Our professional team of bartending rockstars, masters, and gurus have teamed up to bring you a whole month of holidays to spark some creativity in your cocktail choices. You can share these on your social media, create product promotions, or just get your bartop feelin’ relaxed with a drink procured by you!
Sometimes all it takes is knowing that it’s National Chocolate Day to really sell the heck out of some rich dessert-based drinks. (Whatever marketing genius came up with this idea should get a raise.)
So, without further delay, let’s see what’s brewing for September’s Bartender Calendar, brought to you by your trusted pro’s over at Local Bartending School.
Bourbon Heritage Month is September! Pro Tip: If you work at a bar that wells a lot of bourbon or whiskey, you could focus on a new type of liquor each day. Make sure you have some talking points on the rich history and unique art of distilling.
September 1st – National Cherry Popover Day.
Say goodbye to sweet summer! Try creating a delicious cherry popover-themed cocktail and make it a fun special for the day.
September 2 – World Coconut Day.
Let’s see your best coconuts, folks!
September 3 – Skyscraper Day.
Live in a big city? Dedicate a cocktail to your city’s most-prized skyscraper. Chicagoans might pick the Sears Tower (yes, they still call it Sears) while NYC might create an Empire State drink.
September 4 – International Bacon Day.
Need we say more? If we do, you can get sizzling hot bacon cocktail tips from our instructors 1-on-1!
September 5 – Cheese Pizza Day.
You could craft your own cheesy drink. Or you could just serve cheese pizza today. The choice is yours.
September 6 – Labor Day (US).
Your regulars would love a nice themed drink to pair with their day off of work.
September 7 – National Beer Lover’s Day.
Calling all beer lovers, today is your day!
September 8 – National Ampersand Day.
Discount any drinks that have “and”, or an ampersand in the name. For example, gin & tonic or rum & coke!
September 9 – Teddy Bear Day.
The teddy bear was named after Teddy Roosevelt and there’s nothing that man loved more than a mint julep!
September 10 – International Canned Cocktail Day.
Can you offer discounts on all canned products? Today is the day to do exactly that.
September 11 – Banana Festival Day.
Go bananas! Banana-infused drinks pair quite well with rum.
September 12 – Grandparents Day.
Offer discounts to your regulars who are grandpas and grandmas! Or make a cocktail in honor of your own Granny!
September 13 – National Celiac Awareness Day.
Highlight your gluten-free drinks today.
September 14 – National Cream-Filled Donut Day.
Um, I might need a drink that tastes like a donut before then. Pass the maple syrup, please.
September 15 – Creme de Menthe Day.
I know you have an old bottle of creme de menthe in your well. Try running a special on mint martinis!
September 16 – Mexican Independence Day.
Did you know that the most popular cocktail in Mexico is a paloma? Simple and refreshing, the paloma is a tequila-based drink made with grapefruit soda or juice, tequila blanco, and lime and served on the rocks. This cocktail makes the perfect accompaniment to any spicy Mexican dishes you’ll be treating yourself to today..
September 17 – National Apple Dumpling Day.
Perfect for fall time, an apple-based cocktial sounds like the right way to celebrate September 17th.
September 18 – Grenache Day.
Dessert for dinner? Twist my arm!
September 19 – Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest is a famous celebration in Munich. Even though it’s canceled this year, you can certainly bring Oktoberfest to your bartop with specials, discounts, and live music.
September 20 – Rum Punch Day.
You don’t have to have a party to serve rum punch! There are tons of cocktail recipes for you to recreate this college house party staple.
September 21 – Miniature Golf Day.
For you mixologist, let’s see your cocktails that look like a gof course! Managers and leads, offer discounts with local mini-golf establishments for a mutually benefitical partnership.
September 22 – September Equinox or Fall Equinox.
The days will start to get longer, which means our drinks will need to be stronger. And taste like fall.
September 23 – Checkers Day and Dogs in Politics Day.
Bring your own dog and checkers.
September 24 (through the 30th) – Brandy Week
September 25 – National Comic Book Day.
Create a cocktail based on your favorite comic or superhero!
September 26 – Johnny Appleseed Day.
Now I’m craving a cider…
September 27 – National Crush a Can Day.
September 28 – Drink Beer Day.
People usually come to the bar to drink a beer, but today they have no choice.
September 29 – Coffee Day.
Coffee-based drinks are a win-win. You get a little buzz with your caffeine boost. Plus, coffee is great with all kinds of liquor including vodka and whiskey.
September 30 – National Mulled Wine Day.
If you’re in a cold climate, serve this drink warmed and in a coffee cup. Somewhere hot? Try an iced variation!
So there you have it, my friends. A list of holidays for bartenders. Like we mentioned earlier you can use these fun, random holidays to really boost your sales and check averages–all while having fun.
If you have a decent social media following, let your audience know you’re celebrating Grandparent’s Day and watch your bartop flood! Or, greet your guests with a quick little intro to the bar and definitely let them know you’re running specials for Grandparent’s Day. From there, you’ll sell the heck out of whatever it is you’re promoting!
Either way, you’re making more money.
We definitely recommend sharing this post and each of the fun days with your other bartenders, so you can all make a little extra money, all month long.
Do you need a little help getting to the point where you can create a cocktail based on Johnny Appleseed or throwing shakers in the air? We’re here to help! One of our instructors at Local Bartending School is ready to teach you everything you need to know about craft cocktails and mixology.
