April 7th is National Beer Day! Raise a glass of your favorite brew and cheers with friends to honor this historic holiday.
Historic? Wait, National Beer Day isn’t one of those “fun” holidays?
It’s not just an excuse to drink beer?
Well, kind of (c’mon people, it’s beer) …
But also, the inspiration behind the day is very real. April 7th commemorates the day that the Cullen-Harrison Act went into effect, an act signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt near the end of prohibition. The Cullen-Harrison Act allowed for the sale and distribution of low-alcohol wine and beer … which was a big step for Americans at the time. After all, it was the first time in 13 years that people could get a drink in the United States, and rumor has it they celebrated by drinking beer in the streets.
But National Beer Day wasn’t an official holiday until 2009 when a Virginia resident named Justin Smith decided this should be a “real” holiday. Now it is recognized officially by the state of Virginia, but breweries and bars nationwide have also decided to observe the history that April 7th offers. You can find dozens of drink deals, special releases, and parties dedicated to National Beer Day all over the United States. Check your local brewery to see if they’re doing anything special, and tell all your friends that it’s time to celebrate beer and the freedom to drink it.
And if you can’t find any special event postings, try one of these five activities and cheers to beers!
5 THINGS TO DO ON NATIONAL BEER DAY
Spoiler alert, all of these activities involve drinking beer …
Try a New Style of Beer
Maybe you always reach for a pale ale, but those hazy IPAs your friends are drinking look intriguing enough … Well, there’s no better time to try something new than on a holiday! Pick up a small pack of an enticing style, or simply grab a single (if available) at your local grocery store.
Visit a Brewery
Take a tour of a local brewery and follow it up with a flight of locally brewed goodness. After all, these are the spots serving up unique flavors and giving back to the community. You could argue that the best way to celebrate National Beer Day is by supporting locally owned businesses — especially businesses that brew beer.
Make a Stout Cake
It’s like a birthday cake … but better! If you don’t like beer, can’t drink beer, or just love dessert, then celebrate with a rich chocolate dessert instead. Try this Chocolate Guinness Cake, made with easy-to-find ingredients and baked in a single pan for simple assembly at the end.
Host a Beer Pong Tournament
Get your friends together for a good, old fashioned game night … college-style. All you need are red solo cups, ping pong balls, a table, and a hand-drawn bracket. Let your friends pair up and then face off to see who becomes the beer pong champions.
Give the Gift of Beer
We all have a friend (or boss) who LOVES craft beer. Pick up a 4-pack of something new, and give it to them on National Beer Day. You might even teach them something new about April 7th, or maybe they’re already drinking beers in their office to celebrate when you knock on the door.
