel lucky you were able to legally buy it (obviously if over the legal age in your country).

Not to be confused with International Gin and Tonic Day in October, this one is mainly celebrated by the US, but any excuse to pour a glass of your favourite gin and matching mixer. Common Gin’s include Hendricks, Monkey 47 & Bombay Sapphire.

A day to honour King Gambrinus, the late 13th century king of Flanders and legend has it “patron saint of beer. Rude not to pretend there is a patron saint of beer, so pour your self a pint of your favourite beer and take some time ot read the tales of King Gambrinus.

Saison is a pale ale that is highly carbonated, fruity, spicy, and often bottle conditioned originating in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium. Alegash Brewing Company tends to host a digital event.

Celebrated since 2011, this date in 1853 is a symbol of the transformation of Argentina’s wine industry and the starting point for the development of Malbec. Malbec wine is known for its deep purple colour and full body.

This traditionally Italian liqueur carries a reputation for being fragrant. its strong almond flavouringcomes from apricot kernel oil, burnt sugar, and spices.

April 23rd 1516 was the day that the ‘Reinheitsgebot’, or Purity Law, was adopted across the entirety of the Duchy of Bavaria. Specifying that beer could only contain water, barley and hops, the law ensured that brewers couldn’t buy up available wheat. Coomon types are Bitburger, Warsteiner and Beck’s.

commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862The day gained nationwide popularity in the 1980s due to advertising campaigns by beer, wine, and tequila companies.

A day to simply celebrate your favourite beverage alcoholic or not.

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery started Sauvignon Blanc Day in 2010. One of the world’s most popular grape varieties, and one of the most widely-planted, Sauvignon Blanc is recognised worldwide for its fresh and aromatic qualities. Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region of France and ‘blanc’ means white and a white wine.

More associated with Student parties in the USA, this game has over the years been gaining popularity al over the world as a staple drinking game between friends. To play beer pong, setup 5 or 10 large red beer cups each side of a large rectangle table fill with beer, then each team takes turns to land the ping pong ball in an opponents cup meaning they need to drink.

A cosmopolitan is a combination of vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice.

Started in In 1988 by the American Homebrewers Association in the US. The even is named Big Brew an annual event to celebrate National Homebrew Day around the world. SO pick your favourite home brew or even one you have brewed yourself and celebrate.

Moscato is made from the Moscato Blanco (or Muscat Canelli) grape, one of the oldest grapes in Italy. It has many variations such as white, red, and rose

A while now since national cocktail day in March, it is time once again to celebrate with your favourite cocktail.

A Mimosa is a classic mixed drink, which is equal parts champagne and fruit juice (usually orange juice), the name supposedly comes from the yellow-flowered mimosa plant, Acacia dealbata. So grab a brunch partner and whip up a mimosa.

Once thought of as a cheap classless drink, it has somewhat of a renaissance. Pinot Gridio is a white whine with Italy’s Mezzacorona at the top of the list when it comes to Pinot Grigio producers.

World Whisky Day was set up in 2012 by author and consultant Blair Bowman, nether the less it has caught on and makes a great excuse to pour yourself a glass of your favourite whisky.

Not to be confused with National Drink Wine Day In February. References to National Wine Day found as early as 2009 and this is another day to enjoy a glass of your favourite wine with friends.

Chardonnay Day dates back to 2010 when it was started by Rick Bakas. Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used in the production of white wine.

Originating in the United States, a classic mint julep is made with a mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. The mint Julep is a sweet alcoholic drink.

The World Cider Day symbolizes the beginning of the apple cider season all over the world. was launched by the members of the Association of Apple Wine and Fruit Juice Press Houses in Hesse. France is the worlds largest producer of Cider.

sparkling wine often referred to as ‘bubbly’. The day was launched by the brand Freixenet Cava in 2017.

Cognac a type of brandy, was named after the town of Cognac in France in which it is produced. The primary grape used is Ugni Blanc and has strict rules to adhere to be called a Cognac. Pull on your best smokers jacket and a glass of cognac this is a sophisticated day after all.

The base ingredients in moonshine is a malt of corn, barley, and rye, much like bootleggers, moonshine 20th century memories of Prohibition, fast cars. A black market drink at the time, Moonshine is now legal and widely available so give it a go.

