National Beverage Day Date in the current year: May 6, 2024

Every system of our body needs fluid to function properly; when our body becomes dehydrated, we experience thirst — an instinctive need to drink. Water and milk have been basic drinks since the dawn of humanity. As human society developed, people learned to make other drinks. In ancient times drinks became a large part of socializing; some drinks were also used in religious ceremonies.

Like with many food days, the origin and history of National Beverage Day are unknown, but do they really matter? What matters is that this day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite drink (just make sure not to overindulge in case your beverage of choice is of the alcoholic variety).

Some sources claim that National Beverage Day has evolved from Bottled Carbonated Beverage Day, which was launched in 1921 to promote fizzy drinks. Celebrated on the thirst Wednesday of May, it was referred to as National Carbonated Beverage Day or simply Beverage Day in ads throughout the 1920s. However, it is unclear when Bottled Carbonated Beverage Day permanently transformed into National Beverage Day and whether this is the case at all.

National Beverage Day celebrates all kinds of drinks, both alcoholic and not. It can be observed by anyone regardless of what they prefer to drink: plain or sparkling water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, milk, smoothies, soft drinks, wine, beer, cider, liquor, cocktails, or any other of the numerous beverages that are available to them.

The easiest way to celebrate National Beverage Day is to pour a glass, cup or mug of your favorite beverage and post a photo of it on social media using the hashtag #NationalBeverageDay to spread the word, but if you want to get a little more creative, here are a few ideas that might come in handy:

• start your day with drinking a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a delicious cup of coffee
• attend a Japanese tea ceremony or a coffee tasting class
• take a mixology class to polish up your cocktail making skills
• host a cocktail party at home
• book a vineyard or brewery tour
• check out a new coffee shop or bar in your neighborhood
• read a book about the history of your favorite beverage
• try out a new smoothie recipe... or two... or a dozen
• try a new variety of your favorite drink
• try an exotic drink you’ve never tasted before
• introduce your friends to an exotic drink they’ve never tasted before
• play a drinking game with your friends
• splurge on an expensive bottle of wine or liquor

In addition to National Beverage Day, there are numerous unofficial holidays celebrating popular drinks. Here are just some of them: National Bloody Mary Day, National Café au Lait Day, National Absinthe Day, National Bubble Tea Day, National Mint Julep Day, National Daiquiri Day, National Rum Day, National Chocolate Milkshake Day, National Liqueur Day, National Cappuccino Day, National Lager Day, and many more.