Celebrate World Gin Day The Second Saturday in June
Ah, gin. The juniper-based spirit without which a gin and tonic would be just … Well, boring! This refreshing spirit deserves a day of its own, and that’s just what World Gin Day is!
Gin was first drunk in the Middle Ages. Like many alcohols, it was once used as medicine, usually to treat stomach issues, gallstones and other problems.
As a stomach soother, it’s actually pretty effective because juniper can calm an upset stomach.
Today of course, we enjoy gin just because it tastes good (well, the good stuff anyway). From the simple gin and tonic to a true martini, this versatile spirit makes any day better.
The first World Gin Day happened in 2009. Neil Houston (Yet Another Gin; archived version) got friends together to enjoy gin, and it’s taken off from there.
UK blogger Emma Stokes (Gin Monkey) took over responsibility for the day in 2013.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this boozy unofficial holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating World Gin Day
According to the day’s official website, it’s “A day for everyone and anyone (over drinking age of course…!) to celebrate and enjoy gin!”
So that seems simple enough. You only really need one idea for how to celebrate today: Find and consume gin.
How to do that? Apparently you can find events and competitions around the world, on and around the day. Although most of what we’ve found centers on the UK, which makes sense since that’s where it started. From the Scottish Juniper Festival in Edinburgh to the Graphic Gin Off in London, the UK is awash in gin celebrations (not necessarily all on World Gin Day).
The World Gin Day website also lists a number of events, most in the UK.
Not near any of the listed celebrations? Check to see if your local bar is hosting any World Gin Day celebrations. If not, suggest they do it.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from simply inviting a few friends to join you for gin drinks. Consider some of these from House & Garden:
Watch how to make a light, refreshing Cucumber Gin & Tonic.
And keep up to date on news surrounding World Gin Day and gin in general by following World Gin Day on Facebook and GinMonkey on Twitter @GinMonkeyUK.
Dates for Future World Gin Day Celebrations
To help you remember World Gin Day each year, here’s a list of the dates for the second Saturday in June for the next few years. Cheers!
- 2019 – Saturday, June 8
- 2020 – Saturday, June 13
- 2021 – Saturday, June 12
- 2022 – Saturday, June 11
- 2023 – Saturday, June 10
- 2024 – Saturday, June 8
- 2025 – Saturday, June 14
- 2026 – Saturday, June 13
- 2027 – Saturday, June 12
- 2028 – Saturday, June 10
- 2029 – Saturday, June 9
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