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MonFeb 24

World Bartender Day – February 24, 2025

World Bartender Day is celebrated across the globe every year on February 24. Bartenders are indispensable to the hospitality industry. Today, we cannot imagine a pub, bar, or nightclub without a bartender. They keep patrons well supplied with beverages, especially the alcoholic kind, and make sure that everyone is having a good time. If you are unsure about which drink to get or want to try something new, you are more likely to ask a bartender for help. Who knows, maybe this is how you will find your next favorite drink! The next time you enjoy a fun night out with your friends, don’t forget to thank the bartender.

History of World Bartender Day

Bartending might appear to be a modern profession, but it is one of the oldest professions known to man — the first bartending job was probably held in the 1400s. It is said to have emerged several thousand years ago in various locations such as Rome, Greece, and Asia. At the time, bartenders would have been the innkeepers and owners of alehouses who would make their own brews and liquors to serve the patrons.

It wasn’t until the 1800s that the common public would develop a somewhat favorable opinion of bartending and refrain from morally and ethically judging bartenders. This was when Jerry Thomas, the “father of bartending”, became popular for the special cocktails he created in his bars in New York City. Thomas was the first one to write a book on bartending, called The Bar-Tender’s Guide, alternatively referred to as How to Mix Drinks, which was published in 1862.

Since then, the profession of bartending has gained more respect for the creativity, skill, and attention to detail that is involved in creating, making, and serving up drinks — often to unruly customers. While the trade witnessed depression in the 1920s and early 1930s (when the United States went through a period of prohibition), bartenders have sprung back into action since then and today once cannot imagine a hospitality establishment without them. World Bartender Day celebrates the creative genius and talents of those at the bars all across the globe. The day might have emerged during a cocktail competition that happens in Australia and New Zealand, called The Perfect Blend.

World Bartender Day timeline

17th Century
The Earliest Use of the Word ‘Bar’

Before this, public drinking places were called taverns.

Early 20th Century
Widespread Prohibition

Countries like America prohibit the manufacturing and selling of alcohol.

1950s
Different Types of Bars

Sports bars, karaoke bars, and comedy bars start opening up.

2018
World Bartender Day

Australia and New Zealand create World Bartender Day at a cocktail-making event.

World Bartender Day FAQs

What do British people call a bartender?

In Britain, a bartender is called a barman irrespective of their skill set.

What is a female bartender called?

A female bartender may be addressed as a bar person or a barmaid.

Is there a professional name for bartenders?

The job title for a bartender may vary between businesses. Alternate job titles for this position include mixologist, barman, or barkeep.

World Bartender Day Activities

  1. Appreciate your bartender

    World Bartender Day is the day to appreciate the staff at your favorite bar. Remember to always be friendly to the bartender — something as small as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ can convey your appreciation.

  2. Tip generously

    Tip appropriately and generously on World Bartender Day to show how much their service is appreciated. It is said that approximately 55% of a bartender’s income comes through the kind tips of customers.

  3. Spread the word

    Grab a few friends or coworkers and head out to a bar after work. Don’t forget to share the day on social media so that other people know about it too.

5 Facts About Alcohol That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Our brain reacts to alcohol quickly

    It takes about six minutes after the first sip for us to feel tipsy.

  2. It has inspired many country songs

    One in five country songs is about alcohol.

  3. Milkshakes weren’t always meant for children

    Some earliest versions of milkshakes contained alcohol.

  4. Vodka is the world’s most popular alcohol

    Approximately five billion liters of vodka are consumed per year.

  5. Vodka can kill bad odors

    Spraying your clothes with vodka can kill odor-causing germs.

Why We Love World Bartender Day

  1. Celebrates one of the world's oldest professions

    World Bartender Day celebrates a profession that has been around since the 1400s. It’s truly a celebration of a long and rich legacy.

  2. Teaches us to be nicer

    World Bartender Day must be celebrated by appreciating and tipping bartenders. Thus, the day teaches us to be nicer and kinder to those who serve us.

  3. A day to say thanks

    While we cannot imagine a party without a bartender, we often forget to convey our thanks. World Bartender Day reminds us to say thanks to those who ensure that we are well supplied with our favorite drinks.

World Bartender Day dates

YearDateDay
2025February 24Monday
2026February 24Tuesday
2027February 24Wednesday
2028February 24Thursday
2029February 24Saturday

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