Are you itching to pull a prank on someone this April Fool’s Day? Perhaps you’re looking for disgusting (or deceptively delicious) April Fool’s Day drinks and snacks to have out at your party. Or, you just want to read a little about this fun day and when it started. We have all of this information for you – and more – as you read on. And, we promise not to ask you to pull our finger!

What Is April Fool’s Day?

April Fool’s Day is, nowadays, just a silly day to pull pranks on your friends and family (if they’re ok with that!). Keep an eye on the internet on April Fool’s Day – some of the most hilarious fake products and ideas drop on this day, and most major corporations that have a sense of humor get in on it. Just remember not to believe anything you hear on this day!

Fun Fact:  Don’t forget to shout “April Fools!” This let’s people know you’re just kidding around.

When Is April Fool’s Day?

As most people know, April Fool’s Day falls on April 1st every year. In 2023, April Fool’s Day is on a Saturday, and in 2024 it will be on a Monday. In 2025, this holiday will fall on a Tuesday, and in 2026 on a Wednesday. 2027 will see April Fool’s Day on a Thursday.

What Is the History of April Fool’s Day?

Unfortunately, the exact origins of April Fools’ Day are unknown, but this fun holiday is thought to have originated in France in the 15th century. There are, however, a few theories about this holiday came to be, so let’s have some fun and take a peek:

One theory is that April Fools’ Day is related to the spring equinox, which falls on March 20 or 21. It is suggested that April Fools’ Day was created as a way to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Another theory is that April Fools’ Day is related to the Feast of Fools, which was a medieval holiday that was celebrated on January 1st – the start of the new year when the Gregorian calendar became more widely popular. The Feast of Fools was a time for people to “eat, drink, and be merry.” Perhaps April Fools’ Day was “created” as a way to continue the festivities of the Feast of Fools after its proper holiday was moved to the beginning of the year.

You may also find mention of a holiday in Ancient Rome: “Hilaria.” At the end of March, Romans would celebrate the resurrection of Attis – a Roman God of vegetation, with specific focus on the death of it in winter and rebirth of it in spring. Regardless of the origin, we do know that this holiday dates back to at least the Renaissance era in Europe.

Whatever the origins of April Fools’ Day, it is now a popular holiday celebrated around the world. People of all ages enjoy playing practical jokes and hoaxes on their friends and family. April Fools’ Day is not only a day for fun and laughter, but it is also a great way to celebrate the start of spring!

Fun Fact: We don’t know when the “first” April Fool’s Day was. Perhaps that’s just part of the fun for this holiday!

How Can I Celebrate April Fools Day?

Celebrating April Fool’s Day can look different for different people, depending on what they like to do in their spare time! For example, some people might just have a normal work day while keeping an eye on Twitter – the internet is notorious for super fun jokes on April Fool’s Day. 

Here are a few ideas to help you have some extra fun on April Fool’s Day:

Throw a Fun Party

April Fool’s is one of the only times you may be able to pull jokes on your friends and family – and get away with it! Fun parties might involve snacks that look like gross things, drinks that might be unappetizing, or a hyper-realistic cake (like those fun ones that look like raw packaged hamburger!).

Go Visit a Local Distillery

If you’re into distillery tours, April Fool’s Day just might be the perfect excuse to take a day and go visit a distillery near you. You can use our “by-state” page to help you find local distilleries to experience and enjoy. Perhaps you could even invite a friend or loved one, tell them it’s something else, and then surprise them with a distillery tour!

Sip On Some Fun Drinks

Cocktails are so versatile – you can really do anything with them. And, on April Fool’s Day, this really comes in handy. If you’re looking for some April Fool’s Day drinks, we have several listed for you in the next section. You might need some funky ingredients, though, like Powerade powder, raw eggs, Jägermeister, curacao, and oysters?

What Are Some Fun Drinks for April Fool’s Day?

Now, keep in mind that these drinks might not be for everybody! Be prepared to waste some of your ingredients in the spirit of this holiday. It will be tons of fun for everyone, though.

The “Oyster Shooter”

If you’re feeling fancy at your April Fool’s Day cocktail party, you have to try these shots. First, place a raw oyster in a shot glass, then add 1 oz vodka, ½ oz lemon juice, and a teaspoon of cocktail sauce. Stir it all together gently, then garnish with a lemon wedge. Make sure people drink these like shots!

The “Prairie Chicken”

This is another good “dare” drink to try at your party – perhaps there could be a competition! For this “cocktail,” crack an egg into 2 oz of gin, then sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Is anyone up for the challenge?

The “Bong Water Shot”

For something that actually tastes good (and looks great), the Bong Water Shot is a great party shot. To make this shot, pour 1 oz melon liqueur into a shot glass, then layer on an ounce of orange juice. Finally, gently layer a ½ oz of Jägermeister on top.

“LA Water”

This drink looks absolutely disgusting, but it tastes great. And that’s just perfect for April Fool’s Day, we think. To make yourself a glass of LA Water, stir a ½ oz of the following ingredients into a tall glass with ice: vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, melon liqueur, raspberry liqueur, blue curacao, and sweet & sour. Garnish with a cherry and orange wedge!

The “April Fool”

This delightful little cocktail isn’t really a cocktail at all, and your guests might get a huge kick out of it. Make sure to serve this “drink” in a fancy martini glass and maybe even save a few spirits bottles (vodka or gin and vermouth, maybe) to trick everyone!

Pour out 2 ½ oz of your “vodka water” and ½ oz of your “vermouth water” into a shaker with ice, faux-mix it, then strain into a martini glass with ice. Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist and watch your guests crack up – then get them a real drink.

Distillery Nearby: Your Source for Local Spirits to Make Delicious Cocktails

Here at Distillery Nearby, we love helping you support local, craft distilleries. This is why we list all of America’s distilleries by state for you – this way, you can easily find distilleries near you to check out, go to a tasting at, and order from online. We love supporting local businesses and know that you do, too! So, take a peek at your local listings and see what new spirit you want to try for April Fool’s Day.