On June 9, 1980, the Goslings family trademarked the Dark ‘n Stormy® to protect its signature cocktail’s integrity. The brand still celebrates the day every year and more information can be found on their website. The Dark ‘n Stormy is a blend of Goslings Black Seal Rum, Ginger Beer and lime.

A rosé wine is lighter in colour than red wine, deeper in colour than white wine. The day is believed to have been started In 2014 buy Bodvár – House of Rosés– a rosé house specializing in rosé wines. There a re many types of rose to buy, one that has become popular recently is Whispering Angel.

Gin Day was established by England’s own connoisseur of the juniper-based drink, the Gin Monkey (Emma Stokes & Neil Houston). Gin is a distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries. There are many great gins – Tanqueray, Silent Pool, etc.

For s Whiskey to be classed as a bourbon is must be made in the US. Besides corn, the other grains used in the making of bourbon include malted barley and either rye or wheat. Classic bourbons are Maker’s Mark & Knob Creek. More info can be found at https://www.nationalbourbonday.com/

Th e old fashion was invented in the 100’s in Louisville, Kentuky. Traditionally made with Bourbon, Rye or Whiskey, lightly sweetened with sugar, added bitters for aromatics, then served over ice with an orange peel.

Britain loves it’s beer, so it makes sense to have a dedicated day for the whole of Britain to celebrate. Join National Cheers To Beer at 7pm (19.00h) on June 15th as millions of people across the country raise a glass, say ‘Cheers to Beer’ more information can be found here

Traditionally the perfect martini is mixed with equal parts gin & vermouth. As James Bond would say I take mine ‘shaken not stirred’, a great day to pretend to be the man himself or mix yourself another varation such as a Gibson, dirty or wet.

Most Lambrusco is semi-sparkling, or frizzante, Lambrusco is perhaps one of Italy’s most famous wines. Commonly Lambrusco is a sweet fizzy Italian wine, but over the years has broken the mould and become broader in variety.

Not to be confused with National Rosé day earlier in the month. This day was created by Valérie Rousselle, owner of Châteaux Roubine and Sainte Béatrice. two days in one month to celebrate Rosé, ok why not.

Anisette is a liqueur mainly made from aniseed, it has a liquorice or fennel type flavour. Anisette’s association as a medicinal cure dates back to ancient Egypt. It can be consumed neat or mixes well into a cocktail.

The drink that screams ‘holiday’ to some. Best sipped by the beach in warm climates. Along with rum, a Pina Colada includes cream of coconut and pineapple juice and is usually served blended or shaken with ice. So make the most of the summer weather and relax in the garden with an elaborately decorated pina colada in hand and imagine you are on holiday.

The mojito is a Cuban creation dating back to 1586. Traditionally made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and sparkling water.

The Michelada is one of Mexico’s most popular drinks. A traditional Michelada consists of a light-bodied beer seasoned with fresh lime juice, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. So drink your beer with a bit of a twist today and make it into a simple cocktail.

Alexander Marnier-Lapostolle invented the French – orange, cognac brandy blend liqueur in the 1880s. A few cocktails that can be created with grand marnier are Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Sidecar, Dirty Harry. For this one why not have desert and cocktails as it blends well into many desserts too, for example, Crepes Suzette, Grand Marnier souffle, and creme brulee.

Another cocktail with Cuban origins. The main ingredients of a daiquiri are rum, citrus juice (typically lime), and sugar. Organise a Havana night and imagine you are in Cuba or in warmer climates.

Tequila a drink with Mexican origin is mezcal, distilled from a specific type of agave plant. Popular brands are Don Julio, Jose Cuervo & Ocho. So whip up a Tequila Sunrise, Margarita or simply some tequila slammers, some fajitas and have yourself a Mexican night of fun.

Pairing cheese with wine has an air of sophistication. It is said that freelance writer and wine lover Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Wine and Cheese Day, but the pairing has been a match made in heaven for a long time. Just like any food there are pairings for cheese that go well with certain wines red, white or other. Red wines are well suited to aged cheese, Champagne & sparkling wine work with the softer and creamier cheeses, white wine with fresh and tangy white cheeses. Experiment and see what you like.

Scotch Whisky must be made in Scotland. here are five distinct classifications of Scotch whisky including single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain & simply blended. scotch brands include, Johnnie Walker, Grant’s. Laphroaig & The Macallan. Scotch whisky must be no less than 40% ABV (80 proof).