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In addition to the fantastic drinking holidays of October, this month also includes International Coffee Day (October 1); World Smoothie Day (October 3); Frappe Day (October 7); and Halloween (October 31. The addition of your favorite liquor to any of these things makes them much better.
National Applejack Month
October 1 - 31
A is for apple, J is for Jacks, Cinnamon-toasty Apple Jacks! You need a complete breakfast, that’s a fact. Start it off with Apple Jacks. No, we’re not talking about awesome red and green cereal. Applejack is a fermented cider that dates back to the 1600s when colonists were producing hard cider. At some point, God bless them, they decided to go for something even stronger, so they upped the alcohol content of the apple cider by leaving the barrels outside overnight to freeze. This method was known as “jacking.”
World Sake Day
October 1
World Sake Day was created as a way to pay tribute to the Japanese fermented rice beverage. The date of October 1 is the traditional starting date of sake production in Japan.
Buy a Stranger a Drink Day
October 1
Also known as Douglas Jefferson Day. According to tradition, there are three rules one must follow:
1) Douglas Jefferson Day must be celebrated in a Pub or bar in the company of good friends.
2) A gift must be given to a friend. One must not have exchanged money for the gift, and it must be “no larger than a baker’s loaf.*”
3) You must buy a drink for a stranger.
According to diary entries from the time of Douglas Jefferson, gifts included “a half-used shaker of salt,” “one dead snail,” “a handful of grass clippings,” and “thirteen flivrums.” We have no idea what a flivrum is . Also who the fuck carries around a dead snal?
International Scottish Gin Day
October 1
Established by The Gin Cooperative, Scottish Gin Day brings together Scotland’s Scottish Gin makers and brands, as well as those whose Scottish Gins are distilled, rectified or cold compounded in Scotland and a selection of global bars, retailers and gin drinkers, to celebrate the story of Scottish Gin. Learn more
National Vodka Day
October 4
We tend to take vodka for granted. The versatile, once virtually tasteless and odorless tipple accounts for almost 20 to 25 per cent of spirits sold today in North America, making it our most popular libation, a feat that occurred in the 1970s when it outpaced bourbon as America’s favorite spirit. We raise our glass on October 4 to toast National Vodka Day!
International Pinotage Day
October 8
Pinotage is a grape that was developed from crossing Cinsaut and Pinot Noir less than 100 years ago in South Africa. This marriage resulted in a wine that is delicious as Pinot Noir but grew as well as Cinsaut and can easily be enjoyed at a backyard cookout. Learn more
International Gin & Tonic Day
October 19
Yea, we know. Swedwen's "National Gin & Tonic Day" happened in April. Seems like the national folks and the international folks should get their shit together. Or maybe they planed it this way. Two Gin & Tonic holidays per year. Maybe they're smarter than we think.
National Mezcal Day
October 21
Although not all Mezcal is Tequila, all tequila is Mezcal. The industry, and especially the market for artisanal and traditional brands is experiencing an incredible boom in the United States. Bartenders and spirits aficionados love Mezcal for its distinct taste and its compelling story. Learn more
American Beer Day
October 21
National American Beer Day raises a glass to the rich American beermaking history and those who savor the continued traditions. Pour your favorite pint with millions who enjoy the storied brews across the nation. Learn more
International Stout Day
November 3
Just like wine vineyards tell the story of the people, the weather, the land and its history, beer also tells a story of the land, of the people and the brewers. Guinness had been brewing porters since about 1780 and is famous for their Dry or Irish Stout. Learn more
International Merlot Day
November 7
Celebrate all things Merlot. If you aren't a super fan and want to have a whole mess of fun, lock a Merlot fanatic in the same small room as a Cabernet Sauvignon nut. Then, ask about the most widely planted grape n Bordeaux.
