If you thought you had missed the major drinks celebrations of the year, think again. From 17 May onwards, the 2026 calendar is packed with important dates for pub lovers, brewers, distillers, bartenders and anyone who enjoys discovering new drinks.
Whether your preference is cask ale, craft beer, cider, wine, cocktails or premium spirits, these dates offer the perfect excuse to visit your favourite pub and try something different.
May 2026
22 May – World Paloma Day
A celebration of tequila’s refreshing grapefruit-based cocktail, which remains hugely popular across Mexico and is increasingly appearing on UK drinks menus.
25 May – National Wine Day
An opportunity to appreciate one of the world’s oldest and most enduring drinks, from crisp whites and bold reds to sparkling wines and rosés.
June 2026
3 June – World Cider Day
A dedicated day for one of Britain’s most traditional drinks and a timely reminder that cider season truly begins as pub gardens fill with customers.
13 June – World Gin Day
A global celebration of gin, from classic London Dry styles to small-batch craft distillers producing innovative botanical expressions.
14 June – National Bourbon Day
A tribute to America’s signature whiskey and the rich vanilla and oak flavours that have made bourbon a staple of bars worldwide.
15 June – National Beer Day (UK)
A celebration of Britain’s brewing heritage and the enormous variety of beers now available, from traditional bitters to modern craft lagers.
19 June – World Martini Day
One of the most iconic cocktails ever created, recognised for its elegance, simplicity and endless debate over the perfect serve.
July 2026
10 July – National Piña Colada Day
The Caribbean classic that combines rum, pineapple and coconut to create one of the world’s most recognisable tropical cocktails.
11 July – World Rum Day
A global celebration of one of the most diverse spirit categories, spanning everything from light white rums to complex aged expressions.
19 July – National Daiquiri Day
A deceptively simple cocktail of rum, lime and sugar that remains a benchmark for bartending skill.
25 July – International Mezcalita Day
A spotlight on mezcal and its distinctive smoky flavour, offering drinkers an introduction to the broader world of agave spirits.
August 2026
1 August – National Spritz Day
A celebration of the low-alcohol aperitif that has become one of the most commercially successful summer drinks.
9 August – World Baijiu Day
An opportunity to discover China’s national spirit, the most consumed spirit in the world by volume.
September 2026
13 September – National Cachaça Day
A tribute to Brazil’s sugarcane spirit and the foundation of the classic Caipirinha.
October 2026
29 October – Makgeolli Day
A celebration of Korea’s ancient rice wine, known for its lightly sparkling and refreshing character.
November 2026
5 November – International Stout Day
The perfect occasion to enjoy rich and robust dark beers with notes of coffee, chocolate and roasted malt.
18 November – International PoitÃn Day
A recognition of Ireland’s historic spirit and its colourful and rebellious heritage.
Mark Your Calendar
From late spring through to winter, 2026 offers a full schedule of opportunities to explore exceptional drinks and support the pubs and bars that serve them.
Whether you are discovering a new cocktail, enjoying a perfectly kept pint of real ale or sampling an unfamiliar spirit, there is always a reason to raise a glass.
