National Beverage Day

Created by the advertising committee of the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages, now the American Beverage Association, National Beverage Day was first held on Wednesday, May 7, 1924. Various newspapers reported it as also being called Bottled Carbonated Beverage Day, National Carbonated Beverage Day, and National Bottled Beverage Day.

On the first observance, many bottling plants and beverage dealers opened their doors and hosted open houses across the United States. The public was invited to see how carbonated beverages were bottled and made. Efforts were made to show that bottling was not only sanitary, but that carbonated drinks had health benefits. Beverage companies also hosted parades, celebrations, and contests. For example, the Salisbury Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Salisbury, Maryland, organized an essay contest where children could write a 1000-word essay on "How Coca-Cola is Bottled," with the grand prize being $20 in gold. Many bottling plants also gave out free carbonated drinks, and some gave out souvenirs.

The second National Beverage Day was held on Wednesday, May 6, 1925. Once again, open houses were held at bottling plants, where guests could see how bottling was done and were offered complimentary beverages. It was not only observed at bottling plants, but "at soda bars, soft drinks parlors and everywhere else that delicious and cooling soft drinks are served." According to one source, National Beverage Day was to be observed on the first Wednesday in May thereafter. However, newspaper records don't show National Beverage Day being held in 1926 or '27.

The holiday once again appeared in newspapers in 1928, this time being held on Tuesday, May 1. Visitors were invited to inspect the machinery and equipment at bottling plants "and observe the processes involved in producing superior bottled beverages." As before, complimentary beverages were served. There are no records of Beverage Day again until 2002. In the years since, it has continued to be observed, although the American Beverage Association is not involved with the day like the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages was in the 1920s. Restaurants have sometimes participated by giving out drinks. In general, National Beverage Day has been used to celebrate and drink all types of beverages, whether they be hot or cold, or non-alcoholic or made with alcohol.

How to Observe National Beverage Day

See if any bottling plants are hosting open houses in honor of the day and visit one. Keep an eye out for specials at restaurants and other locations that serve beverages. Drink many different beverages, including both hot and cold beverages, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, at home or at a restaurant, cafe, coffeehouse, bar, or pub. A shortlist of beverages to imbibe includes:

• beer or non-alcoholic beer
• cider
• cocktails
• coffee
• hot chocolate
• juice
• lemonade
• milk or chocolate milk
• milkshakes
• seltzer or tonic water
• smoothies
• soft drinks
• tea
• wine

Exclusive Content

Enjoying Checkiday? It takes a lot of support from fans like you to run a free website. For exclusive content and other perks, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Thank you!

Sponsor

This event does not currently have a sponsor. If you'd like to increase visibility for this event while gaining exposure for yourself or your brand, you can learn more here.

Something Wrong or Missing?

We would love to hear from you! Please contact us using this form.

Observation Notifications

Would you like to be notified before the next observation? Add this event directly to your calendar with this link. You may also sign up here to be told when other notifications are available!