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DrinksGiving

Cheers to DrinksGiving! Pay homage to fellowship and fine spirits as we toast to good times and great memories!

Wednesday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDay before Thanksgiving

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Raise your glasses high on November 27 as we kick off the holiday season with DrinksGiving! This good-spirited holiday is a relatively modern creation, coined by the younger generation for the beloved tradition of meeting up with old friends and sharing a toast the night before Thanksgiving. It's an opportunity to wind down, enjoy good company, and of course, sample a smorgasbord of delightful drinks. From mulled wine to specialty craft beers and festive cocktails, DrinksGiving sets the merry tone for the festive period! Cheers to DrinksGiving and the many memorable moments it brings!

TIMELINE

DrinksGiving Timeline

DrinksGiving Origin

DrinksGiving is said to have roots in the early 2000s when it was viewed simply as an informal reunion of friends at bars the night before Thanksgiving.

Term "DrinksGiving" Coined

In 2013, the term "DrinksGiving" became popularized as the name for this tradition fondly embraced by the younger generation.

DrinksGiving Goes Mainstream

By 2015, DrinksGiving began to be recognized by wider audiences & many bar and restaurant establishments started to promote it as an official event.

Increased Economic Impact

Venues across the U.S. reported significantly increased sales due to DrinksGiving, underscoring its growth and economic impact.

Digital DrinksGiving

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many shifted their DrinksGiving celebrations online, holding virtual gatherings with friends, showing the adaptability of the tradition.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate DrinksGiving

Host a virtual tasting

With many people at home, why not celebrate Drinksgiving virtually? Set up an online meeting with friends and family, and have everyone purchase a bottle of the same type of wine or craft beer to taste together. Share your thoughts on the drink and cheers to laughter and fun conversation.

RUN

Run a cocktail making competition

Love cocktails? Why not host a cocktail making competition at home? It's simple - gather your friends or family, set out a variety of alcohol and mixers, and then see who can create the best cocktail. Just be sure to have a judge set aside to pick winners!

EXPLORE

Explore international drinks

Let Drinksgiving take you around the world by exploring drinks from different countries. Research the most popular drinks in various cultures and make them at home or search local stores for international drink options. Enjoy discovering new tastes!

CREATE

Create themed drink stations

If you're hosting a small gathering, make it more fun by setting up themed drink stations. For instance, a fall-themed station could include ingredients for apple cider or pumpkin martinis. Or, have a station based on a popular movie or tv show with drinks that match the theme.

INVENT

Invent a DrinksGiving signature cocktail

Making a cocktail unique to your DrinksGiving celebration can be a fun tradition to start. Play around with ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect mix. Then, give your concoction a unique name and serve up this special creation each year.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love DrinksGiving

It encourages exploration of global cultures

DrinksGiving can be a great way to learn about different cultures through their popular drinks. Whether you're sampling an international selection from local stores or attempting to recreate a foreign cocktail at home, you're sure to broaden your horizons - one sip at a time!

It brings people together

DrinksGiving is a wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends and meet new ones. Even if we can't physically gather, virtual tastings or online cocktail competitions help us stay connected and share good times - no matter where we are.

It allows for creative expression

From creating themed drink stations to inventing a signature DrinksGiving cocktail, there's plenty of room for creativity during this holiday. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making (and tasting) your own perfect blend.