NATIONAL REFRESHMENT DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday in July since 2015
- FOUNDER
- Created in 2015 by Traveler Beer Company
- WHAT
- Toasts those pure moments of relief when the summer sun hits its peak and the dog days roll in
- VIBE
- Fun, relaxing, refreshing
NATIONAL REFRESHMENT DAY
When the summer sun hits its peak and the dog days of July roll in, nothing hits the spot quite like a tall, ice-cold drink. National Refreshment Day on the fourth Thursday in July toasts those pure moments of relief--whether it's an icy craft brew after a long work week, a chilled mocktail on the porch, or a crisp glass of lemonade at the beach.
#NationalRefreshmentDay
Whether you're at the beach or wrapping up a long day of work, it's nice to know there's a glass waiting for you somewhere. The dog days of summer call for coolers full of ice. Long weekends and vacation days beckon, too. Take a day and celebrate.
Refreshment Refresher
The concept of a "refreshment beer" dates back to 19th-century Europe, where farmworkers drank low-alcohol saisons or radlers (beer mixed with lemonade or soda) to stay hydrated during hot summer harvest days.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL REFRESHMENT DAY
Turn the fan on high, grab your bathing suit, and ice down the beer. Make the most of the dog days and raise a glass to Refreshment! Give a shout-out to your favorite brewery or craft beer. You can also try something new.
-
Set up a self-serve beverage bar for family, friends, or coworkers.
Provide light lagers, wheat beers, or ice water. Let your guests mix their own beverage using fresh juices, fresh slices of cucumber, mint, citrus, and herbs.
-
Set up a few recipes for guests to try:
Spiced Watermelon & Lime - Watermelon juice, lime, pinch of chili salt.
Cucumber-Cilantro Spritzer - Muddled cucumber, cilantro, vodka or soda, lime.
Cold Brew Tonic - Cold brew coffee poured over tonic water with an orange twist.
-
Play refreshment trivia during game night featuring beverage facts. The person with the most right answers gets to pick someone to make a beverage of their choice.
-
Create an online beverage bracket. Create an 8 drink poll and ask your followers and friends to vote for their summer favorite.
-
Share your beverage recipes and celebrations on social media using the hashtag #NationalBeverageDay.
NATIONAL REFRESHMENT DAY HISTORY
National Refreshment Day was created in May 2015 by the Traveler Beer Company, a craft brewery based in Burlington, Vermont. Known for creating European-style shandies (beer mixed with citrus or fruit flavors), the brewery established the holiday to celebrate the peak of summer and the simple joy of staying cool.
In 2015, the Registrar at the National Day Calendar officially declared the holiday to be celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in July—traditionally one of the warmest times of the year across North America.
