Celebrated: March 24
Shake It Up: The Spirited History of Cocktails
It’s March 24, and that means one thing: it’s time to raise a glass to National Cocktail Day! From espresso martinis to spicy margaritas, cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re cultural snapshots, mood-setters, and Instagram content waiting to happen.
But did you know cocktails once carried a social stigma? In the 19th century, cocktails were mostly for the elite and, shockingly, men only. Women sipping mixed drinks in public? Taboo. Thankfully, we’ve shaken (and stirred) things up since then.
The History Behind the Buzz
History: Where Cocktails Came From
- 1806: The word cocktail first appeared in a New York publication, defined as “a stimulating liquor composed of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.”
- Prohibition Era: Bootleg alcohol led to the golden age of mixology—bartenders got creative to mask bad booze.
- Mid-Century Glamour: Martinis, Manhattans, and old fashioneds hit Hollywood. Think Mad Men, not marg pitchers.
- Modern Craft Movement: Artisan ingredients, small-batch bitters, and flavor science turned cocktails into liquid storytelling.
Fun & Fizzy Cocktail Facts
- The Margarita is America’s Favorite – According to Nielsen data, it consistently ranks as the #1 ordered cocktail in the U.S.
- Old Fashioned, New Reign – The Old Fashioned has been voted the world’s most popular cocktail for several years running by bartenders globally.
- First Female Bartender – Ada Coleman, head bartender at London’s Savoy Hotel in 1903, is credited with inventing the “Hanky Panky” cocktail.
- Mocktails Are Booming – The non-alcoholic cocktail market grew 7% in 2023 as more people seek booze-free options without sacrificing taste.
How to Celebrate National Cocktail Day
- Host a Home Happy Hour: Create a DIY cocktail bar with recipe cards and garnishes—don’t forget the mocktails!
- Learn the Classics: Master a few essential recipes—like the Negroni, Mojito, and French 75.
- Share Your Sips: Snap your cocktail creations and tag #NationalCocktailDay and your favorite bar or mixologist.
- Test Your Knowledge: Run a cocktail trivia night with friends or colleagues (Pro tip: Certivance has food & drink safety quizzes you can borrow inspiration from!)
Alcohol Safety Tips from Certivance
Whether you're a bar owner, event caterer, or beverage brand, cocktail safety and compliance matters:
- Alcohol Handling: Keep infused liquors and mixers refrigerated if they contain perishables (e.g., fresh fruit, dairy, eggs).
- Proper Labeling: Any cocktail to-go or RTD (ready-to-drink) product must meet state/local labeling and packaging laws.
- Cross-Contamination: Bars should have clear protocols for separating allergen-heavy garnishes (e.g., dairy, nuts, egg whites).
- Certifications Matter: From responsible alcohol service training to food safety plans, Certivance can help keep your license—and your patrons—safe.
Partner with Certivance
Whether you're mixing mojitos or bottling botanicals, safety and compliance are essential to your cocktail’s success. From alcohol service certification to label reviews and allergen management, Certivance helps beverage professionals stay audit-ready.
🍸 Get certified, stay compliant, and raise your glass the right way at Certivance.com
