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​National Bartender Day

Raise a glass to National Bartender Day - show your appreciation for the hard work of your favorite bartenders with drinks, tips and kind words!
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Appreciation
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Country
United States
Introduction

It's time to raise your glasses and celebrate National Bartender Day on the first Friday of December! This day celebrates the hardworking bartenders all over the world, who have been crafting drinks for centuries. The history of bartending dates back to ancient Egypt, as it was believed that Pharaohs served their guests beer from behind a bar-like counter. Today, bartenders are still making delicious drinks and creating unique experiences for their customers. So let's give them a big round of applause and thank them for their hard work and dedication!

History of ​National Bartender Day

​National Bartender Day Dates

​National Bartender Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Profession of Bartending Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, bartending as a recognized profession in America came into existence, as bars and taverns became common fixtures in society.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Mixology Book Published</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first book about mixology, "How to Mix Drinks: Or, The Bon Vivant's Companion", was written by bartender Jerry Thomas, which set a new standard for bartending.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920-1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Prohibition Era</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Prohibition era, bartenders still managed to keep their craft alive while being under tight regulation and censorship by the government.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Golden Age of Cocktails</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1970s marked the rise of cocktail culture, with bartenders experimenting with a variety of ingredients and techniques to make innovative and exciting drink creations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First World Class Competition</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2008, World Class, the world’s biggest and most prestigious cocktail competition, was held for the first time, highlighting the art cocktail crafting.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Celebration of National Bartender Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Bartender Day was celebrated in 2017 on the first Friday of December, in appreciation of all bartenders worldwide.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​National Bartender Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a signature cocktail</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Mix up your own signature cocktail to celebrate National Bartender Day. It can be something simple like vodka and cranberry or something more complicated with multiple ingredients. Serve it up to your friends and family and enjoy!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a speakeasy</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Speakeasies are making a comeback, and many of them feature some of the best bartenders in the country. Visit one of these establishments for a unique and special experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a mixology class</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn how to make craft cocktails and impress your friends. Many local bars, restaurants, and spirits companies offer classes in mixology. Pick up a few tips from the experts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a bartending competition</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends together and have a bartending competition to see who can make the best drinks. Set up some rules, such as no pre-made mixes or ingredients, or whatever you prefer.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Drink responsibly</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Of course, National Bartender Day is also about celebrating all of the amazing bartenders out there, so remember to drink responsibly and tip your bartender.</p></div></div>

Why ​National Bartender Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bartenders bring people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>A good bartender has the power to turn a night out from just a regular outing into an unforgettable experience. They have a special talent for creating an atmosphere where people can enjoy each other's company and make new friends. Celebrating National Bartender Day is a great way to recognize the hard work and dedication that bartenders put into their craft.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bartenders know their craft</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Behind every great bar is a well-trained, knowledgeable, and passionate bartending staff. Becoming an expert in mixology takes years of practice and perfecting recipes - all skills that are essential to providing seamless service. By celebrating National Bartender Day, we honor the expertise of these professionals and provide them with the recognition they deserve.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bartenders promote responsible drinking habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only do bartenders help keep order in bars and pubs, but they also play an important role in promoting responsible drinking habits. Trained to serve customers drinks responsibly and safely, National Bartender Day gives us the opportunity to recognize their efforts in helping guests have a safe, fun time while out with friends or attending social events.</p></div></div>

5 Stirring Facts for National Bartender Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Patrons were served across a bar in Ancient Egypt</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though the modern concept of bartending emerged in the 1800s, the practice dates back to Ancient Egypt. Pharaohs served their guests beer across a bar-like counter, striking a surprising similarity with today's bartending practices.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The word 'Tip' has historical roots in bartending</h3><p class='facts-content'>The term 'Tip' is believed to have originated from bar patrons who would slip bartenders some extra money 'To Insure Promptitude' or quick service. As such, these gratuities became known as tips.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bartenders create showmanship through flair bartending</h3><p class='facts-content'>Flair bartending is a performance art which involves entertainments including flipping bottles, juggling and other high-energy tricks while making cocktails. It takes skill and years of practice, adding another dimension to the profession.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bartenders use hundreds of tools and techniques</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cocktail making is not a one-size-fits-all activity. Bartenders use a multitude of tools such as strainers, muddlers, bar spoons, shakers, and techniques like muddling, stirring, and shaking to craft the perfect drink.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bartenders must learn vast knowledge of beverages</h3><p class='facts-content'>The job of a bartender goes beyond just knowing how to mix drinks. They are expected to have an extensive understanding of different types of alcohol, mixers, garnishes and also an in-depth knowledge of numerous cocktail recipes.</p></div></div>

​National Bartender Day FAQs

When is ​National Bartender Day?

​National Bartender Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Dec 1

Friday

2024

Dec 6

Friday

2025

Dec 5

Friday

2026

Dec 4

Friday

2027

Dec 3

Friday

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