World Bartender Day: A History & How to Mix One Up in Their Honor

Did you know that “World Bartender Day” is an official holiday? That’s right – there’s a whole day set aside to honor these pivotal members of our communities! In this post, we’re going to take a look at what World Bartender Day is, who founded it, some of the history behind it, and – of course – some mixed bartender drinks you can shake up in honor of your local bartender. And, don’t forget to go into your local pub or bar, order a drink, and tip your bartender well on World Bartender Day!

What Is World Bartender Day?

World Bartender Day is an international holiday that celebrates the role bartenders have played in modern society. They don’t usually get much praise, but their presence is always expected at an establishment where alcoholic beverages are served! Plus, their knowledge about spirits and mixed drinks is often consulted when patrons aren’t sure what to order.

Fun Fact: Bartenders can also be called barkeeps, mixologists, or barmen.

When Is World Bartender Day?

This international holiday happens on the 24th day of February, every year. This holiday doesn’t move around like some other holidays. In 2023, World Bartender Day falls on a Friday – the perfect night to go out with friends and show your local bartender some appreciation. In 2024, it will fall on a Saturday, in 2025 on a Monday, in 2026 on a Tuesday, and in 2027 on a Wednesday.

What’s the History of World Bartender Day?

History suggests that the earliest use of the word “bar” was in the 1700s – before this, drinking spaces were called “taverns!” The word bar evolved to include more and more food, sports games, pool, comedy, music, and even karaoke! In the early 20th century, bars were shut down due to Prohibition. This severely hurt the bartending industry that had become popular across the country. When Prohibition ended, bars opened back up, proving their resilience and ability to bounce back.

The official holiday, World Bartender Day, was first celebrated in Australia and New Zealand – this was a cocktail-making event. It seems quite fitting to us!

Who Was the First Bartender?

While we don’t exactly know who the first true bartender was, we do know who published the first book about bartending. Jerry Thomas, in 1862, published his bartender’s “guide.” However, America had been mixing up single-serve beverages for many years before that. It’s commonly accepted that the quintessential “bar” is an American invention – but why?

One source follows the Mint Julep to learn more about America’s mixed drink history. This drink, popular in Virginia, uses lots of ice – which gives us a clue about the mixed drink phenomenon, too. Ice didn’t become readily available in Virginia until the 1780s – so, we know that cold, traditional mixed drinks likely popped up after this. It’s also highly possible that, due to the timeframe, our nation’s Black American heritage plays highly into modern mixology culture. After all, we already know how central our nation’s Black heritage is to modern distilling!

Of course, all of this is speculation, but it just goes to show how American ingenuity and our rich diversity and history (even though some of it is less than pleasant) can come together to create a beloved pastime and delicious array of beverages. Bars in other parts of the world are even called “American bars,” thanks to our collective invention of the bar as we know it.

What Do Bartenders Do?

So, what do bartenders do? It might seem like a pretty straightforward job – after all, they’re just mixing alcohol, right?

However, bartenders are actually responsible for much more than that. They also need to memorize drink recipes and be able to mix them quickly all while conversing with patrons and keeping them happy. Bartenders are also responsible for keeping the bar clean and making sure everyone calls a cab if they’ve had one too many!

Bartenders have a big job that doesn’t always get appreciated – this is why World Bartender Day is a great holiday. It helps us remember and raise awareness for the hard work that bartenders put into their craft.

Is There a Bartending School?

While anyone can mix drinks at home, it takes a certain skill set to mix drinks as a job. This is why there are local and national bartending schools where you can train to become certified as a mixologist. These schools can even teach you how to work well under pressure – a common necessity in today’s bar scene. One such example is National Bartenders. If you’re looking at how to become a bartender, a local school is a great place to start.

What Kinds of Spirits Do Bartenders Use?

