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World Cocktail Day
Cocktails Everyone Should Try
World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to raise a glass and celebrate the art of a great drink.
As the days get longer and summer starts knocking on the door, it’s time to bring out refreshing bourbon cocktails that are easy to mix and even easier to enjoy. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, watching the game with friends, or just relaxing on the patio, a smooth bourbon like Jim Beam is the perfect starting point for simple, crowd-pleasing cocktails.
The Origin of World Cocktail Day
World Cocktail Day is celebrated every year on May 13, marking the anniversary of the first recorded definition of a cocktail in 1806. On that day, a New York newspaper described a cocktail as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters—laying the foundation for the drinks we know and love today.
Since then, cocktails have evolved into an entire culture of creativity and celebration. From classic recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on timeless drinks, this day is all about appreciating the craft of mixing flavors and sharing good times with great company.
World Cocktail Day Classic Highballs Ideas
BEAM AND LEMONADE
Nothing says warm weather quite like lemonade. Mixing Jim Beam with fresh lemonade and soda water creates a bright, refreshing drink that’s perfect for sunny afternoons and backyard hangouts. The citrusy sweetness in this bourbon whiskey lemonade pairs beautifully with bourbon’s smooth vanilla and oak notes, making it an easy go-to cocktail when you want something light, simple, and refreshing.
Ginger Highball
This bourbon and ginger cocktail is a classic for a reason. Combine Jim Beam with ginger ale over ice and you get a crisp cocktail with a little spice and a lot of refreshment. The ginger’s subtle bite balances the smooth character of the bourbon, making it an easy drink to enjoy whether you’re relaxing after work or celebrating with friends.
BEAM & COLA
The bourbon cola is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. Pour Jim Beam over ice, top with cola, and you’ve got a smooth, balanced cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. The caramel notes of the cola complement the rich flavors of the bourbon, creating a simple drink that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Other Ways to Celebrate This Day!
World Cocktail Day isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the moments you share around it. Whether you're throwing a party, gathering with friends, or trying something new behind the bar, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion with a little bourbon in hand.
Host a Backyard BBQ
As May rolls in, barbecue season starts to heat up. World Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, gather your crew, and serve up easy whiskey cocktails that keep the good times going. Highballs, Beam and Lemonade, or a classic Beam & Cola are simple to make, easy to share, and just right for a laid-back backyard barbecue.
Gather for a Big Match Night
Soccer season is here, and that means more reasons to bring everyone together. Whether you're hosting friends at home or tuning in with your crew, easy game day drinks help set the tone from kickoff to the final play. A simple Jim Beam highball is refreshing, easy to make, and just right for a late-spring match night filled with big moments, loud cheers, and good company.
Explore New Flavors
If you already love a classic Beam & Cola, World Cocktail Day is the perfect time to try a fresh take on it. Swapping Jim Beam for Jim Beam Red Stag, our cherry bourbon, gives this easy serve into a Red Stag & Coke— a bold black cherry twist on a familiar favorite. It’s a simple change that makes the drink feel a little more unexpected, flavorful, and summer-ready, while keeping everything that makes the original so easy to enjoy.
Happy World Cocktail Day 2026!
World Cocktail Day is all about celebrating great drinks, good company, and the creativity behind every cocktail. It’s also the perfect warm-up for another big date on the calendar: National Bourbon Day on June 14. So mix up a Jim Beam cocktail, enjoy the start of summer, and get ready to raise another glass to bourbon soon.
Cheers!
