National Repeal Day – December 5, 2026

National Repeal Day
Categories:
Tags:
Liquor
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every December 5
Holiday emoji:
🥂

National Repeal Day celebrates the end of Prohibition on December 5. This day commemorates the ratification of the 21st Amendment in 1933, restoring Americans’ legal right to consume alcohol. Raise a glass to freedom, visit a speakeasy-themed bar, or discover new craft beverages.

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Expected National Repeal Day Deals

For National Repeal Day, expect bars and restaurants nationwide to roll out Prohibition-era cocktail specials and themed parties. While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows distilleries like Maker’s Mark and breweries such as Samuel Adams often highlight their heritage. Look for deals from major retailers like Total Wine & More and local liquor stores. Craft cocktail brands like Curio Cocktails and spirit brands such as Hendrick’s Gin may also offer special kits or promotions. Food delivery services like Drizly and Instacart might feature discounts on alcohol deliveries. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 5 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Repeal Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalRepealDay. Share your favorite Prohibition-era cocktail recipes or speakeasy-themed party photos.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalRepealDay. Film a ‘then and now’ video contrasting 1920s fashion with modern celebration styles.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalRepealDay. Tweet about your favorite historical facts from the Prohibition era or local Repeal Day events.

Social Media Tips for National Repeal Day

Individuals

Host a private speakeasy gathering with friends, complete with period costumes, jazz music, and classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Bee's Knees.

Creators

Create content showcasing the history of Prohibition, interview a mixologist about classic cocktails, or review local bars with Repeal Day specials.

Brands

Run a themed promotion offering discounts on spirits, host a virtual cocktail-making class, or collaborate with local bars for exclusive Repeal Day events.

Top Brands for National Repeal Day

  1. Diageo

    Formed in 1997 through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness, Diageo is a global leader in alcoholic beverages. Its portfolio includes many historic brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness, some of which navigated or were impacted by the Prohibition era.

  2. Anheuser-Busch InBev

    Founded in 1852 in St. Louis, Missouri, Anheuser-Busch is one of America's oldest and largest brewers. During Prohibition, the company famously pivoted to producing non-alcoholic products like Bevo, a cereal beverage, to keep its operations afloat.

  3. Bacardi

    Established in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba, Bacardi rum became a popular choice during Prohibition. Its Caribbean location allowed Americans to easily travel and consume alcohol, contributing to its rise in popularity and association with the era.

  4. Four Roses Bourbon

    Founded in 1888, Four Roses is a Kentucky Bourbon distillery with a unique history. It was one of only six distilleries granted permission to produce medicinal whiskey during Prohibition, allowing it to maintain its operations and heritage.

  5. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)

    DISCUS is the national trade association representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the U.S. Founded in 1933, the year Prohibition ended, it has since advocated for responsible alcohol consumption and fair market practices.

  6. Jack Daniel's

    Established in 1866 by Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel, this iconic Tennessee whiskey brand faced significant challenges during Prohibition. While production ceased, the brand's legacy and popularity endured, leading to a strong resurgence post-repeal.

  7. Death & Co

    A renowned cocktail bar and hospitality company, Death & Co opened its first location in New York City in 2006, drawing inspiration from the speakeasy era. They are celebrated for their innovative approach to classic cocktails and sophisticated ambiance.

National Repeal Day Hero

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. President, played a pivotal role in ending Prohibition. Upon his election in 1932, he campaigned on repealing the 18th Amendment. On December 5, 1933, his signature on the proclamation ratifying the 21st Amendment officially ended the 13-year ban on alcohol, fulfilling a key promise and ushering in a new era.

National Repeal Day timeline

1919
Put that bottle down

The 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution passes, paving the way for prohibition

1920
Seriously put it down

Prohibition comes into effect

1932
A big election

Roosevelt is elected on the promise of repealing prohibition

1933
Pick that bottle up

Sure enough, Roosevelt passes the 21st amendment, repealing prohibition

National Repeal Day FAQs

When is National Repeal Day?

National Repeal Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, December 5, marking the anniversary of the 21st Amendment’s ratification. It’s the perfect weekend to toast to the freedom of choice.

How many states ratified the 21st Amendment?

The 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition, was ratified by 36 states. Utah was the final state to ratify it on December 5, 1933, effectively ending the nationwide ban on alcohol.

What was the economic impact of Prohibition?

Prohibition had a significant negative economic impact, leading to a loss of billions in tax revenue for federal, state, and local governments. It also fueled the growth of organized crime and illegal alcohol production.

What was the Volstead Act?

The Volstead Act was the federal law enacted to enforce the 18th Amendment (Prohibition). It defined intoxicating liquors and outlined the penalties for their production, sale, and transportation, remaining in effect from 1920 to 1933.

National Repeal Day Activities

  1. Throw a party at your local speakeasy

    Many former speakeasies have since turned into regular bars in cities across the country, which means you can book one and throw a 1920s-themed party for your friends without worrying about the police showing up, unless things get really out of control.

  2. Try a new cocktail

    Moscow Mules, Margaritas, Martinis, Manhattans, Daiquiris, Negronis, Old Fashioneds, that’s seven cocktails we just listed, which should be enough to see even a pretty sturdy horse off for the evening. So why stay stuck in a rut when there are all those fascinating combinations to try!

  3. Don’t forget the mocktails!

    Seriously, not everyone drinks, and that’s cool. There are an increasing number of cocktail practitioners learning the art of mocktailmaking, and whether you’re the designated driver or simply moderating your intake for any reason, we really do recommend checking out some of the amazing flavor combinations on offer at the non-alcoholic end of the menu. Particularly if it’s getting late and you’re having that conversation about whether one more drink is a good idea!

Why We Love National Repeal Day

  1. It’s the only holiday written in our constitution

    The repeal of the 18th Amendment is the only national holiday written into our constitution, following passage of the 33rd Amendment in 1933. That means you’re practically doing your patriotic duty by celebrating it, which is one of many good excuses you can use for showing up bleary-eyed for work tomorrow morning!

  2. Flapper wear is awesome

    Flappers were women known for their unconventional style and behavior, with their own hairstyles and ways of dressing such as short skirts (gasp!). We love the flapper look, and are inspired by the feminist and empowering messages that go with it. Men also dressed better in the 1920s, including suspenders and pinstripe suits.

  3. Alcohol can be nice nice

    To be honest, we enjoy drinking alcohol in all its forms. Apart from the relaxing effect, we’re suckers for those articles saying drink a glass of red wine because it helps reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So that’s three glasses of red wine we’re allowed to drink, right there, just for its health benefits. And then there are cocktails... we also love cocktails. And beer. Beer is...also nice.

National Repeal Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 December 5 Saturday
2027 December 5 Sunday
2028 December 5 Tuesday
2029 December 5 Wednesday
2030 December 5 Thursday