National Refreshment Day
July 23
About National Refreshment Day
National Refreshment Day is a celebration of cold, thirst-quenching drinks observed on the fourth Thursday in July, which falls on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Founded by the Traveler Beer Company in 2015, the day arrives at the height of summer and encourages people across the United States to reach for their favourite refreshing beverage, whether that is an ice-cold lemonade, a fruity mocktail, a craft beer, or a tall glass of iced tea.
How to Celebrate National Refreshment Day
This is a day built around enjoyment, so the best way to mark it is to pour yourself something cold and gather a few friends. Here are eight ways to make the most of it:
- Mix a signature summer mocktail – Combine watermelon and mint, or strawberry and lemon, over plenty of ice for a hydrating drink that looks as good as it tastes. Mocktails are typically lower in sugar and calories than alcoholic cocktails and can be made with fresh fruit and natural sweeteners.
- Brew a pitcher of iced tea – Steep your favourite tea, chill it, and serve over ice with a wedge of lemon. An Arnold Palmer, made with half iced tea and half lemonade, is a classic American summer pour.
- Host a backyard gathering or barbecue – Set up a drinks station so guests can build their own refreshments. Small gatherings and cookouts are among the most popular ways people celebrate the day.
- Make your own lemonade from scratch – Fresh lemons, water, and a touch of honey or stevia create a brighter, healthier version of the summer staple.
- Try a craft beer or hard seltzer – Honour the day’s origins with the Traveler Beer Company by sampling a local craft brew or a light, fizzy seltzer.
- Freeze flavoured ice cubes – Pop berries, herbs, or fruit juice into ice trays for cubes that release flavour slowly and keep your glass looking vibrant.
- Chill your glassware – Store glasses in the fridge or freezer beforehand for that frosted, ice-cold effect that makes every sip feel cooler.
- Stay hydrated with water too – If your refreshment of choice contains alcohol, alternate with glasses of water. Summer heat leads to dehydration faster than most people realise.
What is National Refreshment Day?
National Refreshment Day is an American beverage holiday dedicated to the simple pleasure of a cold, refreshing drink on a hot summer day. It is for anyone who enjoys reaching for something cool when the temperature climbs, from soft drinks and juices to beers, seltzers, and elaborate mocktails. The day has no single official organiser today, but it is widely recognised across the food and drink calendar and embraced by bars, breweries, and home entertainers alike. Its spirit is informal and inclusive: there is no wrong way to refresh.
When is National Refreshment Day?
National Refreshment Day is observed annually on the fourth Thursday of July. In 2026, that falls on Thursday, 23 July. Because the date is tied to the fourth Thursday rather than a fixed number, it shifts slightly from year to year. The table below shows the dates for the next five years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, 23 July |
| 2027 | Thursday, 22 July |
| 2028 | Thursday, 27 July |
| 2029 | Thursday, 26 July |
| 2030 | Thursday, 25 July |
The History of National Refreshment Day
National Refreshment Day was founded in May 2015 by the Traveler Beer Company, a craft beer venture based in Burlington, Vermont. The brewery created the day to highlight the refreshing flavours of summer and to put a spotlight on the kind of light, easy-drinking beverages that taste best when the sun is high. That same year, the Registrar at National Day Calendar declared the celebration official, fixing it permanently to the fourth Thursday in July so it would always land at the warm heart of the season.
Traveler Beer Company specialised in shandy-style beers, which blend beer with fruit and citrus for a brighter, more thirst-quenching profile. A drink like this was a natural fit for a day about refreshment, and the timing in late July meant the holiday would arrive when summer heat was at its peak and people were most in search of something cold to drink. Although Traveler Beer is no longer in business, the day it created has outlived the brand and continues to be observed each year.
Over time, National Refreshment Day has broadened well beyond its craft beer roots. Today it embraces every kind of cooling drink, reflecting a wider cultural shift toward mocktails, hard seltzers, and lower-sugar alternatives. The growth of the no-and-low movement has given the day fresh relevance, as people look for the social pleasure of a special drink without the side effects of alcohol or sugary sodas. If you enjoy days that celebrate food and drink traditions, you might also like National Iced Tea Day, which honours one of summer’s most popular thirst-quenchers.
Fun Facts About National Refreshment Day
- The day was created by a brewery, the Traveler Beer Company, yet today it celebrates every kind of drink, from soft drinks to mocktails.
- It always lands on the fourth Thursday of July, one of the hottest stretches of the American summer.
- The Arnold Palmer, a beloved refreshment of half iced tea and half lemonade, can contain over 44 grams of added sugar in a single 16oz glass when made traditionally.
- Watermelon and mint is one of the most popular mocktail pairings, prized for being as hydrating as it is colourful.
- Freezing fruit juice or herbs into ice cubes is a favourite trick for adding slow-release flavour to summer drinks.
- The official hashtag is #NationalRefreshmentDay, used widely across social media each July.
Why National Refreshment Day Matters
Beyond the fun, the day carries a gentle reminder about staying hydrated during the hottest weeks of the year, when the body loses water faster than people often realise. It also brings people together: sharing a cold drink at a barbecue or on a porch is a small, sociable ritual that defines summer. For local breweries, juice makers, and drinks brands, it is a welcome moment to showcase their products and connect with customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Refreshment Day?
National Refreshment Day is an American holiday celebrating cold, refreshing drinks of every kind, from lemonade and iced tea to craft beer and mocktails. It was founded by the Traveler Beer Company in 2015 and falls during the hottest part of summer.
When is National Refreshment Day in 2026?
In 2026, National Refreshment Day falls on Thursday, 23 July. It is always observed on the fourth Thursday of July, so the exact date shifts each year.
What is the best drink for National Refreshment Day?
There is no single right answer, which is the point of the day. Popular choices include homemade lemonade, iced tea, watermelon and mint mocktails, craft beer, and hard seltzer. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a fruit-infused mocktail is both refreshing and hydrating.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best summer drink photos on social media with #NationalRefreshmentDay and #NationalRefreshmentDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to mix up their own refreshing creation!
Related Awareness Days
- National Iced Tea Day – Celebrates one of the most popular summer refreshments, brewed and chilled to perfection.
- National Lemonade Day – Honours the classic summer thirst-quencher and the young entrepreneurs who sell it from sidewalk stands.
- National Hydration Day – A reminder to drink enough water and stay healthy through the warmer months.
Links
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