When Is National Bartender Appreciation Day?

If you've ever enjoyed a perfectly crafted cocktail or received exceptional service at your favorite bar, you've likely appreciated the skill and artistry of a talented bartender. Behind every great drink and every memorable night out, there's often a bartender who deserves recognition for their craft.

So, when exactly do we celebrate these hardworking mixologists? Let’s talk about National Bartender Day, also known as National Bartender Appreciation Day.

When is National Bartender Day?

National Bartender Day is always the first Friday in December.

That puts Bartender Appreciation Day’s date on December 6th in 2024, December 5th in 2025, and December 4th in 2026.

Why December? Bartenders are busiest between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, so early December is a good time to show them some extra love.

National Bartender Appreciation Day is not to be confused with World Bartender Day, which is always observed on February 24th. Of course, you don’t have to pick one or the other – you can celebrate both!

History of National Bartender Appreciation Day

National Bartender Day was introduced by Sailor Jerry Rum in 2011, so it’s a fairly new phenomenon.

Bartending, on the other hand, has a much longer history. The earliest references to bartending go back to ancient Mesopotamia where taverns served beer to patrons. For centuries, places like taverns and pubs served beer, wine, and spirits and served an important role as social gathering places.

Cocktails and mixology as we know it now began as early as the 1800s and came into full swing in the early 1900s. Many classic cocktails were invented in underground speakeasies during Prohibition.

How To Celebrate National Bartender Day

What can you do to celebrate National Bartender Appreciation Day? We have some ideas!

Raise a Glass

This is one holiday where buying something for yourself is a perfectly acceptable way to celebrate, so go to your favorite bar and start a tab!

While you’re there, you can toast your bartender and let them know how much you appreciate them.

Show Gratitude with Gratuity

While buying your bartender a beer sounds like a great way to show your appreciation in theory, drinking on the job can sometimes get alcohol servers in big trouble.

The better solution?  Tip generously so they can kick back with a drink in their off hours.

The rule of thumb for tipping bartenders is at least $1 for a simple drink (like wine or beer) and $2-3 per cocktail. Bartenders still prefer getting tips in cash!

Ask For Their Favorite

Get to know your bartender a little better by asking them to make you their favorite cocktail. It’s always great to try something new, and now you’ll know their order like they know yours!

Drink Responsibly

The hardest part about bartending isn’t remembering orders, concocting drink recipes, or listening to your troubles – it’s that bartenders have a legal obligation to follow and enforce liquor laws.

The best way to thank your bartender in December or any other time of year is to be a responsible customer. This means:

• Be polite and respectful to the staff and your fellow customers,
• Don’t sneak drinks to someone without valid ID,
• Monitor your own alcohol intake and stop while you’re ahead,
• Accept gracefully if the bartender refuses service or cuts you off, and
• Make plans for getting home safely before you even arrive.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only enjoy yourself and stay safe, you’ll make your bartender’s job a little easier!

Serve Responsibly With TIPS

As we raise our glasses to toast the incredible bartenders who bring joy to our lives, let's also take a moment to consider the critical role of responsible alcohol service. Whether you're a bartender, a hospitality professional, or simply someone who enjoys a good cocktail, investing in proper training can make a world of difference.

That's why we recommend enrolling in a TIPS alcohol certification course. Our courses teach individuals how to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. By completing a TIPS course, you not only enhance your own skills but also contribute to creating safer and more responsible drinking environments. Visit our website to get started today!