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How to celebrate World Gin Day

Many of us will crack out our favourite bottle of gin on special occasions. Be it a classic Gin & Tonic to toast an anniversary or a Hot Negroni to add to the Christmas cheer, gin can elevate the celebrations and help make lasting memories. However, did you know that there’s a day that raises a glass to gin itself?

World Gin Day is an annual ode to the juniper-flavoured spirit and brings people from around the world together to revel in its aromatic pleasures and rich history. 

If you want to join in on the fun, this guide tells you when World Gin Day is, gives some great ideas for how to celebrate, and of course, shares some delicious gin cocktail recipes that will help add to the festivities.

 

ALL GIN COCKTAILS

what date is world gin day?

Many of us will crack out our favourite bottle of gin on special occasions. Be it a classic Gin & Tonic to toast an anniversary or a Hot Negroni to add to the Christmas cheer, gin can elevate the celebrations and help make lasting memories. However, did you know that there’s a day that raises a glass to gin itself?

World Gin Day is an annual ode to the juniper-flavoured spirit and brings people from around the world together to revel in its aromatic pleasures and rich history. 

If you want to join in on the fun, this guide tells you when World Gin Day is, gives some great ideas for how to celebrate, and of course, shares some delicious gin cocktail recipes that will help add to the festivities.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST WORLD GIN DAY?

The inaugural World Gin Day was poured into existence by gin enthusiast Neil Houston in 2009 in Birmingham. However, the celebration as we know it today is the work of Emma Stokes, aka GinMonkey and the author of The Periodic Table of Cocktails.

Emma and Neil were already friends brought together by their passion for gin and so in 2010, they decided to bring the celebration to a little gin bar in London, inviting some of Emma’s friends along to enjoy the day with them.

In 2013, Emma officially took charge of World Gin Day on account of Neil’s work commitments and over the past decade, has driven the occasion to new heights. This annual celebration has grown year on year, uniting over 200 million gin lovers on social media alone.

WHY IS WORLD GIN DAY CELEBRATED?

World Gin Day started as a way for Neil to bring his friends together to drink gin. All this time later, it’s still about people sharing their love of the spirit.

World Gin Day is a jubilant tribute to the rich history, diverse flavours, and cultural significance of gin. It’s a day to honour the producers who craft this botanical masterpiece and the mixologists who create wonderful cocktails with it. It’s a day to relish in the huge variety and complex profiles of gin from brands all over the world. Beyond the enjoyment of gin itself, this day also fosters community, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for the finer things in life.

WHERE IS WORLD GIN DAY CELEBRATED?

From bustling cities to quaint villages, World Gin Day is celebrated wherever there are enthusiasts eager to raise a glass in gin’s honour.

Over 30 countries run World Gin Day events so whether you find yourself in London, New York, Tokyo, or Sydney, you’re sure to encounter spirited gatherings dedicated to the art of gin.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER DAYS THAT CELEBRATE GIN?

If you don’t want to wait a whole year between each World Gin Day, the good news is that there are other occasions throughout the year that pay homage to the spirit. The USA celebrates National Gin and Tonic Day on the 9th of April, while there’s an International Gin and Tonic Day on the 19th of October. 

There’s also a day specifically for Scottish gin which takes place on the 24th of October and the whole month of January has been given the moniker ‘Ginuary’, where shops and artisans have special offers available on their gin.

HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD GIN DAY

World Gin Day is all about enjoying everything gin and how you do that is totally up to you! You can choose to mark the day with friends, spend it solo or seek out other enthusiasts in your local area. 

If you’re stuck for ideas on how to celebrate, we’ve put together a list to help give you some inspiration:

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HOST A GIN TASTING

Gather together your nearest and dearest to sample an array of gins. From classic London Dry Gin to fruit-infused varieties such as Peach & Raspberry or Zesty Lemon, there’s a gin for every palate to discover. You could even ask every guest to bring a bottle to increase the number of gins you all get to try.

As you look, smell, and sip each gin, make notes about your experience. Jot down the scents and flavours you can detect and then compare your findings with your friends. If you want to get really serious with your gin tasting, use scoring sheets or cards so that at the end, you can rank the gins according to everyone’s critique.

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VISIT A GIN DISTILLERY

You can take your appreciation for gin to the next level by embarking on a behind-the-scenes tour of a gin distillery. Witness the intricate process of gin-making firsthand and gain insight into the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

The Beefeater distillery is nestled in the heart of Kennington in London. Visit it and you’ll learn about how our founder, James Burrough, created our award-winning gin through an immersive exhibition where you can smell the botanicals we use and taste the finished product.

VISIT OUR DISTILLERY
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head to a gin bar

A visit to your local gin bar is a great way to make the most of World Gin Day. Immerse yourself in the ambience as you sip on expertly crafted cocktails, each one a testament to the creativity and innovation of mixology. While you can stick to your favourite drinks, it’s also a great opportunity to try something new. Ask the bartender what they’d recommend!

GO TO A LOCAL WORLD GIN DAY EVENT

World Gin Day events are held across the world so there’s a good chance that there will be something fun happening near where you are. Keep a look out online for bars, restaurants, and distilleries advertising special evenings or experiences.

GET CRAFTY WITH EMPTY GIN BOTTLES

Channel your inner DIY enthusiast and transform empty gin bottles into stylish decor pieces or functional accessories. From vases and lamps to artwork and glasses, the possibilities are endless when creativity meets craftsmanship. Gather your tools, glue, and any anything else you need and see what you can make.

THROW A GIN COCKTAIL PARTY

Elevate your hosting game by throwing a themed gin cocktail party for your friends and loved ones. Shake up signature cocktails, whip up delicious gin-infused treats, and revel in the atmosphere that comes from combining good company and great spirits.

COCKTAILS YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME TO CELEBRATE WORLD GIN DAY

If you’re marking World Gin Day with a party at your place, then offering a menu of great gin cocktails is a must. You can have a mixture of classic drinks alongside signature serves and even have everything your guests will need to concoct their own unique beverages.

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GIN BASIL SMASH

Easy but elegant, a Gin Basil Smash combines Beefeater London Dry Gin, lemon juice, sugar, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil for a cocktail that is a little sweet, a little savoury but incredibly refreshing.

RECIPE HERE
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GIN MARTIN

There’s something so sophisticated about a timeless Gin Martini. Maybe it’s the shape of the glass. Maybe it’s the simplicity of the garnish. Or maybe it’s because it’s just two ingredients, gin and vermouth, that work together perfectly.

RECIPE HERE
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PINK STRAWBERRY BRAMBLE

If you love sweet, fruity flavours, you won’t go far wrong with our Pink Strawberry Bramble, which offers a twist on a Bramble cocktail. Made with our Pink Gin and garnished with a fresh sprig of mint, this drink looks as good as it tastes.

RECIPE HERE
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passionfruit ginita

World Gin Day is in June, so it makes sense to want a cocktail that is going to keep you cool in the warm summer weather. A Passionfruit Ginita is a great choice – it’s like a slushie, but for adults. There’s a wonderful tang that comes from passionfruit while lemonade adds a touch of fizz.

RECIPE HERE
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lemon GIN & TONIC

A classic cocktail with a citrusy new take, the Lemon Gin & Tonic uses Beefeater Zesty Lemon to add tartness to this drink. It can be made in just a few minutes, but your guests are guaranteed to still be talking about it hours after their final sips.

RECIPE HERE

For more inspiration on drinks for the upcoming World Gin Day, have a look at our recipes for easy gin cocktails and party cocktails.

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