If you can name it, it’s on a bartender’s shelf. The allure of a bar is that the bartender can, realistically, make you anything – all you need to do is ask. There may even be multiple options for different spirits, allowing you to choose your flavor profile. Or, you can simply ask for a certain whiskey – neat or on the rocks. This is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the spirits and other ingredients bartenders use, but it’ll give you a good idea of what they’re working with:

  • Whiskey, bourbon, and scotch
  • A variety of light and dark rums
  • Regular and flavored vodkas
  • A variety of liqueurs in many flavors (including cream and coffee liqueurs)
  • Clear tequila, aged tequila, and mezcal
  • A variety of white and red wines
  • Many kinds of beers
  • Iced tea and other beverages
  • A variety of sparkling beverages like club soda and tonic water
  • Various gins
  • A variety of bitters
  • Fresh fruits like lemon, orange, and berries
  • Drink mixes to add flavor like strawberry or tomato juice
  • Ice for frozen drinks
  • Eggs for egg whites in whipped drinks
  • Toppings like cinnamon sugar, and salt and sugar for rimming glasses
  • Maraschino cherries, olives, and other toppings
  • And so much more!

What Kinds of Tools Do Bartenders Use?

Bartenders also use many different tools to mix up drinks for patrons. You’ll probably see the cocktail shaker most often, with its straining attachment. However, there are other ways to make drinks, too. Some frozen drinks will require a blender, and others will just be mixed up in your glass. Bartenders usually have towels and washcloths readily available to clean up spills. 

You will also find measurement apparatuses so that your bartender can produce a consistent product if they aren’t experienced enough to pour by feeling. These may be straight measuring cups or more elaborate “jiggers.” Bartenders also frequently use “bar spoons,” which are long, straight mixing spoons.

Are Bartenders Performers, Too?

Some bartenders are also performers, and there’s no official term for this. Have you ever seen those mixologists who spin bottles, toss cocktail mixers, and pour from incredible distances? If so, you have witnessed a rare art form of bar performing. These bartenders usually get better tips and better engagement from patrons, but it takes a lot of time and experience to hone these skills, so hiring a performing mixologist will be much more expensive.

Popular Bartender Drinks & Recipes:

As far as cocktails are concerned, bartenders pour out the most popular drinks in the country. From the screwdriver to the Moscow mule, these five bartender drinks are quintessential American favorites:

The Old-Fashioned

Ingredients

1.5 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

1 sugar cube

2 dashes bitters

A few dashes of water

Garnish: cocktail cherries and orange slices

Old-Fashioned Recipe

Muddle the bitters, sugar, cherries, orange slice, and water in an old-fashioned glass. Remove the fibrous remains of the fruit, then add bourbon and ice. Stir, then garnish.

The Bloody Mary

Ingredients

3 oz tomato juice

⅓ oz lemon juice

3 dashes Worcestershire sauce

1.5 oz vodka

Garnish: Celery salt, pepper, tabasco, lemon wedge, and celery stalk

Bloody Mary Recipe

Mix all components together and add seasonings to taste. Stir with the celery stalk and serve.

The Cosmopolitan

Ingredients

1 oz lime juice

1 dash cranberry juice

1.5 oz Cointreau

1.5 oz vodka

Garnish: lime wedge

Cosmopolitan Recipe

Vigorously shake the lime juice, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and vodka in cracked ice. Strain into a large martini glass and garnish with lemon or lime.

The Moscow Mule

Ingredients

¼ oz lime juice

1.5 oz vodka

4 oz ginger beer

Garnish: lime wedge

Serving: copper mug

Moscow Mule Recipe:

Warning: This drink is traditionally poured into a copper mug – this changes the flavor significantly as the beverage erodes the copper, but it should be noted that copper in excess can be dangerous.

Gently mix the ingredients with ice into a glass or copper mug, then garnish.

The Screwdriver

Ingredients

1 ¾ oz vodka

3 ½ oz orange juice

Garnish: orange wedge

Screwdriver Recipe

This recipe is very straightforward. Simply combine the ingredients, mix, and add ice. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Distillery Nearby: Finding Local Spirits for Your World Bartender Day Drink Recipes

If you’re looking for local spirits to try in your cocktails, check out our “by state” page where you can filter local distilleries and find a new spirit to try!

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