World Sherry Week
November 7 - November 12
A whole week to celebrate this fortified wine is made from white grapes that are grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andaluisa, Spain. It's produced in a variety of styles made primarily from the Palomino grape, Learn more
Harvey Wallbanger Day
TNovember 8
Ahhh, the good ol' Harvey Wallbanger. What a terrific marketing tool for the folks who make Galliano (for those too young to know, the Harvey Wallbanger is a screwdriver with a healthy floater of Galliano). Of course, the cocktail peaked in the late 1970s and was never able to experience another surge of popularity. However, to this very day, most bars still have that big, baseball bat-shaped bottle of yellow liquid gathering dust on the back shelf. Do them a favor, call up some friends and meet them at your local for a round of Harvey Wallbangers.
International Tempranillo Day
November 10
Tempranillo is the grape that defines Spanish red wine and dates back to before the time of Christ. Open a bottle and enjoy.
Happy Hour Day
November 12
The happiest time of the day just got it's own day, which should make us all very happy! More Information
Zinfandel Day
November 16
National Zinfandel Day was created to celebrate the many styles of Zinfandel produced across America, and to raise awareness of old vine vineyards. Zinfandel remains once of the most important heritage varieties in American wine history.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day
November 17
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is marked in France on the third Thursday in November with fireworks, music and festivals. Under French law, the wine is released at 12:01 a.m., just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Parties are held throughout the country to celebrate the first wine of the season.
Drinksgiving
November 23
This unofficial holiday has been around for decades. Maybe centuries. It takes place the day before Thanksgiving and serves as an opportunity for those who are visiting their families for the holiday to meet up with old friends at their favorite local taverns, bars and pubs. It also serves as a terrific kickoff to the holiday season.
National Bartender Day
December 2
Today's the day to celebrate that special person in you life who can make or break your sobriety. Chances are, you have a favorite. Celebrate by reversing the whole bartender-will-listen-to-me scenario, instead, ask them if there’s something that they would like to talk about. After all, they are humans just like us, they have problems, they go through difficulties, they have to deal with life too. If the conversation begins to get boring, simply stop listening and resort to tipping them very well.
Cabernet Franc Day
December 4
Also known as Cab Franc Day, this is an opportunity to explore this 17th century wine. Did you now that a 1997 DNA test showed that Cabernet Franc had crossed with Sauvignon blanc to produce Cabernet Sauvignon?
Repeal Day (U.S.)
December 5
Repeal Day might just be the most important holiday for those who enjoy the freedom to drink. On December 5, 1933, the United States ended its nationwide prohibition of alcohol. This is a great opportunity and reason to celebrate your legal right to have a beer, glass of wine, cocktail, shot, or shooter. Cheers!
National Lager Day
December 10
Today is an excuse to celebrate with a nice cold Asahi, Carlton Draught, Pilsner Urquell, Molson Canadian, Miller, Stella Artois, Beck's, Brahma, Budweiser, Corona, Snow, Tsingtao, Singha, Sapporo, Kirin, Quilmes, Heineken, Kingfisher, Carlsberg, Birra Moretti, Tennents, or any other lager you can find.
National Screwdriver Day
December 14
Mix some orange juice with your favorite vodka and celebrate one of the most underrated and simplest cocktails known to man. Haven't had one for a while? Mix one up and you'll remember how good it is.
Sangria Day
December 20
Wine mixed with fresh fruit is a combination that screams summertime celebration. Which leads us to wonder why this annual national holiday takes place right smack in the middle of the time of year when fresh fruit is almost impossible to find.
Coquito Day
December 21
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, which is similar to eggnog. Most Puerto Rican families have their own coquito recipes, passed down from generation to generation. Create your own or start with a standard recipe.
National Eggnog Day
December 24
We all know that famous holiday drink, the one that shows up in stores during November and December. It's been a Christmastime staple since before anyone can remember The real question is, where did it come from, and when did it come into existence? Our theory is that the the creation of Eggnog was the result of a dare! Learn More
National Champagne Day
December 31
Champagne is traditionally the drink of choice for New Year's Eve. But the last couple years have been tough; consider substituting Champagne for something a little stronger.