World Cocktail Day
World Cocktail Day on 13 May marks the date in 1806 when a New York newspaper printed what is widely seen as the first definition of a cocktail.
- UK
- USA
- Ireland (not marked)
- Canada (not marked)
- Australia (not marked)
- New Zealand (not marked)
- UAE and Gulf (not marked)
- International
About the day
World Cocktail Day is held on 13 May. On that date in 1806, The Balance and Columbian Repository, a newspaper in Claverack, New York, printed what is widely considered the first definition of a cocktail.
Editor Harry Croswell described it as a stimulating liquor made of any kind of sugar, water and bitters. In 2026, the 220th anniversary, a New York State proclamation recognising 13 May as World Cocktail Day was presented in Hudson.
It suits bars, spirits and mixer brands, hotels, restaurants, drinks retailers and bartending schools.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Thursday 13 May 2027 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
| 2028 | Saturday 13 May 2028 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
| 2029 | Sunday 13 May 2029 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
Sectors this day suits
Types of business that could link their activity to this day.
- Bars and pubs
- Spirits and mixers
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Drinks retail
- Hospitality training
Questions and answers
When is World Cocktail Day 2027?
World Cocktail Day 2027 is on Thursday 13 May 2027. It falls on the same date every year.
Who organises World Cocktail Day?
World Cocktail Day has no single organiser. Many organisations mark it independently.
Where is World Cocktail Day marked?
World Cocktail Day is marked in the UK and the USA, and internationally.
Where do these details come from?
We checked these details against one source, including I LOVE NY: New York State recognizes World Cocktail Day. They were last checked on 28 October 2026.
Where this information comes from
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